As the heat turns up, our taste preferences change to fresher, lighter and quicker dinners. Here are some of our favorite summer dinner ideas!
Spring was a little late to arrive this year. I’m not sure if the warmer weather got held up in the TSA line or maybe it was just enjoying its stay in the southern hemisphere?
No matter where it was, it came in roaring. It didn’t seem like we had much of a transition. There were layers and goosebumps one day, and heat and humidity the next.
The arrival of warm weather usually signals the beginning of hibernation season for our soup pots and casserole dishes. When the air is running non-stop, baking a casserole in the oven for an hour just has less appeal.
So it’s time to grab the charcoal and tongs, the salad bowls and sandwich fixings. Lighter, brighter and fresher is just around the corner. So here are a few summer dinner ideas to get those creative juices flowing. What are your favorite summer dinners?
Summer Suppers
Frito salad is a fun twist on a taco salad. It is loaded with flavor and is perfect for potlucks, but also makes a fun dinner main dish. The homemade Catalina salad dressing is easy to make and the salad is packed full of goodies.
This Tequila Lime Chicken has all of the flavor of your restaurant favorite and it stays so juicy and flavorful. Fire up the grill for Cinco de May or any day of the week!
A fresh and crunch napa salad that is topped with golden and buttery toppings and a simple homemade dressing. Grandma knows her stuff!
These Hamburger Surprises have been enjoyed by at least 5 generations of our family. They are so delicious! Make them for your next BBQ for a special treat!
Roasting shrimp is a quick and easy way to get them on the table. Add a spritz of key lime juice and you are really in for a treat. They are tasty on their own, but make a little key lime butter for dipping to take them to the next level. You will be licking your fingers as you go!
Turn leftover pulled pork into a completely different meal with this fun creamy bbq pulled pork spaghetti. It comes together quickly and is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, tangy and meaty. It is a great way to switch it up and get dinner on the table!
This chicken brings the flavors of Greece to your grill. It is marinated in lemon and yogurt and then grilled. It comes off juicy, tender and full of flavor. You are going to love how good and how easy it is!
This dinner salad is perfect for Memorial Day, the 4th or July or any day. It is full of berries, cheese, greens, and chicken. There is also a homemade dressing recipe if you’d like!
These chicken Parmesan sandwiches are a perfect busy night dinner. The chicken cooks in the slow cooker all day so all you have to do is shred and assemble when you get home!
This dinner is full of flavor and fresh summer vegetables! It is quick to make and is perfect as is or served with a bit of rice or pasta.
Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies
Friday 8th of June 2018
These all look like great summer meals, but that salad is perfection!
Carlee
Sunday 10th of June 2018
Thank you!
Books n' Cooks
Thursday 7th of June 2018
That Italian sausage & veggie sheet pan dinner was one of my favorite new recipes tried last summer. I can't wait to make it with all of my garden veggies this summer.
Carlee
Sunday 10th of June 2018
I am looking forward to that too! The zucchini wave should be hitting any minute!
Jolene
Thursday 7th of June 2018
Thank you for the ideas! Been trying to switch gears to a more summery menu and have been hitting a wall. :)
Carlee
Sunday 10th of June 2018
It never hurts to have a little inspiration!
Anonymous
Wednesday 6th of June 2018
SO many great summer recipes! Pinning! Thanks so much for sharing at Whimsical Wednesdays Link Party!
Carlee
Sunday 10th of June 2018
Thank you!
Debbie
Thursday 31st of May 2018
Hi Carlee, as our lump of pork cooks in the halogen, I'm rather fancying your antipasto salad!
xx
Carlee
Tuesday 5th of June 2018
I wish I could send you some!