summer meal prep ideas

Summer days are all about having FUN.

More sunshine means more time for adventures, not for being stuck in the kitchen.

But you still gotta eat, right? And eating well is IMPORTANT.

That’s where meal prepping for summer comes in. It’s a lifesaver!

Imagine having delicious, cool meals ready when you are.

No more last-minute stress about what to cook when it’s WARM outside.

I’ve gathered a HUGE list of ideas to get you started.

We’re talking easy recipes, things you can make ahead, and food that just TASTES like summer.

These ideas will help you spend less time cooking and WAY more time soaking up the sun.

Ready to make your summer meals super easy? Here are 43 ideas to try.

1. Homemade Sesame Chicken

Homemade Sesame Chicken

This Homemade Sesame Chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. It features perfectly crispy chicken coated in that irresistible sweet and tangy sauce you love from takeout. You’ll want to make this incredible sesame chicken again and again!

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2. Slow Cooker Tomatillo Salsa

Slow Cooker Tomatillo Salsa

Make this Slow Cooker Tomatillo Salsa effortlessly in your crockpot. The tomatillo salsa slowly cooks to perfection, then simply add fresh lime and salt for a bright, delicious finish.

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3. Frozen Fruit Smoothie

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

This Frozen Fruit Smoothie is an icy blend packed with a variety of refreshing fruits, including blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and mango.

It’s an easy, nutrient-packed fruit smoothie that makes the perfect drink for a hot day.

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4. Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites

Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites

Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites are an easy and delicious snack or side dish. These crispy, cheesy bites are a perfect vegetarian quinoa recipe, packed with healthy veggies for kids and adults alike. Enjoy them as a simple, satisfying finger food any time of day.

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5. Keto Coleslaw

Keto Coleslaw

This Keto Coleslaw delivers satisfying crunch with crispy cabbage and a delightful creamy dressing.

It’s finished with crumbled bacon, making it a delicious low carb and gluten free choice for any meal.

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6. South of the Border Chicken

South of the Border Chicken

South of the Border Chicken is a wonderful Tex Mex comfort food that quickly becomes a family favorite.

This easy dump and bake casserole brings together creamy chicken and cheese for a truly delightful meal.

It’s the perfect dish for a flavorful dinner with minimal effort.

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7. Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoked Turkey Breast

This Smoked Turkey Breast recipe delivers incredibly tender and juicy results. It features a homemade spice rub, ensuring delicious flavor with every bite. You’ll love this easy way to enjoy the best smoked turkey breast.

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8. Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Get ready for unbelievably tender and juicy Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs.

This delightful lemon pepper chicken practically cooks itself, making dinner simple and delicious.

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9. Horseradish Deviled Eggs with Tomato Jam

Horseradish Deviled Eggs with Tomato Jam

Horseradish Deviled Eggs with Tomato Jam are a delightful twist on a classic deviled eggs recipe. This creamy filling brings together sweet tomato jam and tangy horseradish for a unique flavor. It’s an easy-to-love bite perfect for any occasion.

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10. Ricotta Lemon Pasta – One Pot Recipe

Ricotta Lemon Pasta - One Pot Recipe

This Ricotta Lemon Pasta – One Pot Recipe brings a deliciously bright dinner to your table.

You’ll love how simple it is to make a creamy lemon ricotta pasta sauce all in one pot.

This ricotta cheese lemon pasta is a guaranteed hit for an easy, flavorful meal.

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11. Greek Chicken Hummus Bowl

Greek Chicken Hummus Bowl

This Greek Chicken Hummus Bowl is a fantastic choice for a healthy lunch or dinner.

It’s perfect for meal prep, featuring delicious homemade hummus and plenty of fresh toppings.

You’ll love how satisfying this hummus bowl recipe is, making healthy eating simple and delicious.

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12. 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Muffins (vegan)

3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Muffins (vegan)

These 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Muffins are a simple and healthy choice for any time of day. This easy recipe creates delicious vegan muffins with the goodness of banana and oatmeal. You’ll want to make these delightful muffins again and again.

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13. Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos make for a deliciously healthy vegetarian meal. These tacos are packed with flavorful sweet potato and black bean filling, baked until perfectly crispy.

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14. Crispy Baked Buffalo Chickpea and Sweet Potato Tacos

Crispy Baked Buffalo Chickpea and Sweet Potato Tacos

Get ready to enjoy Crispy Baked Buffalo Chickpea and Sweet Potato Tacos, a truly delicious vegetarian meal.

These buffalo chickpea tacos offer a wonderful crispy texture and bold flavor in every bite.

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15. Instant Pot Dal

Instant Pot Dal

Instant Pot Dal is a truly simple way to bring a comforting and flavorful dish to your table.

This recipe is packed with delicious aromatic spices that make every bite a delight.

It’s perfect for a quick, hearty meal any day of the week.

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16. Pesto Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Pesto Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

This Pesto Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner is a wonderfully flavorful and easy meal. Enjoy flaky baked pesto salmon, complemented by tender green beans and little potatoes, all made quickly on one pan. This gluten-free sheet pan salmon is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.

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17. Chickpea Fajitas

Chickpea Fajitas

Whip up these delightful Chickpea Fajitas for a quick and healthy meal. This easy sheet pan recipe combines chickpeas, mushrooms, and colorful bell peppers with zesty fajita seasoning. It’s the perfect vegan fajitas option for a busy weeknight.

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18. Grilled Avocadoes Stuffed With Veggie Quinoa

Grilled Avocadoes Stuffed With Veggie Quinoa

Grilled Avocadoes Stuffed With Veggie Quinoa offers a truly delicious and satisfying meal.

Enjoy creamy, perfectly grilled avocado halves generously filled with a vibrant and wholesome veggie quinoa.

This simple dish is an inviting way to enjoy a fresh and flavorful eating experience.

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19. Turkey Tacos Recipe

Turkey Tacos Recipe

Transform your leftover turkey into amazing Turkey Tacos. These flavorful tacos are seasoned perfectly with smoky paprika, cumin, and bright citrus from lime and orange juice. Serve them in warm tortillas for a juicy and delicious meal.

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20. Chicken and Green Beans

Chicken and Green Beans

This Chicken and Green Beans recipe offers an easy and healthy stir fry. You’ll love the tender seared chicken and fresh green beans, all coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce. This chicken and green bean stir fry is ideal for a quick dinner or convenient meal prep.

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21. Best Air Fried Tilapia

Best Air Fried Tilapia

The Best Air Fried Tilapia is an incredibly easy and healthy meal, perfect for busy weeknights. This perfectly seasoned air fryer tilapia comes together in just 15 minutes without breading. It’s topped with a tangy lemon butter sauce, making it a satisfying, restaurant-worthy dish.

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22. General Tso’s Chicken Meatballs

General Tso's Chicken Meatballs

General Tso’s Chicken Meatballs offer a delicious spin on a classic takeout dish. This family friendly dinner features a sweet and savory sauce that everyone will enjoy. It’s also a fantastic choice for gluten free dinners.

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23. Breakfast Egg Muffins

Breakfast Egg Muffins

These Breakfast Egg Muffins are a fantastic way to kickstart your morning.

Packed with protein, cheese, and healthy veggies, they’re perfect for easy meal prep and simple to customize.

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24. Egg Roll in a Bowl with Ground Turkey

Egg Roll in a Bowl with Ground Turkey

Enjoy a delicious Egg Roll in a Bowl with Ground Turkey for an easy weeknight meal. This simple turkey egg roll in a bowl recipe uses a clever shortcut, making it incredibly quick to prepare. It’s bursting with flavor and fiber, offering a truly satisfying dinner option.

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25. Baked Zucchini

Baked Zucchini

This Baked Zucchini recipe is a delicious casserole featuring tender roasted zucchini slices.

It’s made with a rich egg base, buttery crushed Ritz crackers, and plenty of cheese for a truly comforting dish.

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26. Chicken Burger

Chicken Burger

Enjoy a delicious homemade Chicken Burger that’s perfect for any night. This chicken burger recipe makes juicy, moist patties bursting with flavor. It’s a simple and satisfying way to make amazing chicken burgers.

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27. Blueberry Pie Greek Yogurt Bowl

Blueberry Pie Greek Yogurt Bowl

Enjoy the delightful taste of dessert any time with this healthy Blueberry Pie Greek Yogurt Bowl. This high protein blueberry pie bowl is perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even a guilt-free dessert.

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28. Asian Meatballs

Asian Meatballs

These Asian Meatballs are incredibly juicy and tender, making for a truly delightful meal. Each turkey meatball is coated in a sticky homemade sauce, offering a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

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29. Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken features tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy this delicious teriyaki chicken served over rice for a perfect dinner.

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30. Pasta Seafood Salad

Pasta Seafood Salad

This Pasta Seafood Salad is packed with fresh, summery flavors. Creamy pasta shells are combined with plenty of shrimp and crab, crisp celery, and a bright lemon dressing, seasoned with Old Bay. Enjoy this refreshing seafood pasta salad at your next gathering.

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31. Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp Ceviche

This Shrimp Ceviche delivers a refreshing burst of bold, zesty flavors.

Made with fresh ingredients, this easy ceviche comes together in just minutes.

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32. Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Enjoy a seriously good homemade takeaway with this flavorful Instant Pot Orange Chicken. This Orange Chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors. It’s the perfect easy meal for any weeknight.

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33. Chili Maple Salmon and Broccoli Bowls

Chili Maple Salmon and Broccoli Bowls

Chili Maple Salmon and Broccoli Bowls make a truly delicious and healthy dinner. This high-protein recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. You’ll love preparing this easy chili maple salmon bowl for everyone.

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34. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas offer the easiest way to enjoy a flavorful Mexican meal. This one-pan dinner features perfectly seasoned shrimp and vegetables for a delicious, quick weeknight option.

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35. Almond Chicken

Almond Chicken

Get ready to enjoy this incredible Almond Chicken, a satisfying stir fry filled with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and crunchy almonds. This savory take-out favorite is so good, it tastes even better than what you’d get from a restaurant.

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36. Broccoli Frittata

Broccoli Frittata

This Broccoli Frittata features the classic, delicious combination of broccoli and cheese. It’s a quick and easy oven-baked meal perfect for any time. Whether you use fresh or frozen broccoli, this frittata comes together effortlessly.

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37. Tuna Salad

Tuna Salad

This creamy Tuna Salad is bursting with delicious flavor.

A special secret ingredient makes this classic dish extra yummy, perfect on its own, in a sandwich, or a wrap.

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38. Strawberry BBQ Chicken

Strawberry BBQ Chicken

Strawberry BBQ Chicken offers a unique and delicious twist on a classic. This recipe features a tangy strawberry BBQ sauce, perfectly complemented by a fresh strawberry salsa. A cooling avocado cream sauce brings everything together for a truly memorable meal.

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39. Keto Shrimp Scampi

Keto Shrimp Scampi

Enjoy a truly delicious Keto Shrimp Scampi that makes dinner simple and satisfying.

This low carb dish is packed with bright lemon, savory garlic, and rich parmesan, perfect for a quick, gluten free meal.

It’s a fantastic keto shrimp option for a weeknight that’s ready in no time.

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40. Air Fryer Mushrooms Steaks

Air Fryer Mushrooms Steaks

Air Fryer Mushroom Steaks offer a delicious and hearty meatless option.

These savory portobello mushroom steaks are perfect for any dinner, especially Meatless Monday.

Quickly cooked in your air fryer, they provide a satisfying plant-based experience.

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41. Lentil Picadillo

Lentil Picadillo

Lentil Picadillo is a wonderful vegan twist on a beloved Mexican classic.

This hearty dish replaces meat with protein-packed lentils, simmered with sweet tomatoes and potatoes to absorb all those delicious flavors.

It’s a comforting family favorite, especially loved by kids, perfect to serve with warm tortillas.

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42. Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos offer a super easy path to a tasty dinner. This fantastic slow cooker recipe comes together with just 10 minutes of prep, letting your crock pot do the rest for a delicious family meal.

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43. Flank Steak Tacos

Flank Steak Tacos

These Flank Steak Tacos are a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation.

Enjoy perfectly marinated and grilled steak, creating incredibly delicious homemade tacos.

They’re perfect for a summer grilling session and sure to become a family favorite.

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