Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (2024)

Perfect dishes for the family!

By Becca Miller and Jamie Ballard
Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (1)

Come summer, the last thing you want to be doing is stressing about dinner. After all, it's the season for relaxed backyard gatherings, long days at the pool, and adventurous vacations. That's why we've gathered the best summer dinner recipes all in one place, so you can sit back and relax. From grilled chicken to simple BBQ salads made with seasonal ingredients, these summer dinner ideas are easy meals that come together quickly.

We know that summer can be just as busy as the school year, with various camps, activities and events crowding your calendar. That's why we've also highlighted plenty of make-ahead meals and easy weeknight dinner recipes that make it possible to get something nutritious and tasty on the table. And if it's just too hot to even think about turning the oven or stove on, consider one of the many air fryer recipes or beginner-friendly grilling recipes we've collected here.

Whether you're cooking for the whole family or just need a simple meal for two, there's sure to be something here you'll want to bookmark. Plus, if you're looking for even more seasonal recipes, be sure to take a peek at our roundup of refreshing summer co*cktails.

1

Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizzas

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (3)

When it's just too hot to turn on the oven or fire up the grill, the air fryer will be your best friend. These crowd-pleasing mini pizza pies feature pepperoncini and honey for that extra-special touch.

Get the Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizzas recipe.

2

Steak with Smashed Cucumber Salad

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (4)

Nothing says summer quite like a refreshing cucumber salad tossed with a citrusy, salty dressing. Pair it with juicy steak for a satisfying and simple dinner. Though the recipe calls for your steak to be done in a cast-iron skillet, you could grill it if you prefer.

Get the Steak with Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe.

RELATED: 83 Steak Recipes That Make Dinner at Home Feel Extra Fancy

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

3

Crispy Striped Bass with Citrus Soba

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (5)

Got friends coming over for dinner? Whip up this dish that's both impressive and easy to make. It has plenty of fresh summer flavors thanks to the ginger-orange vinaigrette and crunchy sugar snap peas.

Get the Crispy Striped Bass with Citrus Soba recipe.

4

Palek Paneer

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (6)

Need some meatless Monday inspiration? We'd recommend this palak paneer, a Northern Indian dish made with plenty of spinach and roasted paneer. Don't forget the rice and naan for serving!

Get the Palek Paneer recipe.

5

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (7)

If you ask us, there's never a wrong time for chicken parmesan — especially when you can make it in the air fryer for easy cleanup.

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.

RELATED: 60 Best Chicken Breast Recipes Perfect for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

6

Harissa Butter Steak with Carrots

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (8)

This tasty dinner takes just five ingredients and less than an hour to make. The harissa-infused butter adds an appetizing complexity to an already delicious dinner of tender steak and roasted carrots.

Get the Harissa Butter Steak with Carrots recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Enchilada Pie

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (9)

This easy dinner brings together rotisserie chicken, canned sauce, and beans. It comes together quickly, so you can get back to relaxing and enjoying the summer evening.

Get the Enchilada Pie recipe.

8

Roasted Clams with Lemony Panko

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (10)

Nothing says summer like roasted clams. Add the crunchy, lemony breadcrumbs to take things to the next level.

Get the Roasted Clams with Lemony Panko recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

9

Steak and Rice Noodle Bowls

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (11)

Talk about flavor! This recipe features skirt steak, rice noodles, mint, cilantro, lime, cucumber and more.

Get the Steak and Rice Noodle Bowls recipe.

10

Chicken Caesar Baguettes

This recipe is great for days you can't bear to turn on the oven. Grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing and fresh veggies make for a refreshing and protein-packed dinner.

Get the Chicken Caesar Baguettes recipe.

RELATED: 60 Summer Chicken Recipes for Easy Cooking All Season

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

11

Roasted Beet and Orange Salad

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (13)

This bright, flavorful salad brings together plenty of fruits and veggies. Serve it as a side at your next backyard get-together, or enjoy it as a meal for two.

Get the Roasted Beet and Orange Salad recipe.

12

Grilled Shrimp Kebabs

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (14)

Grilled, smoky shrimp with an herbaceous rub and squeeze of lemon is basically the epitome of summer. You'll definitely want to add this to the rotation.

Get the Grilled Shrimp Kebabs recipe.

RELATED: 30 Seriously Easy Shrimp Recipes

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Baked Tonkatsu

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (15)

The secret to 20-minute dinner is pre-toasting panko with a little bit of oil. Everyone's going to want seconds of these Japanese-inspired pork cutlets.

Get the Baked Tonkatsu recipe.

14

Smoky Barbecue Ribs

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (16)

It's not officially summer until you serve up a plate of these simple but delicious ribs, which are baked and then finished on the grill with barbecue sauce.

Get the Smoky Barbecue Ribs recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

15

Tomato-Poached Cod with Olives and Capers

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (17)

This delicate fish is simmered in a little bit of rosé, along with tomatoes, garlic, olives and a few other ingredients. You might as well pour a glass of rosé to enjoy alongside this easy dinner!

Get the Tomato-Poached Cod with Olives and Capers recipe.

16

Cheeseburger Pizza

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (18)

Trust us, the kids are going to love this one. I mean, pizza dough, ground beef, veggies, and barbecue sauce — what's not to love?

Get the Cheeseburger Pizza recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

17

Aleppo Grilled Steak with Farro Salad

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (19)

Any standout summer dinner starts with a perfect grilled steak. Pair it with an herby farro salad to round out the meal.

Get the Aleppo Grilled Steak with Farro Salad recipe.

18

Marinated Pepper Pasta

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (20)

Keep a batch of homemade marinated peppers (best made with in-season summer peppers!) on hand to whip up this pasta in a flash.

Get the Marinated Pepper Pasta recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Chorizo-Stuffed Zucchini

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (21)

Got a garden full of zucchini? Put them to delicious use in this five-ingredient dinner.

Get the Chorizo-Stuffed Zucchini recipe.

RELATED: 50+ Zucchini Recipes That Are Easy, Healthy and Delicious

20

Crispy Chicken Salad

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (22)

Coat chicken breast in cornflakes for a crispy exterior without frying. A plate full of fresh lettuce and herbs keep this light enough for hot days!

Get the Crispy Chicken Salad recipe.

Ridiculously Easy Recipes for Soaking up the Summer (2024)

FAQs

What is the most refreshing summer food? ›

Chill Out: 10 Refreshing Foods to Beat the Summer Heat
  • Mint - The Zesty Refresher. ...
  • Berries - Bursting with Antioxidants. ...
  • Citrus Fruits - Vitamin C Boosters. ...
  • Yogurt - A Cool Creamy Delight. ...
  • Cilantro - Flavorful and Fresh. ...
  • Tomatoes - Juicy and Nourishing. ...
  • Leafy Greens - Light and Nutritious.
Jul 17, 2023

What to make when you have no time to cook? ›

13 Emergency Dinners for When You Don't Have Time to Cook
  1. 01 of 14. Broiled Tilapia Parmesan. ...
  2. 02 of 14. Asian Beef with Snow Peas. ...
  3. 03 of 14. Vegetarian Chickpea Tacos. ...
  4. 04 of 14. Sicilian Spaghetti. ...
  5. 05 of 14. Waffle Pizzas. ...
  6. 06 of 14. Shrimp and Peanut Butter Noodles. ...
  7. 07 of 14. Mexi-Chicken Avocado Cups. ...
  8. 08 of 14.
Jul 26, 2021

What's a good dinner for a hot summer night? ›

That means burgers, hot dogs, and grilled vegetables, but also tons of other creative options too, like our grilled pizza, our harissa grilled chicken, our grilled tuna steak, or our grilled steak salad. Nothing tastes better than a ripe, in-season piece of produce, and that's never more true than during the summer.

What is the best food to eat in a heatwave? ›

What is the best food to eat during a heatwave? - Quora. Watermelons, peaches, berries, grapes and oranges are all great candidates. Juicy vegetables like cucumbers, celery and olives are also full of fluid. Meals that are liquid-based, like soups or porridges, can also help you stay hydrated.

What is eaten a lot in summer? ›

Drink a lot of water every day a minimum of 2-3 liters including coconut water, lemon water, chaas, lassi, etc. Eat lots of fruits & vegetables with high water content Eg. WaterMelon, musk melon, cucumber, etc. Consume dishes and drinks which contain mint, tulsi, onions. Eat light, nutritious and non-fatty meals.

What foods to avoid in summer? ›

Foods to Avoid:
  • Spicy and fried foods. Spicy and fried foods should be avoided during hot weather as they increase body temperature and cause dehydration. ...
  • Alcohol. Alcohol should be avoided as it dehydrates the body and increases body temperature. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Red meat. ...
  • Sugary drinks.
May 29, 2023

What can I cook in 5 minutes? ›

25 healthy recipes you can cook in 5 minutes or less
  • Pea and broad bean couscous.
  • Fast home-made baked beans.
  • Porridge.
  • Pasta with cherry tomatoes and rocket.
  • Home-made hummus.
  • Smashed avocado and wilted spinach.
  • Cucumber (or potato) raitha.
  • Quick pitta pizzas.

What can you cook in 8 minutes? ›

8-minute recipes (91)
  • 8 minute Spanish rice. ...
  • 8 minute spicy Ramen. ...
  • 8 Minute Fudge. ...
  • 3 Minute Bread Pudding (for breakfast and snacktime) ...
  • Easy Egg Sandwiches in 5 Minutes! ...
  • California Farm Panfried Halibut with Asparagus. ...
  • SHRIMP FETTUCCINE ALFREDO 😋❤️😘💋💋💋 ...
  • Glossy!

What can I cook in less than 30 minutes? ›

Our Best 30-Minute Recipes
  1. Chili and Cheese Pockets.
  2. Easy Beef Stew in Biscuit Cups.
  3. 2-Ingredient Chicken and Dumplings.
  4. Biscuit Hamburgers.
  5. Garlic Cheddar Biscuit Turkey Club.
  6. Cheesy Chicken-Bacon Ranch Crescent Rolls for Two.
  7. Cheesy Southwest Chicken Crescent Rolls for Two.
  8. Crispy Chicken-Bacon-Ranch Crescent Rolls.

What is the cheapest meal to make? ›

65 Easy And Cheap Dinner Ideas That You'll Want To Make On Repeat
  • Sweet Potato And Black Bean Burritos. tasty.co. ...
  • Barbecue Beer Can Chicken. tasty.co. ...
  • Zucchini Noodles with Kale Pesto. ...
  • One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. ...
  • Chicken Alfredo Penne. ...
  • Avocado Quinoa Power Salad. ...
  • Tofu Scramble. ...
  • Egg Pizza With Scallions.
Dec 21, 2023

What food will fill you up all day? ›

Whole, unprocessed foods that are high in protein and fiber will generally leave you more sated, which means you feel full for a longer period of time. Some of the most filling foods include boiled potatoes, oatmeal, eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, and popcorn.

What to make when it's hot? ›

Hot dogs, salmon burgers, (with fruit and potato chips), bean or grain salads, quinoa salad, cold noodle salads. Meatball pitas or falafal pitas. Minimal cooking and refreshing for when it's too hot to cook or eat. Lentil salad- marinated (cooked) lentils with cut vegetables.

Can you cook at 100 degrees? ›

If you are talking about 100 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale, maybe play dough. Certainly not food. Bacteria grows really well at that temperature. Nothing baked at 100 F would be safe to eat.

What cook food directly under heat? ›

Grilling is a direct heat method of dry cooking that requires food to be cooked directly over an open flame or other heat source. The grill is preheated, and oiled food is placed directly on open grates with no pans or trays between the food and the heat source.

How do you keep dinner warm for hours? ›

A great option for this includes the use of aluminum foil and towels. Wrapping aluminum foil tightly over the top of the dish container will trap steam and moisture. Using a few towels to wrap the dish further will also trap in heat. Using both of these methods together will keep your dish warmer longer.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6523

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.