Summer is one of those times when I love to cook, but also when I want to prepare a quick meal. Spend the day outside, then go to the kitchen and have dinner on the table in less than an hour (with minimal effort) is a dream, isn’t it? Especially when I hospitality, the last thing I want is to be stuck in the kitchen under the stress of preparing a meal. My goal this summer is to find the best easy summer recipes to use seasonal ingredientstakes less than an hour, can accommodate large groups, and can be customized to different dietary preferences.
As we officially begin the summer (because, informally, summer has been here for weeks) felt it was the perfect time to curate a list of easy summer recipes that I can constantly return to for quick and delicious dinners. So read on for 20 of the best simple summer recipes you’ll make for dinner all season long. And we want to know! What are your easy summer recipes?
Featured image of Kate LeSueur.
Pesto Pasta Primavera
Why we love it: Camille says this fresh summer noodle dish never satisfies her carb cravings, and fills her plate with loads of veggies that can vary depending on what’s in the fridge. Even better? It comes together in one pan, which means less time scrubbing dishes and more time soaking up those long summer nights.
Hero composition: Grab some sugar-soaked peas and get ready to enjoy the refreshing sweetness of summer.
Green Goddess Bowls from Dam Delicious
Why we love it: The star of this recipe is the Blue Goddess Outfit. It comes together by simply tossing all the ingredients into a food processor and that’s it. Whatever you choose to add this sauce to is instantly 10x tastier. I love how this recipe uses all of the summer’s best products but gives you the freedom to customize to your liking.
Hero composition: Baked chickpeas are the perfect crispy roast.
Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers with Butter Corn and Feta Salsa from Half Grilled Harvest
Why we love it: What calls for summer more than BBQ? These chicken skewers come together in just 30 minutes and are perfect for any of your upcoming gatherings. Popcorn Corn and Feta Salsa add a summer delicacy that you’ll crave for days to come.
Hero composition: No skewers? No problem. Just toss that chicken on the grill and execute the fork and knife strategy. Or your finger… there are no rules in the summer.
Watermelon tomato salad
Why we love it: This watermelon salad is a great summer side dish. It’s refreshing, sweet and crunchy – what summer apricots are made of. Any recipe that lets me blast Harry Styles Watermelon Sugar while I’m cooking is a win in my book.
Hero composition: This recipe makes great use of leftover (probably) watermelon in your fridge.
Sesame soba noodles from love and lemon
Why we love it: This sesame soba is a creative way to use summer vegetables in dinner recipes. It has a distinctive flavor that I never get enough of, but I also love that it has avocado, peas, edamame beans, watermelon radish, and mint. Mouth = watering.
Hero composition: Again, the sugar-soaked peas are refreshing and crunchy.
Butter turkey burger from defined dish
Why we love it: I know there are a lot of turkey burger haters out there, but I just can’t get enough of it. However, this formula takes them to the next level. Arguably the best part? They will be ready in 20 minutes.
Hero composition: Adding a bit of mayo to your burger mix is a real genius—it’s the key to keeping your patties from drying out.
Summer pasta salad
Why we love it: This recipe from our resident healthcare professional, Edie Horstman is summer in a bowl. It highlights all the ingredients of summer and when doubled, can provide all your guests with no problem. Although it’s technically a side dish, I can eat it as a main meal in every meal.
Hero composition: Load all of that farmer’s market produce.
Easy Greek-style roast chicken inspired by the defining dish
Why we love it: Defined Dish’s roast chicken recipe compilation is one of my all-time favorites. I love the store-bought rotisserie chicken because it’s easy to make, but utterly disgusting, so I’m forever indebted to these creative recipes. This Greek bowl is one of my favorite recipes from the bunch. It is so light and refreshing.
Hero composition: Ice cream tzatziki elevates everything and makes a delicious dip for fresh vegetables.
Spinach and Ricotta pizza with fragrant olive oil
Why we love it: Here at Camille Styles, we serious about pizza. It’s definitely a year-round treat, but I love playing with toppings that go with the seasons. This spinach and ricotta pizza is perfect for summer: it’s light and fresh, while keeping you satisfied.
Hero composition: Great olive oil is to die for.
Antipasto Tortellini Skewer with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette from Half Baked Harvest
Why we love it: Yes, I know this recipe literally means “antipasto” in the name, but it can certainly stand on its own as a side salad for a light summer dinner. Because they’re easy to pick up and take out, the skewers are a great addition to a dinner buffet, and this dish really showcases some outstanding summer flavors. The tortellini makes it more important than just cheese and tomatoes. As far as easy summer recipes go, this is a favorite.
Hero composition: That Lemon Basil Vinaigrette deserves the award for the best bread dipper of all time.
Chimichurri Fish Tacos
Why we love it: These simple yet flavorful fish cakes will take you to the beach in just one bite. Camille has made them for countless pool parties and backyard barbecues, but this recipe always garners (and forever) rave reviews. Plus, if you’re grilling on an outdoor grill, this is one of the most comforting meals to serve a crowd. Just add chips and salsa, some Mexican street cornand good margaritas.
Hero composition: Pickled purple onions bring a sour taste to the party.
Chicken Caprese 30 minutes from Foodie Crush
Why we love it: Sometimes the key to quick and easy summer recipes is to make the most of store-bought ingredients. There may be a stigma around buying things rather than making them from scratch, but honestly, who cares? As long as it’s delicious and made the right way, I’m all for it. I love this 30-minute Chicken Caprese that’s simplified with store-bought ingredients. (Of course, you can also make your own pesto if you like.) This dish is delicious, looks great on the plate, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Hero composition: I am a balsamic aficionado. Yum. Just yum.
Fig & Burrata Salad
Why we love it: From Camille herself: “This fig and burrata salad is so easy to make that you might just want to keep it as your little treat this summer. Because once you prepare your friends, they will think you are a pro. This salad is fresh, seasonal, and crunchy – the perfect accompaniment for lunch by the pool with friends or for Sunday dinner. “
Hero composition: Candied nuts bring great crunch and flavor to this salad. You’ll want to eat them with your hands.
Grilled Pizza With Figs, Balsamic Onions and Gorgonzola from Home Meals
Why we love it: Try Camille’s Homemade Pizza Base with these toppings, and I swear you’ll never think of pizza the same. It sounds impressive, but pizza can get a little boring when it’s made the same way over and over again. This recipe is anything but boring and perfect for summer.
Hero composition: Fresh figs, balsamic onions, and arugula come together in a way that leaves every bite craving.
Minimalist Baker’s Spring Vegetable Stir-Fried Tofu Noodles
Why we love it: This recipe is addictive – it’s as simple as that. I personally swapped the tofu for the chicken, and I love that you can really use any vegetable you have on hand and it will be equally delicious.
Hero composition: Tahini Sauce is a delicious blend of ginger, tamari, lemon, maple syrup, and chili garlic sauce.
Simple citrus salad
Why we love it: I don’t know how else to describe this salad other than Absolutely amazing. You’ll get vibrant citrus flavors, bitter onion pieces and salty Marcona almonds, all mixed with a little olive oil for the perfect bite. If I could eat this every day, all would be well in the world.
Hero composition: Marcona Almond Salted Butter. No need to say anything more.
Pan Chicken Fajitas
Why we love it: With just five ingredients, you should be running — not walking — to make this recipe. It’s some of the best fajita I’ve ever eaten and so easy to toss on the pan. Dinner? Accomplished.
Hero composition: Don’t be shy with your lemonade. Bring citrus.
Salmon Roll Sushi Bowl
Why we love it: One-bowl dinner? Yes, please. This protein-packed salmon bowl brings together all sorts of Asian-inspired flavors to create a refreshing yet nutrient-packed lunch or dinner. It also offers all the home sushi sensations. Definitely a win.
Hero composition: Nori brings a nice crunch and texture to the bowl.
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Why we love it: Easy Summer Pastas Truly a gift. Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy delicious and tempting flavors. What’s even better is when they use flavors of the season, as is the case with this Green Goddess Pasta Salad. Lots of green herbs and fresh vegetables are all that lies between you and your new favorite lunch or dinner.
Hero composition: The bites of a creamy avocado make this one spill over the edge.
Pan-fried chicken with lemon leaves with artichokes and spring vegetables
Why we love it: I just can’t get enough of these pantry recipes. I mean, they’re just the simplest. Here, you’re pairing lemon chicken with artichokes, green olives, cherry tomatoes, red onions, etc. for dinner for the week or prepare meals.
Hero composition: The decorations here deserve some love. Fresh basil, parsley, sliced lemon, mmm…
This post was originally published on June 27, 2021, and has since been updated.
