Summer is the season of warmth, sunshine, and outdoor activities. However, it can also be a busy time of the year when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the weather. In this article, we’ll share with you some delicious and quick summer dinner ideas that you can make in thirty minutes or less. These meals are perfect for those days when you want to spend more time outside and less time cooking in the kitchen. They are easy to make, flavorful, and satisfying, making them the perfect addition to your summer meal rotation.
1. Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Looking for a quick and healthy summer dinner option? Try making grilled chicken and vegetable skewers. This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 red onion
– 1 red bell pepper
– 1 yellow bell pepper
– 1 zucchini
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cut red onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
4. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
5. Season skewers with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Brush skewers with olive oil.
7. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
2. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Craving a light and refreshing pasta dish? Try making a Mediterranean pasta salad! This dish is perfect for a quick summer dinner and can also be taken to a potluck or picnic.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz of rotini pasta
– 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes
– 1/2 cucumber
– 1/2 red onion
– 1/2 cup of kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup of feta cheese
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil and red wine vinegar
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
3. Add vegetables to pasta.
4. Add kalamata olives and feta cheese to pasta.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated.
3. Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser and this shrimp taco recipe is no exception. The mango salsa adds a sweet and tangy twist, making this dish a perfect summer dinner option.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tsp of chili powder
– 1/2 tsp of cumin
– Salt and pepper
– 1 mango
– 1/4 red onion
– 1/4 cup of cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime
– Corn tortillas
Instructions:
1. Season shrimp with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill shrimp until fully cooked.
3. Dice mango and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
4. Add cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to the mango and red onion and mix.
5. Heat up corn tortillas.
6. Assemble tacos by adding shrimp to tortillas and topping with mango salsa.
4. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice
In the mood for a comforting and easy one-pot meal? This lemon garlic chicken and rice recipe is the perfect solution. It’s zesty, filling, and takes less than 30 minutes to make!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup of white rice
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– 3 cloves of garlic
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat up olive oil in a large skillet.
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
3. Cook chicken thighs in skillet until fully cooked, then remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add garlic to skillet and sauté for a few seconds.
5. Add white rice and chicken broth to skillet and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and cover skillet with a lid.
7. Cook for 18-20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked.
8. Add lemon juice to skillet and mix.
9. Place chicken thighs on top of rice and serve.
5. Caprese Salad with Grilled Bread
When it’s too hot to cook, opt for this refreshing and satisfying summer salad! This classic Italian dish is made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella and pairs perfectly with a side of grilled bread.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe tomatoes
– 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella
– Handful of fresh basil leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of bread (ciabatta or French bread works well)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4-inch slices.
3. Layer the tomato slices and mozzarella on a platter, alternating between the two.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the top, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the bread slices until lightly toasted.
6. Serve the Caprese salad with the grilled bread on the side.
6. Vegetarian Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce
These delicious summer rolls are packed with fresh veggies and herbs, making them a healthy and satisfying dinner option. Plus, they come together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 8 rice paper wrappers
– 1 cup cooked vermicelli noodles
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup shredded red cabbage
– 1 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
1. Prepare the rice paper wrappers according to package instructions.
2. Fill each wrapper with a small handful of cooked noodles, shredded carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, cilantro, mint, and chopped peanuts.
3. To make the peanut sauce, whisk together soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
4. Serve the summer rolls with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
7. Easy Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus
This simple and delicious salmon dish is perfect for a quick and healthy summer dinner. The pan-seared salmon pairs beautifully with fresh asparagus and a side of brown rice.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 bunch asparagus
– 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
1. Season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through.
4. While the salmon is cooking, trim the asparagus and toss with a bit of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat until they are tender but still crisp.
5. Plate the salmon with the asparagus and a few slices of lemon on top.
8. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
These BBQ chicken quesadillas are packed with flavor and perfect for a fun and easy summer dinner. Plus, they only take 30 minutes to make!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 8 small flour tortillas
– Sour cream and guacamole for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, red onion, and cilantro.
2. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.
3. Place one tortilla in the pan and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Add a few spoonfuls of the chicken mixture on top of one half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
7. Serve the quesadillas with extra BBQ sauce, sour cream, and guacamole on the side.In conclusion, these five quick summer dinners are easy to make and will make your summer evenings more enjoyable. They are perfect for those who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time outdoors. From grilled chicken skewers to vegetarian summer rolls, there is a dinner option for everyone. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious summer dinner, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
FAQ
1. Are these dinners healthy?
Yes, these dinners are healthy as they contain fresh and wholesome ingredients. You can modify the recipes according to your dietary needs and preferences.
2. Can I use other protein sources in these recipes?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any protein source with your preferred choice, such as tofu, beef, or pork.
3. Can I prepare these meals in advance?
Some of the recipes can be prepared in advance, but others may require cooking the ingredients right before serving. Refer to the instructions for each recipe to determine what can be done ahead of time.
4. Can I double the recipes for leftovers?
Yes, you can double the recipes to have leftovers for another meal. Store the leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days.
