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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Easy Summer Dinners That Will Save You Time

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 4, 2025, updated June 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer is the perfect time for quick and easy dinners that don’t require hours in the kitchen. With fresh ingredients and simple recipes, you can whip up delicious meals in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy the warm evenings. Here are 21 easy summer dinner ideas that will help you keep things simple and satisfying.

    Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

    Shrimp boil
    Photo Credit: Like Hot Keto.

    This keto sheet pan seafood boil is full of Cajun flavor and is super easy to make in the oven. With shrimp and Creole spiced andouille sausages, it’s a great choice for summer get-togethers or Mardi Gras festivities. Enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Tuna Rice Bowls 4 Ways

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

    Canned tuna and rice is a quick and easy meal that you'll find yourself making over and over. It only takes a few simple ingredients and just a couple of minutes to whip up. With four different flavor options to choose from, you’ll be amazed at how tasty dinner can be with just a can of tuna and some leftover rice.

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    Tuna Pasta Salad

    Tuna pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Homemade Interest.

    Tuna pasta salad is loaded with fresh veggies and vibrant flavors. This version skips the mayo, making it a lighter option that's great for sharing. It's a simple and tasty dish that's perfect for warm summer days.

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    Cornbread Salad

    Cornbread Salad.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

    Southwest cornbread salad is a popular dish often seen at Southern gatherings. It features tasty layers of crumbled cornbread, fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, cheese, and a zesty salsa ranch dressing. This salad is perfect for summer meals and is sure to please a crowd.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is incredibly easy to prepare. It's perfect for busy summer evenings when you want something quick and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. This is a great option for those nights when you don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Ricotta Toast

    Herbed ricotta toasts.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This meal is super quick and easy to put together. Just spread some herbed ricotta cheese on sourdough bread and add whatever toppings you like. It's a simple and satisfying option for a busy summer evening.

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    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cooking skin-on salmon in the air fryer takes just 20 minutes, making it a quick and flavorful option for any weeknight dinner. With a generous splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon pepper, this dish is packed with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of Alfredo sauce adds a bit of spice to the traditional recipe. Using just some common powdered seasonings you likely have in your pantry, it’s an easy and budget-friendly choice for when you're short on cash.

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    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is a quick and easy meal you'll want to prepare regularly. It features a fresh and flavorful base, topped with crunchy peanuts for added texture. Perfect for those warm summer days, this dish is both satisfying and light.

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    Crispy Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This flavorful salmon dish comes together with just a few simple ingredients: salmon, soy sauce, and furikake seasoning. It's a quick and easy option for dinner that doesn't require much effort. Perfect for those warm summer evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes & Halloumi

    Zucchini and cherry tomato bowl.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This dish features healthy noodles packed with the delicious flavors of halloumi and cherry tomatoes. It's a simple and satisfying meal that brings together fresh ingredients for a tasty summer dinner. Perfect for those evenings when you want something light yet filling.

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    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: A Sweet Alternative.

    This tahini sauce is super easy to whip up with just a handful of basic ingredients, with tahini taking the spotlight. It's a versatile sauce that can add a creamy, nutty flavor to many dishes. Perfect for those days when you want something quick and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Turkey Burgers

    An air fryer turkey burger on a blue plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Homemade turkey burgers are easy to whip up with minimal effort. With just a few simple steps and about 10 minutes in the air fryer, you can have a delicious meal ready. There's no need for chopping, as powdered seasonings do the trick, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds extra juiciness.

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    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp are quick and simple to prepare, taking only 3-5 minutes to cook. They’re seasoned with garlic and paprika, giving them a great flavor, and finished with fresh parsley for a nice touch. These shrimp can be served on a salad or paired with your favorite sauces and sides.

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    Vegetarian Ceasar Salad

    Vegetarian Ceasar salad.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This vegetarian take on a classic lunch dish is perfect for summer. It's simple to prepare and packed with fresh flavors. Enjoy a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and easy meal that brings together juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for busy summer evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a simple way to enjoy a satisfying seafood and pasta combo that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta

    Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    This simple canned mackerel pasta is a great option for a healthy meal. It's loaded with omega-3s, protein, and essential nutrients. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner.

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    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 evenings when you want something quick and easy. You can enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick to prepare and packed with the fresh flavors of smoked salmon and lemon. It's a simple meal that you'll want to make again and again, especially during the busy summer months. Perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Easy Chickpea Tacos

    Easy Chickpea Tacos Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Vegan Chickpea Tacos are a simple and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. They are packed with classic taco flavors, but without any of the strange ingredients found in store-bought mixes. The addition of Cilantro Lime Slaw brings a fresh and zesty touch, making these vegetarian tacos a hit for the whole family.

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    Pasta Aglio e Olio

    Pasta aglio e oglio.
    Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

    Pasta with garlic and oil is a simple yet delicious dish that elevates the classic buttered noodles to something a bit more sophisticated. It's quick to prepare and perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic and olive oil, making it a great option for a laid-back summer dinner.

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      14 Heavenly Blueberry Desserts That Will Make You Smile
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      20 Slow Cooker Favorites That Will Keep Your Kids Happy

    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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