Summer is the perfect time for quick and easy dinners that the whole family will enjoy. With busy schedules and warm evenings, these 25 simple meal ideas will help you whip up delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. From seafood favorites to simple pastas, there’s something here for everyone to savor.
Smoked Salmon Fish Cakes

Crispy salmon fish cakes are simple to make and can be ready in about 20 minutes with just a few ingredients. A quick fry gives them a nice crunch on the outside while keeping them soft and tender inside.
One Pot Chicken And Rice
This one pot chicken and rice dinner uses simple ingredients and can be made in a dutch oven or cast iron skillet. It starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven, making it a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Peach Barbecue Glaze
This simple main dish features chicken covered in a sweet peach barbecue sauce. It's a quick and tasty option for summer dinners.
Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies
This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes with only 15 minutes of actual cooking time. It's loaded with veggies and flavor, and you can enjoy it hot or cold, whether you use homemade or store-bought pesto.
Salmon Tacos
Fresh salmon is seasoned and pan-fried in no time, then served with a simple Ginger Avocado Salsa for tasty Salmon Tacos. This is a healthy dinner option that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Blackened Chicken Thighs
Blackened chicken thighs are juicy and full of smoky flavor. They work great in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and bowls.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
This one-pot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is simple to prepare and great for family dinners. With chicken and broccoli, this pasta dish is a complete meal.
Chickpea Gyros
Chickpea gyros are a simple vegetarian meal that you can whip up in just 10 minutes on the stovetop, with only a few minutes of prep time. You can go from walking in the door to enjoying dinner in about 15 minutes!
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
This dish features juicy chicken paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It's a simple and quick way to enjoy a tasty Alfredo meal.
Grilled Mahi Mahi Foil Packets
Grilled Mahi Mahi foil packets are a great way to enjoy seafood during the summer. This dish features fresh Mahi Mahi cooked with vegetables, lime, and spices, all wrapped up for easy grilling.
Pesto Cavatappi
Pesto Cavatappi is a delicious version of the popular dish from Noodles & Company. With fresh homemade basil pesto, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Larb Gai
This Thai chicken salad is a quick and healthy option you'll want to prepare often. It features a flavorful base and is topped with crunchy peanuts.
Air Fryer Salmon
In just 20 minutes, you can have flavorful skin-on salmon cooked in your air fryer, perfect for a quick meal any night. Seasoned with lemon juice and lemon pepper, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta
This salmon pasta with crème fraîche and lemon is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, perfect for any weeknight dinner. Using fresh or frozen salmon, it offers a light and refreshing meal that you can enjoy all year long.
Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews
This caprese dish is simple to prepare and hearty enough to serve as dinner. It's perfect for warm summer evenings when you want something light yet satisfying.
Peanut Butter Chicken Rice Bowls
This dish is great for busy days when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time cooking. Marinate the chicken the night before, and then just cook it and serve it over rice for a quick and easy dinner.
Air Fryer Flautas
Loaded rolled tortillas are quick to prepare in just 10 minutes, making them perfect for taco night or as a fun snack for gatherings. They're a great option for busy summer evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Thai Cashew Chicken
This version of a favorite takeout meal is packed with chicken and fresh vegetables, bringing authentic Thai flavors to your table. It’s a quick and simple dish that you can whip up in just 35 minutes.
Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo
This sun-dried tomato alfredo sauce is quick to prepare and pairs perfectly with pasta. It's a great option for busy summer evenings when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that brings together juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This is a great meal for summer evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Juicy chicken, bell peppers, and onions cook together with a zesty seasoning for a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Just set it and forget it!
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Peanut chicken is a great option for a simple weeknight dinner. With just 5 minutes of prep and a tasty Thai-style peanut sauce, this dish is full of flavor and protein.
Air Fryer T-Bone Steak with Homemade Garlic Butter
Juicy T-bone steaks come out perfectly in the air fryer, and they're quick to prepare. Pair them with a simple garlic butter or your favorite sauce for a satisfying dinner.
Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas
This refreshing sweetheart cabbage salad comes together in just 15 minutes and is perfect for summer dinners. Packed with spinach, crunchy cabbage, and tasty chickpeas, it's topped with Parmesan cheese for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Asian Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
This recipe offers a tasty way to enjoy affordable chicken drumsticks during the grilling season. The Asian marinade gives them a nice sweet and salty flavor while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
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