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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    29 Easy Summer Dinners for Busy Nights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 14, 2025, updated May 14, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer evenings can be hectic, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice a good meal. With these 29 easy dinner ideas, you can whip up something quick and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. From fresh salads to simple grilled dishes, these recipes are perfect for busy nights when you want to enjoy the season's flavors.

    Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

    Air fryer katsu chicken.
    Photo credit: Piper Cooks.

    This breaded chicken is a simple take on the Japanese dish chicken katsu, featuring tender chicken coated in crunchy Panko breadcrumbs. With just four ingredients and only 12 minutes in the air fryer, it's perfect for a quick summer dinner.

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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.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Veggie Burger Bowl

    A veggie burger bowl.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This burger bowl is packed with fresh veggies and plenty of flavor. If you prefer meat, you can easily switch out the veggie burger for a regular one.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Chorizo Burgers

    Chorizo burger.
    Photo credit: 2 Cookin' Mamas.

    Chorizo Burgers offer a tasty twist on the classic burger. With a mix of chorizo and ground beef, they are juicy and have a nice kick, perfect for summer grilling.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Carbonara

    A bowl of halloumi carbonara.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This vegetarian carbonara swaps out bacon for halloumi, creating a delicious and satisfying dish. It's a great option for a quick and easy summer dinner.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook this quick Firecracker Salmon in just 15 minutes for a delicious dinner with spicy, tangy sauce and perfectly cooked salmon. This deliciously spicy salmon recipe makes for a quick and easy dinner that will be the star of your table.

    Get the recipe

    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

    Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto

    Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This Instant Pot risotto is a simple and quick way to enjoy a classic dish. It's perfect for summer dinners when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta

    Creamy lemon pesto pasta on a white plate.
    Photo Credit: Home Cooking Collective.

    This creamy lemon pesto pasta is made with a simple sauce that combines fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, pine nuts, herbs, and lots of cheese. It's a quick dinner that you can whip up in about 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    4-Ingredient Chili

    Chili.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This is a simple and filling meal that won't break the bank. You can whip it up with just four ingredients!

    Get the recipe

    Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

    Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This simple dinner comes together in just 20 minutes, making it great for busy nights. It's vegetarian as is, but you can easily make it vegan or add chicken if you prefer a meatier option.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties

    AIR FRYER TUNA PATTIES.
    Photo credit: 2 Cookin Mamas.

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties are a quick and easy meal that you can have ready in about 20 minutes. Simply mix canned tuna with some onion, red bell pepper, and garlic, then add panko crumbs and eggs before air frying them for 8 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken And Rice

    Spanish chicken thighs and rice with olives on a light plate.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This Spanish Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and filling one-pot meal that everyone will enjoy. It's a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed Sunday meal.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Kung Pao Chicken

    Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This dish is packed with flavor and is simple to prepare, offering a healthier option to your favorite take-out meal. With a great mix of salty and sweet, it’s sure to become a favorite for easy summer dinners at home.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Tostadas

    Chicken tostadas.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    Homemade Tostadas are simple to prepare and full of flavor. They feature crispy corn tortillas piled high with refried beans, chicken or ground beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings, making it a great choice for family dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Veggie Pesto Pasta

    A serving of veggie pesto pasta chicken.
    Photo Credit: Foxes Love Lemons.

    This meal is quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes with some clever cooking tips. It's a complete dish that's perfect for summer evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Chili Rubbed Chicken Thighs

    Chili rubbed chicken.
    Photo credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Broiled chili-rubbed chicken thighs are packed with flavor and made from easy-to-find ingredients. This is a juicy and satisfying dish that's perfect for summer dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Falafel

    Air fryer falafel.
    Image credit: Katie Trant

    This air fryer falafel is a tasty and healthy option compared to traditional deep-fried versions. With soaked chickpeas, you can have these vegan falafels ready in just 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burgers

    Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger
    Photo Credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    This dish features halloumi, lamb, and fresh herbs, all topped with grilled red onions and a generous layer of sun-dried tomato pesto. It's a great option for summer dinners.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    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

    Zucchini Lasagna

    Zucchini Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Grilled zucchini is stacked with a mix of herby garlic ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all smothered in rich red sauce. This dish brings the classic flavors of lasagna to your table in a simple and satisfying way.

    Get the Recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Lobster Tails

    A serving of air fryer lobster trails.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Lobster tails are cooked with a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce and air-fried until they're nice and tender. Serve them with lemon wedges for a refreshing summer dinner.

    Get the recipe

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      25 Weeknight Crockpot Meals You Can Set and Forget

    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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