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Let's face it: The last thing we want to do on the first day of summer is spend time inside in the kitchen! But just because you want to make the most of the sunshine doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor for summer sun by making lackluster salads or frozen meals. Instead, look to this list of summer dinner ideas to satisfy all your cravings.
If you're gearing up for a barbecue or planning a delightful picnic at the park, you've come to the right place. Ahead, you'll find an array of summer recipes designed to simplify your dinner routine, including quick 30-minute meals, marinated chicken dishes, flavorful pasta salads, and creative ways to incorporate seasonal summer veggies onto your dinner plate. If easy grilling ideas are more your style, you can't have a roundup without plenty of burgers (beef burgers, turkey burgers, veggie burgers, and more), plus creative ideas for hot dogs including one to make in your handy air fryer.
Looking to make the most of seasonal garden produce? Try the show-stopping tomato pie, stuffed zucchini, or a summer pasta made with fresh pesto. You can also keep cool and make a splash with fun pool party food ideas like shrimp skewers or zucchini mini pizzas. Or skip the grill and stove completely and make a refreshing summer salad featuring creamy burrata and marinated tomatoes instead. Of course, you'll want to round out any of these meals with some frozen desserts and a batch of refreshing summer co*cktails to really beat the heat.
1
Stuffed Eggplant
Summer means an abundance of eggplant, so why not use it? Stuff tender roasted eggplant with couscous, seasoned vegetables, and ground beef for a hearty meal ready in just 45 minutes.
Get the Stuffed Eggplant recipe.
2
Veggie Fajitas
Take advantage of nature's endless bounty of vegetables this time of year by making flavorful fajitas. Ree's version has peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, and mushrooms all mixed together with a spicy steak seasoning.
Get Ree's Veggie Fajitas recipe.
3
Shrimp Boil
There's just something about a butter-dripping, lip-smacking seafood boil that evokes pure summer nostalgia. This shrimp version is a little easier to make and manage than most, so break out that stockpot and enjoy!
Get the Shrimp Boil recipe.
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4
Watermelon Gazpacho
Want something light and refreshing to sip on? Go for gazpacho. Here, watermelon joins fresh tomatoes for a slightly sweet yet still savory cold soup.
Get the Watermelon Gazpacho recipe.
5
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
Don't bother with the oven for dinner on a hot day. "Slow cooker pulled pork tacos al pastor is the answer, my friends," Ree says. And 15 minutes of prep is all you need for a tasty taco night.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos recipe.
6
Zucchini Pizza Bites
You can basically turn zucchini into anything you want when it's so abundant. Case in point? These snackable mini pizzas that make the perfect weeknight meal. Kids and adults alike will gobble them up!
Get the Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe.
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7
Beer Can Chicken
Get ready to crack open a cold one! Well, okay, crack open another one and make chicken, too. The result is super moist and flavorful chicken that goes with almost any side dish.
Get the Beer Can Chicken recipe.
8
Grilled Swordfish
Swordfish feels so special, doesn't it? But it's quite easy to cook on the grill! You can make it extra special by topping it with fresh pineapple relish, too.
Get the Grilled Swordfish recipe.
9
Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles
A bonus of making zucchini noodles besides them being super fast to cook is that they are low carb! That means you won't feel weighed down on a hot day.
Get Ree's Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
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10
Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps
Another appliance to rely on when you don't want to turn on your oven is the handy Instant Pot! It will make these pork wraps a cinch to make.
Get Ree's Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps recipe.
11
Antipasti Chopped Salad
Turn the classic Italian platter into a salad for a quick summer meal that has burst of flavor in each bite. Toss together meats, veggies, and cheese and serve with a side of bread.
Get Ree's Antipasti Chopped Salad recipe.
12
Stuffed Zucchini
Zucchini doesn't just have to be a side dish. When you stuff it with sausage, marinara sauce, and cheese and then top it with bread crumbs, it because a hearty main course.
Get the Stuffed Zucchini recipe.
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13
Salmon Tacos
Using roasted salmon instead of deep-fried fish is a lighter twist on taco night. Plus, it's easier to cook! Just pop it on a sheet pan and you're ready to assemble in no time.
Get the Salmon Tacos recipe.
14
Grilled Shrimp Panzanella
Give a loaf of crusty bread a glow up by making this classic Italian salad. Who needs lettuce when you have bread chunks to soak up all the flavors from the veggies and dressing?
Get Ree's Grilled Shrimp Panzanella recipe.
15
Sheet-Pan Cajun Chicken and Corn
Who wants to spend a bunch of time cleaning up after dinner? Not you! Follow Ree's lead and throw everything on a sheet pan for an easy dinner with even easier cleanup.
Get Ree's Sheet-Pan Cajun Chicken and Corn recipe.
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16
Ratatouille
This colorful French dish is a true work of art! It features thin layers of Roma tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash on top of a thick layer of fragrant tomato and bell pepper-based sauce.
Get the Ratatouille recipe.
17
Shrimp Salad Rolls
Hot summer nights call for cold summer dinner recipes like these refreshing shrimp salad rolls! Toss fresh or frozen cooked shrimp with mayo, lemon juice, celery, and fresh herbs, and then put it in a toasted bun for a delicious warm-weather meal.
Get Ree's Shrimp Salad Rolls recipe.
18
Feta Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
If summer equates to healthier eating in your home, you'll love this balanced meal of beef meatballs and bright zucchini noodles! The tender meatballs are infused with feta for an influx of cheesy, tangy flavor.
Get Ree's Feta Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
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19
Eggplant Rollatini
Why visit an Italian restaurant when you can make Ree's cheesy and delicious eggplant rollatini right at home? It features melt in your mouth eggplant rolls filled with a creamy ricotta-parmesan mixture and doused in hearty tomato sauce and mozzarella.
Get Ree's Eggplant Rollatini recipe.
20
Spring Rolls
Cool off from the summer heat with a crunchy plate of spring rolls! They're so easy to make using rice wrappers stuffed with a variety of colorful fruits, veggies, herbs, and shrimp. Don't forget to pair them with creamy peanut sauce for the ultimate dipping delight!
Get the Spring Rolls recipe.
