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    Home » Uncategorized

    56 Easy Summer Dinners All Done In Under 30 minutes

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 10, 2023, updated August 10, 2023 - Leave a Comment

    Summer is all about enjoying the sunshine and spending less time in the kitchen. To help you do just that, we've collected 56 easy recipes that will bring the flavors of summer to your table in 30 minutes or less. From vibrant salads to sizzling grilled delights and refreshing pasta dishes, these quick and easy meals will leave you more time to soak up the sun and savor the season with family and friends.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.

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    This 15-minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is an irresistible combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Follow this simple recipe to create an effortless meal that blends the best of seafood and pasta into a delicious dish the whole family will love.

    Get the recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This 10-minute Shrimp Carbonara is a delicious twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. All the creamy texture of traditional Carbonara, with the addition of perfectly cooked shrimp. A delightful fusion that will satisfy your cravings for both seafood and pasta, all with an easy no-fail no-cream carbonara method!

    Get the recipe: Shrimp Carbonara

    Pasta with Pancetta & Peas

    Pasta with peas and pancetta.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    Pasta with pancetta and peas is the perfect easy weeknight dinner made in less than 20 minutes! Thick cut pancetta is cooked till perfectly crispy, mixed with green peas, then tossed with orecchiette pasta and grated parmesan cheese.

    Get the recipe: Pasta with Pancetta & Peas

    Mexican Chicken Marinade

    Air fryer chicken legs.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This zesty Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe is a quick, flavor packed addition to your dinner. Bursting with vibrant spices and tangy citrus, this marinade will transform ordinary chicken into a super tender fiesta of flavors. Get the recipe: Mexican Chicken Marinade

    Coconut Lime Chicken Pasta

    Coconut Lime Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Craft Cookbook.

    This Coconut Lime Chicken & Pasta recipe is an easy way to add some variety to your weeknight meal rotation! If you’re tired of classic pasta sauces, this tangy coconut lime sauce will be a refreshing change of pace, and the whole meal comes together in about half an hour!

    Get the recipe: Coconut Lime Chicken Pasta

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Craft Cookbook.

    This lobster and scallop pasta is the perfect option for a special occasion meal at home! The recipe is loaded with lobster and scallops, coated in a tangy lemon garlic wine sauce! If you’ve never prepared lobster at home before, this is a great first recipe to try! It uses lobster tails, which are so much easier than preparing a whole lobster.

    Get the recipe: Lobster & Scallop Pasta

    Grilled Halloumi & Peaches

    Grilled halloumi and peaches.
    Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

    Here's a simple summer meal that's fresh, healthy and absolutely delicious! Salty Halloumi cheese turns crispy and melty on the grill, making it a perfect pair for the jammy, sweet charred peaches. A hefty mound of arugula, spicy jalapeños and a sweet and tangy honey lemon vinaigrette bring it all together for an awesome gluten free, vegetarian salad that's great for dinner, lunch or even brunch! Get the recipe from Coley Cooks.

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Load you standard salmon filets with garlic butter & wrap in bacon for a delicious meal the whole family will love.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Air Fryer Hamburgers

    An air fryer burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    With quick prep & less 10 minutes of cooking you can make the best Hamburgers in Air Fryer. Juicy and perfectly cooked, and all ready to serve with your favorite burger toppings!

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    White Bean Panzanella

    White Bean Panzanella.
    Photo credit: J Cooking Odyssey.

    This Tuscan Bread Salad is a hot weather saviour! In this Italian-style recipe, ripe juicy tomatoes are combined with white beans, toasted bread and tossed in an aromatic tomato and white bean dressing. Get the recipe.

    Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

    Shrimp tacos.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Taco tuesday just got even easier with the help of your air fryer.

    Get the recipe from Sustainable Cooks.

    Orzo Pesto Salad

    Orzo Pesto Salad.
    Photo credit: Healthfull Blondie.

    This orzo pesto salad recipe is packed with veggies, fresh mozzarella, and tossed in homemade nut-free basil pesto. Serve it for dinner, lunch, or as a side for a summer cookout! Get the recipe.

    Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

    Air fryer salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Learn how to cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer for a delicious, flavor packed, quick & easy dinner. The salmon comes out perfectly cooked with lots of lemon flavor, and tastes as good as when cooked from fresh.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Red Pesto Pasta with Roasted Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Done in under 30 minutes with just 15 minutes of active prepping & cooking this red pesto pasta is packed with veggies & flavor. Easy to make with homemade or store bought pesto - and with a great recipe for the homemade version included.

    Get the recipe: Red Pesto Pasta with Roasted Veggies

    Black Lentil Salad with Feta

    Black Lentil Salad with Feta.
    Photo credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    This Mediterranean Black Lentil Salad with Feta is bursting with flavor! Easy to make, a great source of protein, and meal prep friendly for dinners or lunches. Features healthy lentils, creamy feta, crisp veggies, and a simple vinaigrette. (Gluten Free, Vegan option) Get the recipe.

    Vermicelli di Positano

    Vermicelli di Positano.
    Photo credit: The Pasta Project.

    This fresh tomato vermicelli di Positano recipe is great for summer. You only have to cook the pasta and marinate the vegetables and herbs. Perfect for vegetarians and vegans, easy, nutritious and delicious!

    Get the recipe.

    One Pan Fish & Broccoli in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

    A skillet full of fish and broccoli in lemon caper sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Silky, savory, delicious lemon butter caper sauce pairs so well with fish & broccoli. All made in one pan!

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Lemon Basil Pasta

    Lemon Basil Pasta.
    Photo credit: A Sweet Alternative.

    This simple balsamic roasted asparagus is a delicious side dish to serve with this pasta. Or try serving it with these oven roasted bell peppers. They’re quick and easy to make.

    Get the recipe.

    Apple Risotto with Marcona Almonds

    Apple risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make this delicious Apple Risotto loaded with apple flavors in 35 minutes. Apple Risotto is a delicious side dish or meal on its own, topped with crunchy Marcona almonds. Follow my no-stir risotto method for the creamiest, easiest risotto!

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

    Fish tacos.
    Photo credit: Sweet Tea and Thyme.

    If you're tired of the same old tacos and want to mix things up, then you have to try this grilled fish taco recipe with homemade mango salsa! The combination of perfectly grilled flaky white fish and sweet 'n' spicy mango salsa is a match made in heaven - the flavors are so bold and vibrant that you'll be craving these tacos all week long. Plus, this recipe is super easy to make, so even if you're short on time, you can whip up a batch of these tacos in no time. Get the recipe from Sweet Tea and Thyme.

    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is loaded with veggies for a healthier dish you'll love.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Grilled Lemon Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make the best Lemon Chicken Marinade in just a few minutes with simple, healthy, ingredients. It's great for grilling, pan frying and oven baking. With olive oil, lemon & basil the chicken comes out so juicy, tender and loaded with flavor.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    The best salmon version ever - all done with just 3 ingredients.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Halloumi Portobello Burgers

    A portobello halloumi burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

     These Halloumi Burgers are certainly "extra everything" - topped with mashed avocado, a whole portobello mushroom, crumbled chèvre cheese, peppery arugula and sweet caramelized onions. Easy to make and a sure crowd pleaser!

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Roasted Sweet Potato & Feta Cheese Salad

    A plate of sweet potato salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

      If you're craving a healthy salad, this sweet potato version is just what you need. Warm and filling, and great the next day as well.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

    A spoonful of shrimp risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto is loaded with shrimp & asparagus and amazing flavor from lemon, basil and parmesan. A quick & easy dinner that's done in 40 minutes - and fancy enough for any dinner party. Follow my no-stir risotto method, and succeed in making the creamiest risotto every time!

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes & Halloumi

    A bowl of zucchini noddles, halloumi and cherry tomatoes.

    A healthy "noodle" dish loade with flavor.

    Get the recipe from Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.

    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp are super easy to make and take 3-5 minutes to cook. Seasoned with garlic & paprika for incredible flavor, and topped off with fresh parsley for a green touch.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Salmon Stir-fry

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

    This quick stir-fry loaded with veggies has a light & citrusy flavor profile you'll love - and is just as good served on its own as with a side of rice.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Smoked Salmon Risotto

    Smoked salmon risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make this super easy no-stir Smoked Salmon Risotto in just 30 minutes! Loaded with amazing lemon, asparagus and cold smoked salmon flavor and sure to quickly become your go-to dinner party dish.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A healthy Thai dish you'll be making every week.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon creme fraiche pasta in a pan.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

      Done in 15 minutes & crazy delicious this salmon crème fraîche pasta with lemon and chives is a true weeknight winner. Made with fresh or frozen salmon, crème fraîche makes it a bit lighter - for a summery pasta you'll love having year round.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Crispy Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon, soy sauce and furikake seasoning is all you need to make this flavorful salmon dish!

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make the halloumi wraps that everyone loves - kids and foodies included! - and be the star of your next picnic or road trip. With halloumi cheese, red pesto (store-bought is fine), avocado and walnuts these wraps are packed with flavor, done in 20 minutes and super easy to make.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    You won't find a simpler pasta dish than this.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Healthy salmon is seasoned lightly, pan-fried quickly, and deliciously paired with a super easy Ginger Avocado Salsa to make the perfect healthy Salmon Tacos. All with just a few short minutes of cooking, loads of health benefits and even more taste!

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Greek Pasta Salad

    Greek pasta salad.
    Photo credit:

    A bright, light, refreshing Easy Greek Pasta Salad full of fresh vegetables and topped with a tasty dressing- a perfect summer salad. The simplicity of this salad is incredible, and the taste is amazing.

    Get the recipe.

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Loaded with flavor and just as delicious served on top of pasta, as it is for an appetizer with a side of bread.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Green Mango & Seafood Salad

    Green Mango & Seafood Salad.
    Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

    This Vietnamese Green Mango Salad with Seafood (Goi xoai xanh) is refreshing and delicious with contrasting flavors and textures complementing each other. It is also quick and simple to make. Get the recipe.

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

      20-minutes (chopping included!) is all you need to make this delicious, vegetarian halloumi pasta loaded with veggies. A light and summery dish without cream, this is a great summer dinner that lets the veggies shine.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews

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

    A quick and easy caprese version that's filling enough for dinner.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Caprese Pasta Salad

    A bowl of caprese pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Leftovers Then Breakfast.

    Caprese Pasta Salad is an easy and delicious summer salad full of fresh ingredients! A tangy balsamic dressing ties the fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tender pasta together for the perfect side dish to any potluck or BBQ.

    Get the recipe from Leftovers Then Breakfast

    One-Pot Grek Salmon with Feta & Peppers

    A plate of rice, salmon and veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    A tasty salmon dinner loaded with flavors, and all made in one pot - including the rice!

    Get the recipe from FODMAP Everyday

    Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

    Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Naturallie Plant Based.

    As the warm weather settles in, there's nothing better than this Strawberry Balsamic Vegan Tofu Pasta Salad with vibrant, juicy strawberries, marinated balsamic tofu, fresh spinach & basil, and creamy feta cheese. Enjoy this as a side dish for a picnic, BBQ, or weeknight main dinner! Get the recipe.

    Tuna Tostadas

    Tuna tostadas.
    Photo credit: Midwexican.

    These tuna tostadas are just the delicious summer dinner you need! Light, flavor packed and so delicious.

    Get the recipe from Midwexican

    Tuna Pasta Salad

    Tuna Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Homemade Interest.

    Tuna pasta salad is packed with veggies and fresh flavors. This tuna noodle salad calls for no mayo, which makes it a great, low calorie dish perfect for sharing. Get the recipe.

    Lamb Burgers with Tahini Sauce

    A plate with salad, a lamb burger, and dressing.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This lamb burger gets its Mediterranean flavor from lots of fresh herbs; a combo of oregano, mint, dill and parsley, and a good dose of feta and cumin. And that Tahini sauce is what takes it over the top!

    Get the recipe from FODMAP Everyday

    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    A plate with pesto pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Nutmeg and Vinegar.

    This chicken pesto pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer. This healthy, simple salad that is quick to prepare and perfect for a BBQ! Get the recipe.

    Cod Piccata

    Cod piccata.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This easy recipe for cod in a creamy picatta sauce makes a quick 30-minute dinner recipe your family will love. Creamy, a bit briny, and so so good! Get the recipe from Lavender & Macarons.

    Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl

    Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl.
    Photo credit: Fresh Apron.

    This Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a quick and easy weeknight meal. It's ready in less than 30 minutes and is filled with all those delicious summer flavors. Get the recipe.

    Roast Salmon with Spring Greens

    A plate with salmon and spring greens.
    Photo credit: Australian Gluten-Free Life.

    For a show-stopping fish dish that looks as good as it tastes, look no further than our Roast Salmon with Greens. Best of all, it’s really easy to prepare. Get the recipe.

    Spicy Southwest Salad

    Spicy Southwest Salad.
    Photo credit: The Oregon Dietitian.

    Chicken is marinated in honey, fresh lime juice, and seasonings, then grilled to perfection is already delicious. Placed on atop a bed of lettuce, avocado, fresh vegetables, and smothered in homemade spicy ranch dressing, this is a salad you just cant't beat! Get the recipe.  

    Pappardelle Pesto Pasta with Veggies

    A bowl of pappardelle pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta dish is quick and simple to put together. With delicious noodles, flavorful pesto, and nutritious vegetables, you get a restaurant-quality meal at home in under 30 minutes. Get the recipe from Piping Pot Curry.

    Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad

    Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad.
    Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

    Vietnamese beef noodle salad (bun bo xao) is packed with fresh herbs, flavorful beef, and refreshing lime fish sauce dressing. It takes only 30 minutes to make, and you can enjoy it either as a main or side dish. Get the recipe.

    Greek Marinated Chicken

    A plate with chicken.
    Photo credit: A Cedar Spoon.

    These Greek Marinated Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce uses a simple Mediterranean marinade that creates a flavorful chicken that is grilled and topped with a tangy Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce. You will love this healthy, protein packed summer meal. Pair this with a fresh summer salad for a complete meal! Get the recipe.

    Watermelon Panzanella

    Watermelon Panzanella.
    Photo credit: Pretty Delicious Life.

    This Watermelon Panzanella salad is the perfect easy, fresh summer salad recipe! It uses just a handful of fresh, easy to access ingredients for an incredibly impressive dish. Highly customizable to any taste or dietary needs by making a few simple swaps detailed in this post. Get the recipe.

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    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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