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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    25 Easy Summer Dinner Ideas for Busy Families

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 17, 2025, updated May 6, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    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

    Fish cakes.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    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.

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    One Pot Chicken And Rice

    One Pot Chicken And Rice Dinner from Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Peach Barbecue Glaze

    Chicken with sweet barbecue glaze served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Modern Honey.

    This simple main dish features chicken covered in a sweet peach barbecue sauce. It's a quick and tasty option for summer dinners.

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    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

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    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

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    Blackened Chicken Thighs

    Blackened chicken thighs.
    Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    Blackened chicken thighs are juicy and full of smoky flavor. They work great in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and bowls.

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    Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

    Chicken broccoli alfredo with wooden spoon.
    Photo Credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

    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.

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    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    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!

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    Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

    Chicken alfredo on a plate.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    This dish features juicy chicken paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It's a simple and quick way to enjoy a tasty Alfredo meal.

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    Grilled Mahi Mahi Foil Packets

    Grilled Mahi Mahi Foil Packets
    Photo Credit: Fearless Dining.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Cavatappi

    Pesto Cavatappi.
    Photo credit: The Belly Rules the Mind.

    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!

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    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

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    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

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    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

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    Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews

    Caprese salad with cashews.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

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    Peanut Butter Chicken Rice Bowls

    Peanut butter chicken rice bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    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.

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    Air Fryer Flautas

    GROUND BEEF FLAUTAS.
    Photo credit: The Urben Life.

    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.

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    Thai Cashew Chicken

    Thai cashew chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    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.

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    Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo

    5-Ingredient Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo
    Photo Credit: Girl Gone Gourmet.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    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!

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    Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

    Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    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.

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    Air Fryer T-Bone Steak with Homemade Garlic Butter

    T-bone steak with garlic butter.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas

    sweetheart cabbage salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

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    Asian Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

    Asian chciken drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Mom Foodie.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      30 Summer Crockpot Comfort Foods That Cooks While You Relax
    • Air fryer hasselback potatoes.
      37 Perfect Side Dishes to Pair with Your Favorite Steak
    • Pasta with pancetta and peas.
      22 Easy Pasta Recipes With Few Ingredients

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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