Long, hot days mean summer dinner plans often look like low-effort, light meals. That means nothing that involves standing over the stove too long, and lots of fresh, light ingredients.
Ideal summer meals are full of fresh in-season fruits and vegetables, meats that can be cooked without lots of efforts such as on the grill, and pre-made elements that are easy to add in such as cheeses, chips, and sauces.
These meals are various combinations of those elements. Full of surprising combination and new twists on old favorites, if you are looking for meal options that you can pull together quickly, and easily, you have plenty of choices here. Even better, these meals are full of fulfilling and flavorful elements that won’t feel heavy after a long hot day.
Light Meals That Make For a Perfect Summer Dinner
1. Gyro Bowl
Packed full of flavor with plenty of fresh foods, this Greek bowl is quick, delicious, and easily customized.
2. Elote Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are a summer staple, but have you had them like this? Step up your hot dogs with this Elote hot dog recipe that feels like summer in a bite!
3. Strawberry Caprese Salad
Strawberries are one of the best parts of summer so why not go all out with this strawberry caprese salad that pairs the fresh, sweet strawberries with creamy burrata and sweet and tangy toppings.
4. Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad
Salad is always a good option when going for a light meal but to bulk it up for a more substantial dinner meal, this Balsalmic steak makes for an ideal addition.
5. Shrimp Cobb Salad
A light and refreshing seafood take on the traditional cobb salad that can be fulfilling but light enough for a summer dinner.
6. Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad
A more balanced, lightweight take on Buffalo chicken that is easy to throw together for an easy dinner option.
7. Steak and Gorgonzola Nachos
This fun take on nachos spins everything on its head but remains super simple to throw together to make for an easy dinner that does not require standing over the stove.
8. Greek Style Grilled Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad
Mediterranean flavors blend exceptionally well in this tasty seafood pasta salad.
9. Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Sheet Pan
Incredibly easy to make as a sheet pan meal that is full of flavor but not weighty.
10. Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula
This is a bright and refreshing take on pasta for dinner that allows for a delicious pasta dish that does not feel heavy!
11. Summer Coconut Chicken Curry
Super flavorful and the perfect amount of bright fruits balanced with the spices of the dish and super easy as a one-pot meal
12. Ahi Tuna Wonton Nachos with Wasabi Mayo
These Ahi Tuna Nachos are perfect for when you’re looking for something easily thrown together but elevated. The wasabi mayo really makes it stand out.
13. Miso Butter Salon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde
While your Salmon bakes in the oven, you can easily and quickly prep the rest of this flavorful dish and have an easy, and healthy, summer dinner that is perfect after a long, hot day.
14. Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salsa
This grilled hot honey chicken is bound to become a summer dinner favorite. Paired with a sweet but bold corn salsa makes this the perfect option for a light meal that still works for dinner.
15. California Sushi Bowl
After spending time in the heat, most days all you want is something on the colder side. That doesn’t leave a lot of options for dinner, but this California sushi bowl is the answer.
16. One Pan Pineapple Chicken Tacos
When looking for an easy dinner option, one-pan meals are always a good option. Who wants more dishes to do? This one-pan pineapple chicken recipe creates perfectly delicious tacos perfect for a tropical summer dinner night.
17. Prosciutto and Balsamic Greens Flatbread
This flatbread recipe not only tastes amazing with these simple but well paired ingredients, it is also incredibly easy to prepare.
18. Tomato Galette
Seasonal produce will always win and there is not much better in the summer than ripe tomatoes used well. Looking for an easy and light meal, this tomato galette is calling your name.
19. Layered Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
It does not get much easier than this amazing pasta salad, layer in some fresh vegetables, some mozzarella, a little chicken, and a dash of balsamic and dinner is ready.
20. Greek Chicken Bowl
Look for light and easy? Have this Greek chicken bowl. With a few simple steps, and some prime ingredients, dinner is ready.
21. Sweet Corn Gazpacho
Gazpacho is the best way to do soup in the summer, and this amazing sweet corn Gazpacho is one of the best ones to try out.
22. Grilled Balsalmic Chicken with Strawberries and Feta
Summer recipes are no stranger to strawberries and balsamic but have you added chicken? If you’re a fan of the sweet and tangy combination, you will love this.
23. Artichoke Salad with Goat’s Cheese and Lime Yogurt
Less lettuce, more artichoke. Swapping out your greens in this recipe lends to a bold and unique salad option that is incredibly easy to throw together in a few minutes.
24. Caccio e Pepe Pizza
Sometimes simple is just better, and that cannot be more true with this peppery and creamy delightful caccio e pepe pizza that is an easy answer to “What’s for dinner?”
25. BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad with Cilantro Ranch
You probably have not seen BBQ chicken done like this but this full and flavoral chopped salad is the perfect option when you’re looking for a light meal that still satisfies.
Leave the long and hot days feeling good with these summer dinner recipes that are not only refreshing, but easy to make. Still need more inspiration? Check below for even more light meal ideas that make for a perfect spring or summer meal.
More Light Meal Ideas & Recipes
