12 Quick & Delicious Summer Dinners

quick and delicious summer dinner pictures

Looking for kid-approved, refreshing summer dinners that are delicious and easy to prepare? You’re in luck! These recipes are perfect for hot nights—minimal cooking, maximum flavor, and big on nutrition.

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

These Crockpot Chicken Tacos are one of our very favorite weeknight meals. They are easy, prep-free, and absolutely delicious. Whether you are just feeding the family or entertaining company, these tacos are always a crowd pleaser!

Shredded chicken tacos topped with cabbage, avocado, and tomatoes on a wooden cutting board with fresh lime slices and cilantro.

Instant Pot Chicken and Brown Rice

If you are looking for a one-pot hands off delicious family dinner that won’t heat up the kitchen, this is the recipe! Instant Pot Chicken and Brown Rice has tender savory chicken, sweet carrots, mushrooms, nutty brown rice all in a delicious creamy sauce.

instant pot chicken and brown rice with carrots, rice and chicken on a spoon over the instant pot

Veggie Sandwich with Herbed Cream Cheese

Packed with fresh veggies and a generous layer of homemade herbed cream cheese- this is one Veggie Sandwich that won’t leave you feeling hungry. It’s loaded with flavor and oh-so delicious!

A veggie sandwich on wheat bread with tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce and pickles topped with a frilly toothpick.

Tortellini Pasta Salad

This Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delicious combination of tender and cheesy tortellini pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, crispy bacon, savory chicken and sweet mandarin oranges drizzled with a sweet and tangy dressing for a light but amazingly satisfying meal.

A large serving bowl filled with tortellini pasta salad on a striped linen with a wooden spoon.

Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry (Freezer Meal!)

Prep a tasty and healthy chicken and veggie stir-fry, freeze it, and have it ready for your next busy weeknight!

Chicken and veggie stir fry on white rice with a fork.

Avocado Pasta Salad

There is a whole lot to love in this bright and flavorful salad! It’s easy to make, nutritious, filling but not too heavy, and tossed in a delicious cilantro lime dressing. 

Avocado pasta salad with tomatoes and cucumbers in a white serving bowl.

Best Ever Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad is a classic dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics or an easy summer meal!

Chicken salad sandwiches tucked into a small basket with a large wooden serving bowl on the side.

Crockpot Orange Chicken

This delicious Crockpot Orange Chicken tastes just as good as your favorite take-out.. but healthier! Tender chicken is coated in a yummy orange sauce and served with broccoli and peppers for a delicious and easy dinner that is bound to become a weeknight favorite.

A bowl of orange chicken with broccoli and bell peppers in a serving bowl with wooden chopsticks and a striped linen.

Instant Pot Quinoa with Veggies

Nutritious, protein-rich quinoa cooks up fluffy and flavorful in only one minute under pressure!

A bowl of quinoa and veggies in a bowl over a striped blue napkin with a spoon.

Grilled Chicken with Lime and Coconut

Juicy chicken breast marinated in creamy coconut milk, fresh lime and a sweet red chili sauce making this chicken so tender and flavorful you will want to grill all summer long!

grilled chicken breasts with coconut and lime marinade on a wooden cutting board with fresh limes in the background

Cheese Quesadillas with Creamy Tomatillo Dressing

The Perfect Cheese Quesadilla has gooey, melty cheese and a perfectly golden and crispy tortilla. When we need a fast but deliciously satisfying meal, this is where I turn. And that creamy tomatillo dressing just takes it to the next level!

Cheese quesadillas with a creamy dressing on a wooden board with parchment paper.

Zucchini Alfredo

Zucchini Alfredo make a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meal. You’ll love this lightened up alfredo sauce that is deliciously creamy, hearty, and offers a boost of protein too!

zucchini noodles with alfredo sauce in a white bowl with a fork.

Quick Tips for a Seamless Summer Dinners:

  • One-pan and sheet-pan are MVPs—minimal clean-up, maximal relaxation.
  • Prep ahead: Chop veggies, cook grains, and marinate proteins in the morning or the night before.
  • Kid’s Corner: Involve your little ones in assembly—letting them choose toppings or mix salads keeps them excited to eat!
  • Keep it cool: Stay out of the kitchen—use grill, oven, or slow cooker during the hottest part of the day.