summer family dinner ideas

Summer nights are MADE for fun, not for stressing about dinner. Those long, sunny evenings are perfect for family time, right?

But sometimes, figuring out what to cook can feel like a TOTAL puzzle. You want something yummy that everyone will enjoy. And you definitely don’t want to spend hours in a hot kitchen when you could be outside!

That’s where easy, breezy summer meal ideas come to the rescue. Think fresh flavors, quick prep, and maybe even less cleanup – YES, PLEASE!

So, I’ve gathered 28 fantastic dinner ideas perfect for those awesome summer evenings with your family. We’re talking about everything from super simple grilled dishes to one-pan wonders. There’s something here for every taste, even for picky eaters, and for those nights when you’re REALLY short on time.

Get ready to discover some new favorites that will make your summer dinners DELICIOUS and easy. Let’s check them out!

1. Vegan tempeh bacon sandwich tlta

Vegan tempeh bacon sandwich tlta

This Vegan tempeh bacon sandwich TLTA is the perfect plant-based meal. It features delicious tempeh bacon, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomato for a satisfying bite. You’ll love this easy and flavorful TLTA.

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2. Cashew Chicken

Cashew Chicken

Cashew Chicken features crispy chicken and roasted cashews tossed in a sweet and savory sauce.

This delicious dish is the perfect easy dinner option to serve over rice.

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3. Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken

This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken delivers tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Infused with a delicious blend of hot sauce, ranch seasoning, and butter, this easy buffalo chicken is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or eating as-is.

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4. Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp Ceviche

This refreshing Shrimp Ceviche is bursting with bold, zesty flavors.

Fresh shrimp is marinated with bright cucumber, red onion, cilantro, avocado, and a kick of jalapeno for a truly delicious bite.

This vibrant ceviche comes together in minutes for a perfect light meal.

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5. Sheet Pan Vegan Fajitas

Sheet Pan Vegan Fajitas

Sheet Pan Vegan Fajitas are an easy and delicious meatless meal perfect for any day of the week. This recipe combines flavorful peppers and onions with meaty mushrooms and fresh zucchini. Enjoy these hearty vegetable fajitas for a satisfying dinner!

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6. Easy Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Easy Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Making a delicious Easy Instant Pot Whole Chicken has never been simpler. This recipe gives you a perfectly tender whole chicken, cooked effortlessly in your Instant Pot. It’s an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

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7. Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata

Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata

Enjoy this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata, featuring tender thin chicken breasts. It’s cooked perfectly in a zesty lemon piccata sauce.

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8. Easy Shrimp Paella

Easy Shrimp Paella

This Easy Shrimp Paella is your new go-to for a delicious weeknight meal. Enjoy creating a flavorful shrimp paella in just 30 minutes using only one pan and a few ingredients, all made simple with a clever pantry staple.

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9. Slow Cooker Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches

Make amazing Slow Cooker Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches easily in your slow cooker. These shredded chicken sandwiches offer a fantastic spicy kick with a hint of sweetness. Serve them topped with cool ranch dressing and crisp pickles for a perfect bite.

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10. Pizza Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

Enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors in this incredible Pizza Pasta Salad. This easy pasta salad is perfect for a summer side dish or a satisfying meal.

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11. Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn

Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn

Our Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn brings effortless comfort to your table.

Tender steak, hearty potatoes, and sweet corn cook together in a flavorful garlic butter sauce for a complete, easy meal.

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12. Curry Fried Rice with Tofu

Curry Fried Rice with Tofu

Enjoy this quick and flavorful Curry Fried Rice with Tofu, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

It tastes just like your favorite take-out, ready in about 30 minutes right in your own kitchen.

This customizable tofu fried rice can also be made gluten-free.

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13. Breaded Chicken Cutlets

Breaded Chicken Cutlets

Get ready to enjoy our delightful Breaded Chicken Cutlets.

Crispy chicken is topped with a savory roast tomato and garlic, then finished with a drizzle of balsamic sauce and fresh arugula.

This dish offers a fresh take with a taste similar to a lighter chicken parmesan.

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14. Shrimp Foil Packet

Shrimp Foil Packet

This Shrimp Foil Packet is an easy shrimp recipe packed with tasty vegetables.

It cooks up in just 15 minutes, making for a quick and delicious seafood meal.

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15. Air Fryer Asian Sticky Wings

Air Fryer Asian Sticky Wings

Air Fryer Asian Sticky Wings are incredibly juicy and wonderfully crispy. These delicious chicken wings are coated in a sweet and savory sauce, making them irresistible.

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16. Black Bean and Corn Salad

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Enjoy this vibrant Black Bean and Corn Salad, a wonderfully fresh and easy side. It brings together a delicious medley of flavors, all brightened by a zesty cilantro lime dressing. This versatile corn salad is perfect for complementing any meal.

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17. Italian Farro Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing

Italian Farro Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing

This Italian Farro Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing is a truly delicious and healthy choice for any meal. Its rich, creamy balsamic dressing perfectly complements the hearty farro. Enjoy this easy-to-make salad as a refreshing side or light main.

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18. Chicken Pesto Pasta

Chicken Pesto Pasta

This Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe brings delicious restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. It’s wonderfully simple to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or for entertaining guests.

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19. Lemon Artichoke Pasta Salad

Lemon Artichoke Pasta Salad

Lemon Artichoke Pasta Salad is a tangy and herby dish, ideal for any occasion. This quick and easy vegan pasta salad is a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for picnics or feeding a crowd.

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20. Leftover Chicken Fried Rice

Leftover Chicken Fried Rice

Transform your roast chicken leftovers into a quick and tasty meal with this Leftover Chicken Fried Rice. This classic Chinese chicken fried rice recipe is easy to make and ready to enjoy in just 20 minutes.

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21. Miso Ginger Salmon Bite Bowls with Broccoli

Miso Ginger Salmon Bite Bowls with Broccoli

Discover the delicious Miso Ginger Salmon Bite Bowls with Broccoli, a wonderfully flavorful dish.

These tender miso salmon bites are perfectly seasoned, offering a delightful meal for any night.

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22. Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Enjoy these flavorful Grilled Chicken Kabobs, a quick and healthy meal.

Tender chicken and sweet pineapple grill to juicy perfection.

This makes for an easy and delicious dinner everyone will love.

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23. Tennessee Tenders

Tennessee Tenders

Tennessee Tenders feature seasoned chicken tenderloins, lovingly wrapped in crisp bacon.

These incredibly flavorful bites are a favorite for any gathering, especially when cooked on the smoker for a rich, smoky taste.

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24. Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are oven-baked until wonderfully crispy.

These delightful BBQ chicken drumsticks in the oven are then coated in your favorite barbecue sauce.

This easy recipe is excellent for feeding a crowd or for weekly meal prep.

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25. Chicken Caprese Panini

Chicken Caprese Panini

This hearty Chicken Caprese Panini turns your favorite Caprese salad into a satisfying sandwich. It features flavorful chicken, fresh mozzarella, and basil, pressed to perfection. This delicious chicken Caprese sandwich is ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.

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26. One Pot Pasta

One Pot Pasta

Enjoy this One Pot Pasta, a truly easy and delicious meal that’s ready in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights, made with basic ingredients, and incredibly frugal.

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27. Air Fryer Veggie Burgers

Air Fryer Veggie Burgers

Discover the ease of making delicious Air Fryer Veggie Burgers right at home. These veggie burgers offer a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy a quick and healthy option without sacrificing taste.

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28. Seafood Pizza

Seafood Pizza

This delightful Seafood Pizza is perfect for a festive meal or a fun appetizer. It’s loaded with savory shrimp and tender scallops, making every bite a true delight. Serve it up as a special dinner or pass it around as an exciting starter.

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