Hot days call for cool solutions in the kitchen. If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas that won’t leave you sweating over the stove for hours, you’re in the right place. These simple summer dinners are quick to make, use fresh seasonal ingredients, and skip the fuss without skimping on flavor. Whether you’re firing up the grill, tossing together a no-cook meal, or using up what’s in the fridge, these ideas make weeknights feel effortless.
Creamy Dill Chicken
Make the most of your summer dill with this quick one-pan weeknight creamy dill chicken.
Get the recipe: Creamy Dill Chicken
Instant Pot Chicken with Lemon and Herbs
This quick and easy chicken dinner is full of bright lemon and fresh herb flavor. The Instant Pot keeps it juicy and saves you from turning on the oven.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken with Lemon and Herbs
Grilled Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich
Crispy grilled chicken piled on chewy ciabatta with creamy garlic yogurt sauce and fresh greens makes for a filling and flavorful dinner. It’s perfect for eating outside on a summer evening.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich
Blackstone Chicken Tacos
These tacos are quick to prep and cook on the Blackstone, which means less mess in the kitchen. Serve them with salsa, lime, and whatever toppings you like.
Get the recipe: Blackstone Chicken Tacos
Blackstone Smash Burgers
Smash burgers cook fast, and with crispy edges and melty cheese on top, they’re everything you want in a burger.
Get the recipe: Blackstone Smash Burgers
Blackstone Chicken Fajitas
Colorful peppers, onions, and seasoned chicken sizzle up in minutes on the griddle. It’s an easy dinner that feels like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Get the recipe: Blackstone Chicken Fajitas
Blackstone Big Mac Quesadillas
These quesadillas taste like your favorite drive-thru burger in a crispy tortilla wrap. They’re cheesy, saucy, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Get the recipe: Blackstone Big Mac Quesadillas
Mexican Street Corn
Charred corn on the cob gets topped with creamy sauce, cotija cheese, and chili powder. It’s the ultimate summer side dish that goes with just about anything.
Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn
Blackstone Crunchwraps
Crispy, golden tortilla wraps are stuffed with seasoned chicken, cheese, and all your favorite toppings, Doritos included! Everything cooks right on the griddle for an easy handheld dinner.
Get the recipe: Blackstone Crunchwraps
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This cold pasta salad is loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing. It’s a full meal that you can make ahead and eat straight from the fridge.
Get the recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Creamy, tangy, and full of chopped pickles, this pasta salad is perfect for pickle lovers. Fresh dill makes every bite super flavorful.
Get the recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers
These burgers are packed with melty cheddar and spicy jalapeño ranch dressing for a bold, flavorful twist. Cook them on the grill or griddle for easy summer nights.
Get the recipe: Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers
Curry Burgers
These ground beef burgers are topped with caramelized onions and a creamy curry mayo. They’re a fun way to change up burger night with something unexpected.
Get the recipe: Curry Burgers
Green Goddess Halloumi Burgers
Grilled halloumi brings a salty, chewy bite that pairs perfectly with creamy green goddess sauce. Add spinach and sprouts for a fresh, satisfying vegetarian meal.
Get the recipe: Green Goddess Halloumi Burgers
Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad
Tuna and pesto are a no-cook power combo that makes pasta salad feel like a real dinner. It’s fast, filling, and tastes great straight from the fridge.
Get the recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad
Greek Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is full of fresh veggies, tangy feta, and zesty Greek dressing. Serve it on its own or with grilled meat for an easy summer meal.
Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
Elote Pasta Salad
All the flavors of Mexican street corn show up in this creamy pasta salad. It’s tangy, cheesy, and always a hit at BBQs and picnics.
Get the recipe: Elote Pasta Salad
Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
This pasta salad combines chopped kale with creamy Caesar dressing and crunchy bagel croutons. It’s hearty enough to be a main and travels well for lunches or potlucks.
Get the recipe: Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
Halloumi Sandwich with Tomato Relish
Grilled halloumi adds a salty bite while the tomato relish brings sweetness and tang. Stack it all on soft ciabatta buns for an easy, meatless sandwich that doesn’t disappoint.
Get the recipe: Halloumi Sandwich with Tomato Relish
Rice Shrimp Bowl
Juicy shrimp, soft rice, and crunchy veggies come together in one simple bowl. It’s light, fresh, and super customizable depending on what’s in your fridge.
Get the recipe: Rice Shrimp Bowl
