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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Easy Summer Dinners That Will Give You Your Time Back

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 19, 2025, updated August 15, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer evenings can be hectic, but dinner doesn't have to be a hassle. With these 20 easy recipes, you can whip up satisfying meals in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy the warm nights. From spicy salads to quick stir-fries, these dishes are perfect for keeping things simple and delicious during the busy summer months.

    Chicken Burgers

    A stack of chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These easy chicken patties are juicy and full of flavor, and they only take about 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer. You can skip the chopping by using powdered seasonings, which makes things simpler. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a nice touch of freshness to the dish.

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    Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta

    Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    Summer cooking can be easy with this simple canned mackerel pasta. It's a healthy meal packed with omega-3s, protein, and important nutrients, and you can have it on the table in just 30 minutes.

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    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Fresh salmon seasoned just right and pan-fried creates a delicious base for Salmon Tacos. Topping it off with a quick Ginger Avocado Salsa adds a burst of flavor. This dish is healthy and ideal for a fast summer dinner.

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    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick Shrimp Scampi can be ready in just 10 minutes, making it a great choice for a simple appetizer or meal. The combination of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley creates a lovely smell that will fill your kitchen. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Teriyaki Stir-fry

    Chicken teriyaki.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and delicious Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry can be ready in less than thirty minutes, packed with all your favorite vegetables and flavors. You can easily add noodles or rice to make it a more filling meal, and you can use either homemade or store-bought Teriyaki sauce. Frozen veggies work great too, making this dish simple and convenient.

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    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is a quick and tasty meal that's great for summer evenings. It features a flavorful mix of ingredients and is topped with crunchy peanuts, adding a nice texture to every bite.

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    Chinese Scrambled Eggs & Shrimp

    chinese scrambled eggs with shrimp.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    This Cantonese dish features scrambled eggs and shrimp, and it comes together in just 15 minutes. It's a simple and delicious option for a summer meal, perfect for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is incredibly simple, using just three ingredients. It's perfect for summer cooking when you want something quick and easy. You can enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air frying thin chicken breasts is a quick and easy way to prepare dinner. With a simple seasoning of garlic and basil, this dish comes together in just 6 minutes. It's perfect for those busy summer evenings when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Enjoy the ease of preparing delicious salmon in your air fryer in just 20 minutes. With a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice and a dash of pepper, this dish brings a burst of flavor to any laid-back dinner. It's a great option for summer nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    French Bread Pizza

    French bread pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    These pizzas are easy to make and great for summer nights. They’re full of flavor and sure to hit the spot when you’re hungry.

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    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a favorite for everyone, whether they’re picky eaters or food lovers. Stuffed with halloumi cheese, ready-made red pesto, creamy avocado, and crunchy walnuts, these wraps are full of flavor and can be made in just 20 minutes.

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    Ricotta Toast

    Herbed ricotta toasts.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Summer dinners can be simple and enjoyable with this easy dish. Just spread some herbed ricotta on sourdough bread and pile on your favorite toppings. It's a quick and tasty option that lets you enjoy the season without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Ceasar Salad

    Vegetarian Ceasar salad.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Summer cooking can be easy and enjoyable with this delicious vegetarian take on a classic lunch dish. It's perfect for warm days when you want something light and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish is all about fresh flavors and simple ingredients, making it a great choice for a quick meal.

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    Orzo Pesto Salad

    Orzo Pesto Salad.
    Photo credit: Healthfull Blondie.

    Orzo pesto salad is packed with fresh vegetables and creamy mozzarella, all tossed together with a simple homemade basil pesto that doesn’t include nuts. It’s a great option for dinner, lunch, or as a side at a barbecue during the warmer months. This dish is light and refreshing, making it ideal for summer gatherings.

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    Tuna Rice Bowls 4 Ways

    CANNED TUNA OVER RICE.
    Photo credit: The Nessy Kitchen.

    Canned tuna and rice come together for a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have dinner ready in no time. There are four different flavor options to pick from, so you can switch things up while using up that leftover rice.

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    Halloumi Portobello Burgers

    A portobello halloumi burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi Burgers are packed with creamy mashed avocado, a hearty portobello mushroom, crumbled chèvre cheese, spicy arugula, and sweet caramelized onions. They’re easy to prepare and are sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas

    Tacos on a plate.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    Vegan fajitas are a delicious option featuring bell peppers, onions, and portobello mushrooms. They come together quickly and are perfect for a summer meal. Serve them with guacamole, salsa, black beans, and vegan sour cream for a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Chickpea Fajita Bowls

    Vegan fajita bowls.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Summer dinners can be easy and delicious with these Sheet-pan Fajita Bowls. They feature roasted vegetables, spicy chickpeas, creamy chipotle-lime cashew sauce, and flavorful fajita rice, creating a satisfying and healthy meal. This dish is perfect for warm evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Greek Chicken

    Chicken skewers with Greek marinade.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A simple Greek-inspired marinade adds a vibrant flavor to chicken in no time. It's simple to prepare and perfect for summer cooking. With just a few ingredients, you can elevate your meal without putting in a lot of effort. This dish is great for those warm evenings when you want something tasty and easy.

    Get the recipe

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      14 Heavenly Cheesecakes That Are Worth Every Bite

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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