Need summer dinner ideas? Here are all the best recipes for the season: grilled or no cook, with fresh seasonal ingredients!
Summer is one of the best seasons for home cooking…if you can call it cooking at all! This is the time of year to whip out the grill or make fresh, minimally-cooked recipes. Grab your tomatoes, basil, and corn, because we’ve got the freshest ideas for your patio!
Here are all top summer dinner ideas! They’re either grilled, involve minimal cooking, or feature the best fresh summer ingredients you’ll find at your farmers market or in your garden. After the list, keep reading for some side dish suggestions and drink pairings. Let the season begin!
And now…the top summer dinner ideas!
A fresh and tasty summer dinner idea: cherry tomato pasta! This recipe pairs sweet tomatoes blistered in a hot pan with fresh basil and Parmesan. An easy dinner idea that’s simply stunning!
First up in our summer dinner ideas: the juicy Portobello Burger! Here’s how to make a portobello mushroom burger that everyone loves: grilled or roasted! Savory and meaty, it’s irresistible with cheese and special sauce.
These grilled shrimp skewers are full of juicy flavor! The shrimp seasoning brings in just the right touch of savory and smoky.
Also try: Cajun Grilled Shrimp or Perfect Grilled Shrimp
What’s better than the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil? Try this summery delight: the Caprese sandwich! This riff on the classic Italian salad from Capri layers the classic ingredients as a sandwich filling, with an irresistibly creamy, pesto aioli that adds a pop of savory brightness to each bite. It’s the perfect idea for an easy no-cook summer dinner, picnics, and more.
Summer dinner is a great time to use fresh pesto! The best recipes are the simplest. Pesto pasta with homemade basil pesto, al dente noodles and a sprinkle of Parmesan? Perfection.
Also try: Shrimp Pesto Pasta or Vegan Pesto Pasta
Hollow out zucchini into shells, then stuff it with sausage, tomatoes, garlic, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Top with some crispy breadcrumbs, bake until golden brown, and wow! These are packed with intensely savory flavor. This recipe makes a zucchini lover out of anyone!
Here’s how to make the absolute best grilled salmon! It’s perfectly tender and flavored with a magic seasoning blend that takes it to new heights. Pair with Classic Ratatouille with a dollop of Pistou, the French version of pesto.
For the perfect summer dinner idea: try the classic French Nicoise salad! This French main dish salad is legendary: for good reason. Nicoise salad is protein-packed and makes a stunning lunch or dinner (glass of wine optional).
A fresh poke bowl is perfect for summer dinners! This classic recipe stars ahi tuna marinated in a flavorful poke sauce, rice, and lots of veggie topping ideas.
Also try: Vegan Poke Bowl
Instead of the same old burgers for summer dinner...try salmon burgers! They’re easy and have the best flavor: each bite is perfection slathered with remoulade sauce.
These grilled shrimp tacos are a perfect summer dinner idea or healthy weeknight meal! They star smoky spiced shrimp, Mexican slaw, and a spicy mayo drizzle.
This simple corn soup is a seasonal way to enjoy fresh corn! The sunny flavor is sweet and nuanced, and it’s full of healthy vegetables.
Also try: Creamy Corn Chowder or Vegan Corn Chowder
Here's a fast summer dinner idea with no cooking required. That’s right, no need to grab your pan and spatula. Try this Smoked Salmon Salad! It’s healthy, fresh, and 100% cook free. Imagine: savory smoked salmon, fresh greens, fluffy goat cheese dollops and a tangy shallot vinaigrette. It’s ideal for a summer meal al fresco or fast lunch: and it comes together in 15 minutes flat.
This mouthwatering veggie burger recipe is slathered with barbecue sauce and doesn’t fall apart on the grill! It’s truly the best you’ll find.
What's more fun for summer dinner than a shrimp boil? This easy meal of corn, potatoes and shrimp is perfect for a crowd. No plates required!
Also try: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil in Oven
Last up in our summer dinner ideas: how to make a paella recipe…the Spanish way! This stunning one pan dinner features shrimp, vegetables and all the authentic flavors of this traditional dish.
Summer side dishes to pair
Got your summer dinner recipes covered? Let’s move on to sides! Here are all our top summer side dishes and summer salads that make the most delicious complete meals.
- The classic bean salad might be better than Grandma’s
- Try all the grilled vegetables right along with your main dish
- You can’t go wrong with grilled veggie kabobs!
- We can’t get tired of this classic corn salad
- Also make sure to check out our top summer appetizers!
Browse summer side dishes
Top it off with drinks & treats
Need some ideas for summer cocktails or summery desserts? We’ve got that too! Pair some of these tasty ideas:
- Enjoy your meal with a Wine Spritzer or Aperol Spritz
- End the meal with a Fresh Strawberry Pie, Strawberry Crisp or Blackberry Crisp
- Use the grill for some Grilled Peaches or Grilled Bananas
Best Summer Dinner Ideas: Tomato Pasta & More!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x
Description
This cherry tomato pasta pairs sweet tomatoes blistered in a hot pan with fresh basil and Parmesan. An easy dinner idea that’s simply stunning!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, orecchiette (shown here), shells, cavatappi, etc)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 pints whole cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ cup pasta water
- 1 handful fresh small basil leaves, chopped if large
Instructions
- Make the pasta: Start a pot of well salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until it is just al dente. Start tasting a few minutes before the package recommends: you want it to be tender but still a little firm on the inside; usually around 7 to 8 minutes. Before draining, reserve some pasta water with a liquid measuring cup (at least ¼ cup). Drain the pasta.
- Blister the tomatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a very large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add the tomatoes, making sure there is space around each tomato (they are not touching) and the pan is not crowded. If you’re using a medium pan, cook the tomatoes in 2 batches.* Cook for 1 minute without touching the pan, then 2 to 3 more minutes until blistered, shaking the pan several times to rotate the tomatoes. Turn off the heat and drizzle with the balsamic vinegar, gently shaking several times to coat. Add 2 pinches kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Remove the tomatoes from the pan to a bowl.
- Finish the dish: Mince the garlic. Once the pasta is done, in the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium low heat. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup pasta water, scraping the pan with a spoon to release all of the flavor of the tomato juices. Turn off the heat.
- Add the pasta to the pan and toss to coat. Add the blistered tomatoes, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and basil. Season with 2 pinches of kosher salt and lots of fresh ground pepper. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Serve with the remaining ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Notes
*If the pan is too crowded, the tomatoes will steam instead of blistering. It all depends on the size of your pan: if you’re using a medium pan, you’ll have to cook 1 pint at a time.
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: Summer dinner ideas, summer dinner recipes
Let us know if you have any questions!
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Love y’all’s recipes. Can’t wait to try them. 👍
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