On those really hot summer days, the LAST thing you want is a heavy meal.
You’re probably craving something that’s light, fresh, and simple to put together.
Something that tastes amazing but doesn’t keep you standing over a hot stove for an hour.
That’s EXACTLY what summer eating should be about.
This is a list of our favorite kinds of meals for warm weather—bright salads, quick grilled dishes, and other recipes that are super easy and won’t weigh you down.
So if you’re ready for some new ideas, here are 19 light summer meals to get you started.
1. Sugar-Free Popsicles
These Sugar-Free Popsicles offer a wonderfully refreshing experience.
Enjoy vibrant berry ice pops that are naturally low in calories and fat.
It’s the perfect light and tasty treat for any time.
2. Zucchini Boats
These Zucchini Boats are a fantastic option for a healthy, flavorful meal.
Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this low-carb dish is also wonderfully diet-friendly.
3. Tomato Salad with Balsamic Vinegar
Tomato Salad with Balsamic Vinegar is a fresh and easy way to enjoy the best heirloom tomatoes.
Sweet tomatoes are lightly dressed with a refreshing balsamic mint blend, bringing out their natural flavor.
4. Spiced Instant Pot Chickpeas Salad
This Spiced Instant Pot Chickpeas Salad is a fragrant, baharat-spiced dish perfect for summer. It makes an excellent side for grilled fish and vegetables.
5. Easy Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
Brighten up any meal with this delicious Easy Roasted Asparagus with Lemon.
This simple side dish brings perfectly roasted asparagus to your table in about 15 minutes.
It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or as a beautiful addition to a special gathering.
6. Pan Fried Tilapia
Pan Fried Tilapia is a super easy recipe, perfect for getting dinner on the table quickly.
This pan seared tilapia cooks right on the stove with simple seasonings, requiring no flour or breading.
7. Maryland Style Crab Cake Recipe
Experience the classic taste of the coast with this Maryland Style Crab Cake Recipe. It’s packed with succulent jumbo lump crab meat and just a hint of filler, perfectly seasoned with Old Bay and Dijon mustard. You’ll love making these truly authentic Maryland crab cakes at home.
8. Chicken Fajita Quesadilla
The Chicken Fajita Quesadilla brings together two delicious Tex-Mex favorites.
Each bite offers a crispy outside with tender chicken and flavorful fajita veggies inside.
This easy quesadilla recipe is a perfect and satisfying meal for any day.
9. Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
This Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe offers the easiest way to enjoy grilled chicken.
It comes together fast with just 5 simple ingredients, ready in under 20 minutes.
This delicious, low carb meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
10. Blackberry Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette
This Blackberry Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette is a beautifully balanced dish.
Enjoy sweet blackberries, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts in this vibrant salad, all finished with an incredibly delicious, easy-to-make blackberry vinaigrette.
This impressive blackberry salad is simple to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion.
11. Roasted Garlic and Tomato Bruschetta
Dive into the incredible flavors of this Roasted Garlic and Tomato Bruschetta.
Sweet roasted garlic perfectly complements juicy tomatoes, creating a wonderfully fresh and satisfying appetizer.
12. Creamy Sweet Corn Pasta
Enjoy the delightful taste of summer with this Creamy Sweet Corn Pasta.
Sweet, juicy corn kernels transform into a luscious, naturally creamy sauce, brightened with a hint of lemon and smoky paprika.
This vibrant creamy vegetable pasta is a perfect way to celebrate fresh summer produce.
13. Kidney Bean Salad
This Kidney Bean Salad is an incredibly easy and flavorful side dish. Made with simple pantry staples, this delightful red bean salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or your next potluck.
14. Pasta Primavera
This delightful Pasta Primavera recipe offers a light, lemony twist on a classic.
It’s a truly vegetable-forward meal that everyone in the family will adore.
15. Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Fregola
Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Fregola is your perfect choice for a quick and easy one-pot meal.
This delightful pasta fregola is wonderful as a light lunch or a refreshing summer side dish.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and basil in every simple bite.
16. Tandoori Shrimp with Mint Chutney
Bring the vibrant flavors of India right into your kitchen with this Tandoori Shrimp with Mint Chutney.
This mild seafood dish is full of incredible flavor.
Best of all, it’s quick to prepare, ready in less than 20 minutes.
17. Keto Greek Salad
Our Keto Greek Salad is loaded with delicious chicken and homemade Greek salad dressing.
This flavorful meal is perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free and low-carb option.
18. Shrimp Salad
This fresh and flavorful Shrimp Salad is a delightful dish that’s ready in 30 minutes or less.
It’s perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or as a tasty addition to any potluck or picnic.
19. Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This Black Bean and Corn Salsa is a wonderfully zesty and flavorful dip. It combines fresh ingredients to create a vibrant, irresistible addition to any meal. Enjoy this versatile salsa recipe with chips or as a topping for your favorite dishes.