Making summer dinners easy again…
Summer is supposed to make dinner easier. Long days, fresh produce, nobody wanting anything heavy.
And somehow it’s three weeks into June and you’ve heard “what’s for dinner?” more times than you can count.
The schedule’s blown up, the kids are home more, and the oven feels personally offensive by 5pm. Dinner definitely did NOT get easier.
That’s where this list comes in. 45 recipes that rotate through our summer, sorted by the kind of night you’re having so you can scan to your category and go.
Simply pick the one that matches the energy you’ve got left in the tank and get dinner done 🙂
Easy weeknight skillets, sheet pans, and foil packs
For the nights you want dinner in one pan and zero negotiation. These handle themselves while you handle everything else.
Cod Piccata with Orzo Recipe
Cod Piccata with Orzo is a creamy, one-skillet take on the bright, lemony Italian classic, with orzo cooked right in the piccata sauce and tender cod nestled on top. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s buttery, briny, and the kind of weeknight dinner that won over even the picky eater at our table.
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Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus Recipe
Say hello to easy cleanup and TONS of flavor with this Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus recipe that's ready in just 30 minutes! Flaky salmon fillets are coated in a herb-packed pesto sauce and baked alongside tender-crisp asparagus spears and roasted cherry tomatoes for a fast and easy weeknight dinner!
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Lemon Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe
Simple ingredients yield delicious results in this easy Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon recipe, which can be made in 30 minutes or less! Salmon fillets are drizzled with a citrusy garlic butter, topped with fresh lemon slices, wrapped in a foil packet, and oven baked until tender and flaky.
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Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Ten minutes of chopping, then this easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet basically cooks itself. Taco-seasoned ground beef, basmati rice, black beans, corn, and a whole jar of salsa simmer together in one pot for a full Mexican dinner with no sides to plan. Welcome to team weeknight repeat.
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Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe
This Lemon Dill Salmon is one of the best and easiest baked fish recipes that's ready in just 20 minutes! Salmon fillets are placed in a baking dish, coated with a butter sauce full of garlic and fresh dill, topped with lemon slices, and then baked in the oven until perfectly flaky.
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with our 30-minute Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi — it's a weeknight dinner game-changer! The sauce is cozy and creamy, with pillowy bites of gnocchi that make you feel like you could snuggle right up with it.
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Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
Thanks to the use of a little melted butter, this Parmesan Crusted Cod comes out super flaky, with the crispiest golden topping. Plus, it's ready in just 25 minutes!
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Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups are as delicious as they are gorgeous — a surefire winner for your weeknight dinner rotation! With all of the traditional Italian flavors you know and love, but taken up a notch with a simple homemade seasoning mix. Plus, my secret salt trick will ensure you don't end up with a watery mess!
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Zucchini Lasagna (Not Watery)
This Zucchini Lasagna is one of my favorite ways to sneak in extra veggies while still enjoying the cozy, classic Italian flavors we all know and love! With a secret salt trick that ensures you don't end up with a watery mess, and a homemade Italian seasoning mix with SO much flavor — this will soon become a weeknight dinner winner of a dish!
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Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Prepped in just 10 minutes, this One-Pan Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a Mediterranean favorite of ours, with bright lemon, loads of garlic, oregano, and perfectly roasted Yukon gold potatoes. To make it even more weeknight-friendly, I swapped in boneless chicken thighs for faster cooking and super juicy, foolproof results.
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Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Recipe
With a crunchy Parmesan coating on the outside and a tender bite on the inside, this Parmesan Crusted Zucchini is about to become your new favorite summer side! Ready in just 30 minutes, with the most incredible 3-ingredient garlic aioli, they’re sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
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Cookout night
The grill’s out, the patio’s warm, somebody’s already cracked open the cooler. These work whether you’re feeding the family on a Tuesday or the whole cul-de-sac on a Saturday.
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe
These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are a summer grilling go-to of ours for backyard BBQs or easy weeknight dinners! Tender chicken thighs soak up a quick sweet-and-savory marinade made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice, then get skewered with juicy pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion for the ultimate grilled combo.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken Recipe
Whether it's a regular weeknight or a Saturday with the whole crew coming over, this Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken is the dump-and-shred answer. Pile it on buns, spoon it over nachos, or load it into sweet potatoes. SO much Texas BBQ flavor, hands-off cooking, and dinner basically cooks itself.
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Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat)
Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken is a surprisingly easy recipe to make at home! Learn how to make this copycat dish with chicken breasts and a salsa ranch sauce that is baked in the oven to cheesy perfection.
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BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Who knew that the sweet and smoky combo in these BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes could deliver such bold flavors and be so easy to make? Whether you bake the sweet potatoes, pop them in an air fryer, or use your Instant Pot, they're the perfect base for barbecue sauce-coated shredded chicken.
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Honey Balsamic Chicken Recipe
This Honey Balsamic Chicken is one of those recipes that looks like it took way more effort than it actually did. A quick balsamic-honey marinade with fresh rosemary, a hot cast-iron sear, and then the reserved marinade gets reduced into a sticky glaze that you pour right over the top. It's sweet, tangy, and a little herby, and it's ready in about 30 minutes.
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Pan-Seared Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Scallops are surprisingly easy to make at home but look so impressive! Crispy bacon strips are wrapped around fresh scallops, pan-seared in a skillet to get a golden crust and then topped with an irresistible garlic butter sauce.
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Arayes Recipe (Crispy Stuffed Pitas)
Yes, you really CAN stuff pita bread with seasoned ground beef and end up with the juiciest, crispiest taco night rival you've ever had. Arayes are Lebanese pita pockets brushed with garlic butter and baked on a wire rack until the outside crisps up and the inside is packed with juicy flavor. And they are SO freaking delicious.
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BBQ Chicken Pizza with Summer Corn
Ready in 30 minutes, and no pizza stone required!, this BBQ Chicken Pizza with Summer Corn is about to change your definition of pizza night! Shredded rotisserie chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, sweet skillet-charred corn, and a mix of cheese are layered onto a store-bought dough and then baked in the oven until perfectly golden!
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Crispy and cheesy on the outside, oh-so-juicy on the inside— these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a must-add to your weekly dinner rotation! In less than 30 minutes you'll have the juiciest chicken pieces ready to pair with all your favorites sides.
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Tacos, burgers, and handhelds
Everybody picks their own toppings, nobody complains, and you’re halfway through the dishes before sitting down. Dinner that solves itself.
Greek Chicken Tacos Recipe
These Greek Chicken Tacos with a fresh tomato arugula salad are what every 30-minute weeknight meal should be. Juicy, pan-seared chicken thighs get a boost of flavor from a homemade Greek seasoning, while the arugula salad is tossed with store-bought tzatziki sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice to keep things fresh, light, and incredibly easy!
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Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers
These Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers are bound to become your new go-to weeknight burger recipe! Ground beef patties are loaded with crushed tortilla chips, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning, then topped with melty Cheddar cheese, sautéed fajita veggies, and fresh guacamole for bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite.
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Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe
Get ready for the BEST Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos — this recipe makes it so easy and foolproof! Each tortilla is loaded with gooey cheese, refried beans, and seasoned taco meat, then baked to crunchy perfection and served with a creamy 3-ingredient cilantro lime ranch the whole family will love!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Crispy shrimp, sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, and a fresh, crunchy slaw—these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos come together in just 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner you'll want to add to your weekly rotation!
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Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
These Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps require NO COOKING thanks to the use of a store-bought rotisserie chicken! Simply whisk together an Asian-inspired sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and hint of sriracha, toss with the chicken and serve all up in lettuce leaves.
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Chicken Caesar Burgers
These Chicken Caesar Burgers taste just like the classic salad, but in juicy hamburger form! Ground chicken patties are loaded with crushed croutons and Caesar dressing, coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, and then served with a crisp romaine slaw… all in just 30 minutes.
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Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
These Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are everything you've been looking for in a weeknight dinner: bold, fresh, and ready in 30 minutes. Juicy pan-seared chili lime shrimp are tucked into toasted tortillas with crunchy cabbage, a sweet and spicy mango salsa, and a creamy drizzle of Mexican crema for the ultimate tropical taco situation.
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Caprese Sandwich Recipe with Pesto Mayo
Ready in just 20 minutes, these Caprese Sandwiches with Pesto Mayo are gourmet deli deliciousness right at home! Buttery, toasted sourdough gets loaded with melty mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a creamy pesto mayo for a sandwich you'll crave ALL summer long!
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Chimichurri Steak Tacos with Pickled Red Onions
Bright, herby chimichurri sauce meets juicy steak, pickled red onions and avocado in this elevated, but honestly SO easy, taco situation. It’s got all the restaurant-quality flavors you love, made simple enough for a Taco Tuesday night in your own kitchen.
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Salmon Burgers with Avocado Ranch
Salmon Burgers are a fresh, flavorful way to switch up your usual dinner routine. Made with salmon, lemon, dill, and a creamy avocado ranch, these patties cook up with a golden crust and plenty of bright, delicious flavor.
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PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Craving the iconic flavor of PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps but want a healthier, homemade version that’s ready in 30 minutes? After countless rounds of testing, I’ve nailed the perfect copycat recipe with tender ground chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and a sweet-savory sauce made with hoisin sauce—the secret to why it tastes so good!
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Big salads that count as dinner
Not the sad side salad. These have actual protein, real flavor, and enough going on that nobody asks “is this it?” Cold from the fridge or warm off the grill, both work.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is so good, you'll forget you're eating healthy! Spinach leaves are tossed with strawberry, feta cheese, nuts, and avocado with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette drizzled on top.
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Greek Cucumber Tomato & Feta Salad Recipe
This 10-minute Greek Cucumber Tomato & Feta Salad uses cocktail cucumbers instead of English (so no salting or draining required), juicy cherry tomatoes, briny feta, and a simple Greek dressing. It’s the kind of cucumber tomato salad that pairs with just about anything off the grill.
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Mexican Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
This picnic-worthy Mexican Quinoa Salad gets tossed in a bold cilantro lime dressing and then loaded with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado. It's so easy to meal prep ahead of time for your next backyard BBQ, or for an easy lunch or dinner!
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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad has quickly become our go-to summer side dish for picnics and BBQs! Smoky charred corn, a creamy mayo-lime dressing, and salty Cotija cheese combine to make the easiest and most flavor-packed dish you'll have this summer!
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Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
When I think of summer potlucks in Texas, my Mom's Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing immediately comes to mind! It's full of fresh bell peppers, thinly sliced red onion, grated Parmesan cheese and can be made with a simple bottle of store-bought dressing.
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Skillet Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
Mexican Street Corn Salad brings all those smoky, sweet, and tangy elote flavors right to your table. Fresh corn is charred and tossed with a garlic-lime mayo, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and plenty of Cotija cheese for a bold, easy side that’s ready in about 20 minutes.
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Summer Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This Summer Quinoa Salad is what all your warm weather days have been looking for! It's packed with tender roasted summer squash and zucchini then tossed in a vibrant lemon basil vinaigrette. It’s fresh, super easy to throw together, and perfect for all your summer lunches, potlucks, and picnics!
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Curried Chicken Salad with Cranberries
Ultra creamy and surprisingly light, this Curried Chicken Salad is made with a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt, then loaded with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts. It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or easy make-ahead lunches, and the flavors only get better the next day!
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Roasted Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
The secret addition of fresh basil and mint makes this Summer Corn and Tomato Salad one you'll crave all summer long! In less than 30 minutes, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, roasted corn, and red onion come together with salty feta and a light, tangy vinaigrette for a simple dish that’s perfect for your next potluck or picnic.
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Fajita Steak Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Finally, a Steak Fajita Salad that will make you excited to eat your greens! With tender strips of marinated flank steak, smoky grilled corn, black beans, tomatoes, and avocados that all get tossed in the most DELICIOUS creamy cilantro lime dressing, it's a summer salad that makes the best weeknight dinner!
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Power-protein bowls
Built up from a base of rice or grains, topped with whatever you want, ready to scoop. Good hot, good cold, great as leftovers tomorrow.
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl Recipe
Skip the takeout line and make this Chipotle Burrito Bowl at home instead! Filled with healthy ingredients, like copycat Chipotle chicken, cilantro lime rice, corn salsa, guacamole, and beans, you'll be surprised how easy it is to throw this dish together.
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Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
These Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls are bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavor from a homemade Greek seasoning mix—the secret to why the ground turkey tastes so incredible! Paired with bright lemon and herb rice, a cucumber tomato salad, and a duo of tzatziki sauce and hummus, they are one of our go-to meal prep options on busy weeknights.
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Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
This Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado tastes like something you'd order at a beachfront restaurant, but it comes together in 20 minutes with zero cooking. Fresh shrimp marinates in lime, orange, and lemon juice until pink and tender, then gets folded with creamy avocado and crunchy veggies.
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Bang Bang Salmon Bowls Recipe
Flaky salmon bites, crisp veggies, and a 2-ingredient coconut rice all get drizzled with a sweet and spicy sauce to make the best Bang Bang Salmon Bowls! Perfect for picky eaters who get to mix and match as they please, and they also make an amazing meal prep recipe for busy weeks.
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If you only have time to make three things off this list, my move is Fiesta Lime Chicken, Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus, and Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Everything else is bonus.
