When the weather starts warming up, the last thing I want for dinner are heavy casseroles and piping hot bowls of soup. Busy schedules (and, let’s be honest, swimsuit season) means it’s all about keeping dinner light and easy. If you’re short on ideas, I’ve got plenty! At the bottom of this post, I have a collection of recipes that fit the bill. But first, let’s talk about some ways I like to simplify summertime dinners.
Shop Your Farmers’ Market
Going to the farmers’ market with a long shopping list can make the experience a lot less fun—especially early in the season when so many summer favorites like corn and tomatoes aren’t yet in season. Instead, I like to let the fresh produce inspire my meals. Buying what looks good and then planning my meals around my market haul means I can enjoy shopping!
Batch Cook
During the summer months, I love to batch cook on weekends so I have less work to do during the week. Grilling chicken or vegetables in bulk, then whipping up a bunch of dressings and sauces, can provide the base for several mix-and-match meals throughout the week. I also like to cook up a big pot of quinoa or Instant Pot brown rice and use that all week long too.
Embrace Sheet Pan Meals
Sheet pan meals are a lifesaver when it comes to easy and quick summer dinners. Simply toss your protein of choice with seasonal vegetables, olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan and bake in the oven. Finish with fresh herbs from your backyard garden. The best part? Minimal clean-up!
Don’t Forget About Salads
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant salads filled with seasonal produce. I love a no-cook dinner when the weather’s hot! Get creative with your salads by incorporating whole grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds for added texture and flavor. And don’t forget to make your own homemade dressing—this skinny cucumber ranch dressing is one of my favorites.
Keep It Simple
Summer fruits and veggies are so delicious, you really don’t need to make a big production of dinner. Just grill some chicken and serve it with roasted Parmesan green beans or grilled corn on the cob and you’ve got an easy, healthy meal on the table in minutes.
21 Fresh and Flavorful Summer Dinner Ideas
These are some of my go-to recipes to make for dinner in the summer. They’re easy, packed with summer produce, and healthy too!
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