10 Easy and Delicious Recipes to Try

As the warm summer days approach, we often find ourselves looking for quick summer dinners that are easy to make and enjoyable to eat. With plenty of fresh seasonal produce available, summer is the perfect time to experiment with new recipes and flavors. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of ten delicious and easy-to-prepare quick summer dinners that will help you make the most of the season. From grilled chicken dishes to light pasta meals and refreshing salads, these recipes are perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners for two. So, let’s dive in and explore these mouth-watering options for your next summer meal.

1. Grilled Chicken Caesar Baguettes

Grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, and fresh veggies come together in this simple yet satisfying quick summer dinner. Perfect for days when you can’t bear to turn on the oven, this dish is both refreshing and protein-packed.

Ingredients:

• Grilled chicken breasts
• Caesar dressing
• Baguettes
• Romaine lettuce
• Cherry tomatoes
• Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked and slice them into thin strips.
2. Slice the baguettes in half and lightly toast them on the grill.
3. Spread a generous amount of Caesar dressing on the bottom half of each baguette.
4. Layer the grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese on top of the dressing.
5. Close the baguettes, slice into individual portions, and enjoy!

2. Roasted Beet and Orange Salad

This bright and flavorful salad combines seasonal fruits and veggies for a healthy and delicious quick summer dinner. Serve it as a side dish at your next backyard gathering or enjoy it as a light meal for two.

Ingredients:

• Roasted beets
• Fresh oranges
• Mixed greens
• Goat cheese
• Walnuts
• Balsamic vinaigrette

Directions:

1. Peel and dice the roasted beets into bite-sized pieces.
2. Peel and segment the oranges, removing any seeds.
3. Combine the beets, oranges, mixed greens, and crumbled goat cheese in a large salad bowl.
4. Toss with balsamic vinaigrette and top with chopped walnuts before serving.

3. Baked Tonkatsu

These Japanese-inspired pork cutlets come together in just 20 minutes, making them a perfect option for a quick summer dinner. Pre-toasting the panko with a little bit of oil ensures a crispy and golden-brown crust.

Ingredients:

• Pork cutlets
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Oil
• Eggs
• Flour
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a little bit of oil and spread them on the baking sheet. Toast for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Season the pork cutlets with salt and pepper, then coat them in flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and press them into the toasted panko breadcrumbs.
4. Place the breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

4. Tomato-Poached Cod with Olives and Capers

This delicate fish dish is simmered in a flavorful sauce made with rosé, tomatoes, garlic, olives, and capers. Pair it with a glass of rosé for an elegant and easy-to-prepare quick summer dinner.

Ingredients:

• Cod fillets
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Cherry tomatoes
• Kalamata olives
• Capers
• Dry rosé wine
• Fresh parsley

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and rosé wine to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to break down.
3. Nestle the cod fillets into the sauce, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice or with crusty bread.

5. Cheeseburger Pizza

This fun and family-friendly quick summer dinner combines two all-time favorites: cheeseburgers and pizza. With pizza dough, ground beef, veggies, and barbecue sauce, it’s a meal that everyone is sure to love.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Ground beef
• Salt and pepper
• Barbecue sauce
• Cheddar cheese
• Red onion
• Pickles
• Cherry tomatoes
• Lettuce

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a pizza stone or baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef with salt and pepper until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
3. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to the prepared pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Top with the cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.
6. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before topping with chopped pickles, cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Slice and serve!

6. Creamy Corn Pasta

This light and flavorful pasta dish captures the essence of summer with a creamy puréed corn sauce and fresh basil. The combination of fresh corn and pasta creates a comforting and delicious quick summer dinner.

Ingredients:

• Fresh corn
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Salt and pepper
• Pasta
• Fresh basil

Directions:

1. Remove the kernels from the fresh corn and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.
6. Purée the corn sauce using an immersion blender or a countertop blender, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
7. Toss the cooked pasta with the corn sauce and fresh basil, then serve immediately.

7. Steak, Peach, and Watercress Salad

This refreshing and hearty salad features juicy, ripe summer peaches, tender steak, and peppery watercress. It’s a delicious and satisfying quick summer dinner that makes the most of the season’s best produce.

Ingredients:

• Steak
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Ripe peaches
• Watercress
• Red onion
• Honey mustard dressing

Directions:

1. Season the steak with salt and pepper and cook it to your desired level of doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
2. Slice the peaches into thin wedges.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine the watercress, sliced steak, peach wedges, and thinly sliced red onion.
4. Toss the salad with honey mustard dressing and serve.

8. Zucchini Linguine

This quick summer dinner features raw, grated zucchini tossed with cooked spaghetti. The heat from the pasta cooks the zucchini to crisp-tender perfection, making for a light and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• Zucchini
• Spaghetti
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil

Directions:

1. Grate the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.
3. In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the grated zucchini to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until it starts to soften.
5. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the zucchini mixture, adding pasta water as needed to create a smooth sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.

9. Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

These tropical-inspired skewers feature juicy shrimp and sweet pineapple, making for a delicious and easy-to-make quick summer dinner. Serve them over rice or with a side of grilled veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• Shrimp
• Pineapple
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Salt and pepper
• Wooden skewers

Directions:

1. Peel and devein the shrimp, then rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and pineapple to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Thread the shrimp and pineapple onto wooden skewers, alternating between the two.
5. Grill the skewers over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the pineapple is slightly charred.
6. Serve the skewers over rice or with a side of grilled veggies.

10. Greek Chicken Salad Pita Pockets

This quick summer dinner combines the flavors of a Greek salad with grilled chicken for a filling and flavorful meal. Stuffed into pita pockets, it’s an easy and portable option for picnics or backyard gatherings.

Ingredients:

• Grilled chicken
• Romaine lettuce
• Cucumber
• Cherry tomatoes
• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Greek vinaigrette
• Pita pockets

Directions:

1. Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips.
2. Chop the romaine lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and red onion.
4. Toss the salad with Greek vinaigrette until evenly coated.
5. Stuff the salad mixture into pita pockets and serve.

Conclusion

These ten quick summer dinners offer a variety of flavors and ingredients to suit every palate. Whether you’re grilling, enjoying a refreshing salad, or indulging in a light pasta dish, these meals are perfect for making the most of the season’s best produce. So gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy these delicious and easy-to-prepare summer meals.

As summer approaches, the desire for quick and delicious dinners grows stronger. This article on Easy Meals Ideas provides a collection of 10 mouthwatering and easy-to-make recipes for summer dinners. With an abundance of fresh ingredients, these recipes offer a delightful culinary experience. From refreshing salads to hearty soups and flavorful vegan options, there is something to suit every taste and dietary preference. The article emphasizes the convenience and enjoyment of these recipes, making them a perfect choice for busy individuals or those looking for hassle-free meals during the summer season. So, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a light and satisfying dinner, these recipes are worth trying out. Get inspired and dive into the world of delicious and quick summer dinners.