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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Quick and Easy Summer Dinners for All Those Lazy Evenings

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 5, 2025, updated June 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer evenings are perfect for light and easy meals that don’t require a lot of time in the kitchen. With fresh ingredients and simple recipes, you can whip up delicious dinners that are perfect for those lazy nights. Here are 22 quick and easy dinner ideas that will keep you satisfied without the fuss.

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dinner comes together in no time and uses ingredients you likely have on hand. It's perfect for those lazy summer evenings when you want something simple and satisfying. With just a few steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

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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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    Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Chicken legs marinated in Mexican chicken marinade.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Air Fryer Chicken Legs recipe offers a great combination of crispy skin and juicy meat. With the help of an air fryer, these chicken legs come out perfectly golden on the outside while staying tender on the inside. It's a simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a laid-back summer dinner.

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    Cold Soba Noodle Salad

    Cold soba noodle salad.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This cold noodle salad is great for outdoor meals. You can add your favorite protein or enjoy it on its own. It's a simple and refreshing dish that's perfect for warm summer evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Scampi can be whipped up in just 10 minutes, and it’s a delicious option for a quick meal or appetizer. The combination of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley creates a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen. This dish is perfect for those warm summer evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    One Pan Stir Fry

    Stir fried snow peas on a pan.
    Photo Credit: Healing Tomato.

    This vegan stir fry features fresh vegetables and basic spices, creating a quick and easy dinner option. It's a healthy choice that doesn't skimp on flavor, making it perfect for those warm summer evenings. Enjoy a nutritious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle

    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle.
    Photo credit: Flawless Food.

    This pasta dish offers a unique twist and is packed with flavor. It's simple to prepare and makes great use of canned shredded crab meat. The sauce combines garlic, parsley, butter, lemon, and tomatoes for a fresh and delicious meal.

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    Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad

    Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie

    The Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad is a super quick vegetarian dish that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. It features garbanzo beans, crunchy cucumber, Kalamata olives, juicy grape tomatoes, red onion, and plenty of fresh parsley, all mixed together with a light white wine vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for a refreshing meal on a hot summer day.

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    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a hit with everyone, from kids to food lovers. Filled with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, these wraps are full of flavor. They come together in just 20 minutes and are really simple to prepare.

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    Cobb Salad Wraps

    Cobb Salad Wraps.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    Cobb salad wraps transform the classic salad into a tasty and easy-to-eat meal. These wraps are perfect for summer evenings when you want something light and refreshing without spending too much time in the kitchen. Packed with all the flavors of a Cobb salad, they offer a convenient way to enjoy your favorite ingredients on the go.

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    Shrimp Curry

    Shrimp curry in a skillet.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This Shrimp Curry is a quick and tasty dish that brings the flavors of Thai cuisine right to your table. With aromatic red curry paste and rich coconut milk, it’s simple to prepare and ready in just 20 minutes. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This vegetarian halloumi pasta is quick and easy to prepare, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish, including chopping. It's a light and refreshing meal that highlights the flavors of fresh vegetables without any heavy cream. Perfect for summer evenings, this dish is a great way to enjoy a healthy dinner that feels satisfying and vibrant.

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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 dish that brings together juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that combines the flavors of seafood and pasta. It's a great option for busy summer evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This 10-minute Shrimp Carbonara offers a fresh take on the classic Italian pasta dish. It combines the creamy goodness of traditional Carbonara with tender, perfectly cooked shrimp. It's a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for summer evenings.

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    Salmon Stir-fry

    Salmon stir-fry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This stir-fry is packed with fresh vegetables and has a bright, citrusy taste that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect on its own or served alongside some rice. This dish is simple to prepare and great for those warm summer evenings when you want something light and easy.

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    Air Fryer Salmon Bites

    Salmon bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer salmon bites are quick and easy to prepare, taking only 5 minutes to cook. With a zesty citrus flavor, this dish is perfect for a tasty dinner any night. These flavorful salmon bites are sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Get on my Plate.

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is perfect for a simple family dinner or a dish that everyone will enjoy at gatherings. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, cooked pasta, and fresh veggies all mixed together in a creamy ranch dressing. This salad is filling and satisfying, making it a great choice for those warm summer evenings.

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    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is all about keeping things simple. It's quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for a summer dinner. Adding a nice piece of mozzarella or burrata on top takes it to the next level.

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    Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad

    Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Health Starts in the Kitchen.

    This shrimp Caesar pasta salad combines the rich flavors of a classic Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta and grilled shrimp. It's a fun twist on a traditional dish that adds a satisfying element to your meal. Perfect for summer dinners, this dish is light yet filling, making it a great choice for warm evenings.

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    Falafel Sandwich

    Falafel Sandwich
    Photo credit: Inquiring chef

    A falafel sandwich is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The soft pita or bread wraps around crispy, herby falafel, while fresh veggies add a nice crunch. Topping it all off is a rich drizzle of creamy tahini sauce, bringing everything together for a satisfying meal.

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    Margherita Flatbread

    Margherita flatbread pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Crispy flatbread topped with homemade pizza sauce, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese creates a really easy pizza option. This dish is perfect for summer evenings when you want something quick and satisfying. It's a fun way to enjoy pizza without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    BLT Wraps

    BLT Wraps.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    BLT Wraps offer a tasty twist for a picnic dinner. Packed with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, they provide all the classic flavors without the need for bread. These wraps are perfect for a laid-back summer evening.

    Get the recipe

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      20 No-Fuss Crockpot Recipes That Will Save You Time and Energy

    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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