The last thing you want to do on those scorching hot summer nights is to go into the kitchen and turn on the oven. Rather than making a full-course dinner that will heat up your entire kitchen and will require you 30 minutes of your time, why not make dishes that don’t require as much heat and can be prepared in under 10 minutes? With that in mind, here are 32 refreshing and delicious dinner ideas perfect for hot summer nights.
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32. Spinach & Tomato Pasta Linguini – Vegan & Easy Summer Recipe
This easy spinach and tomato pasta recipe is simple, fresh, and healthy! Perfect for your weeknight dinner, it takes less than 30 minutes to be ready! Kids just love it!!
Every day I have to make two different side dishes for our dinner or lunch. Pasta is my kids favorite side dishes. So I’ve been cooking pasta with vegetables for years. Pasta is a great option whenever I’m pressed for time or haven’t had a chance to prep anything in advance.
This easy and light tasting pasta makes a delicious meal all year round but is especially perfect during the summer. My garden is bursting with juicy tomatoes and fresh spinach and basil. So nothing is better than add these vegetables to a pretty and delicious dish.
31. Keto Lemon Pepper Chicken Kebabs Recipe – Best Summer Meal!
These lemon pepper chicken kebabs are soaked in a fresh lemon pepper marinade and perfectly grilled to get an amazing flavor. They make a perfect keto and low carb summer dinner.
I love making kebabs, especially chicken kebabs. I think everybody knows that chicken is the favorite meat in my home. Besides being cheap, it’s healthy and very versatile. There are thousands of recipes that you can make with chicken.
These lemon pepper chicken kebabs are perfect for a barbecue or a summer party. They can be grilled in the oven, on a Charcoal fire or in a grill pan on the stove. Lemon chicken has always been one of my favorite kinds of chicken. And this recipe is one of my favorite. I love the tangy lemon complimented by the kick of the black pepper, such a good pairing.
30. Salsa Verde Chicken Summer Dinner Recipe
Chicken bathed in green salsa is a culinary delight prepared with just 5 straightforward components. Despite its simplicity, the outcome is impressive.
The procedure involves draping chicken cuts with a pot of green salsa, a mix of Mexican cheeses, and traditional salsa before setting it to bake in the oven.
This uncomplicated, ‘toss in and let cook’ recipe is ideal even on a day full of activity.
Serve this entree alongside a fresh salad or a helping of rice, and voila, your evening meal is ready.
29. Gazpacho
Kicking off this roster with an undeniably favourite summer delicacy of mine.
Gazpacho might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but my conviction is that those who aren’t fans have yet to taste an excellently made one.
This frosty delicacy is invigorating, brimming with produce fresh from the garden, flaunting immaculate, natural flavours.
It possesses a significant tomato essence, but the addition of onions, cucumbers, bell peppers, basil, and garlic introduce an aromatic complexity, culminating in a soup with a rich, rounded palate.
This sensational, icy summer broth becomes a yearly ritual, timed perfectly with the bounty of fresh produce from my garden.
28. Linguine with Lemon & Tomatoes – Best Summer Recipe Perfect for Hot Day
Hold on, don’t just pass by without giving this a read.
The marriage of tart lemon notes with the rich umami of tomatoes is sheer harmony.
Embodying the essence of summer, this recipe thrives on freshness and cool elements.
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. Enjoy it hot, right from the skillet, or chilled after some time in the fridge.
Although the original version suggests linguine, feel free to substitute it with your preferred pasta variety.
27. Farmers’ Market Vegetable Pasta with Walnut Pesto
One of my summertime joys involves strolling through the farmers’ market in the early hours, followed by a cozy Sunday spent crafting culinary magic in the kitchen.
This vegetable pasta, graced with a walnut pesto, perfectly embodies that spirit.
Just grab some fresh produce, and roast them until they soften, imparting a velvety texture to your dish.
Finish it off with the rich, nutty walnut pesto and savor every bite!
26. Ramen Noodles with Miso Pesto for Hot Summer Night
Even though at first glance, combining ramen and pesto might raise a few eyebrows, I can assure you, it’s a delightful fusion of flavors.
Time to step out of your culinary comfort zone and explore the unfamiliar!
Of course, if the ramen feels a bit too adventurous, no worries at all.
You can certainly stick to the more traditional pasta varieties like linguini, penne, or tortellini.
But, one thing I strongly encourage you to experience is this transformative pesto sauce. It’s a must-try!
25. Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers stuffed to the brim can transform any mundane mid-week dinner into a vibrant occasion.
Firstly, we need to pause and acknowledge the spectrum of colors this meal exhibits. Seriously, just a glance is enough to appreciate its beauty.
Beyond the visual delight, this dish promises a multi-layered taste experience.
The crunchy and sweet bell peppers are filled to capacity with perfectly seasoned chicken fajitas and rice, crowned with cheese, and then baked until they achieve a golden hue.
Even without additions, the dish stands strong in its own right, but if you desire an extra indulgent touch, consider garnishing it with guacamole and sour cream.
24. Summer Chicken Vegetable Soup – Easy Summer Dinner Idea
Chicken noodle soup serves as my cold weather delight, and when summer hits, a chicken veggie soup is just as appreciated.
Much like a hearty minestrone, it provides an ideal solution for utilizing leftover vegetables before they spoil.
But this soup, which can be prepared in 30 minutes, is more than a mere rescue plan for perishables.
It’s brimming with nutrients, straightforward to whip up, and encompasses several beloved summertime produce.
Besides chicken and chicken broth, it features corn, zucchini, onions, fresh dill, green beans, kidney beans, and more!
To finish it off, a dollop of sour cream (or yogurt) and a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese is added. It’s hard to imagine a soup experience that surpasses this.
23. Spanish Almond Garlic Soup for Healthy Summer Dinner
The components for this soup might make you think, “Can I whip up something from the five final things left in my refrigerator?”
This could be the origin story of this soup.
Despite this, I’m thankful it came to life. With zero cooking needed, you can whip up this deliciously cool dish in just about 10 minutes.
Simply adhere to the instructions for prepping the ingredients – almonds, dried bread, garlic, sherry vinegar, apples, water, ice, salt, and olive oil – and sequentially add them to a blender.
Pulse everything until it achieves a silky, unified texture. Afterward, crown it with sliced green grapes.
It might give off vibes of a potential culinary catastrophe, but against all odds, it’s actually quite delightful.
22. Grilled Greek Chicken Salad for Hot Summer
This is no typical starter – it’s a salad full of character and color.
Imagine a vibrant mix of romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, avocados, and feta. It already promises a flavor-packed and vivid dish.
Then comes the key protein component – succulent grilled chicken thighs. Marinated in oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder, the chicken is not only moist and delicious but teeming with savory notes.
The whole ensemble is brought together by a luxuriously creamy tzatziki dressing, a blend of Greek yogurt, buttermilk, dill, lemon, garlic, and pepper.
Combine all of these elements in a bowl, and you’ve got an appetizer that is far from ordinary.
21. Chilled Avocado Soup
This soup carries a depth of creaminess and an ultra-smooth texture that makes it akin to a dip rather than a conventional soup.
The addition of fragmented bacon provides a textural element and a flavor boost, all achievable within a quick span of 15 minutes.
The garnish of green onions, bacon bits, and chopped tomatoes further enhances its appeal, bringing the perfect finish to the dish.
20. Spinach & Tomato Pasta Linguini – Quick and Easy Vegan Recipe
This effortless spinach and tomato pasta recipe is straightforward, wholesome, and bursting with freshness! Ideal for your weeknight meals, it’s ready in under 30 minutes! Kids absolutely adore it!!
Each day, I find myself preparing two distinct side dishes for our lunch or dinner. Pasta happens to be a top favorite among my children. Hence, I’ve spent years cooking pasta paired with various vegetables. Pasta becomes an excellent choice when I’m racing against time or haven’t had the opportunity to arrange anything beforehand.
This easy and subtly flavored pasta serves as a delightful meal throughout the year but truly shines during the summer. My backyard is overflowing with luscious tomatoes and fresh spinach and basil. Hence, there’s nothing more satisfying than incorporating these vegetables into a visually appealing and tasty dish.
19. Lemony Pea Summer Pasta
This easy peasy lemon pea pasta is all the rage the second summer rolls around the corner.
I love making this dish with fresh peas from my garden, yet you can definitely get away with frozen peas, which the recipe actually calls for.
Packed with rich ingredients and creamy goodness, you’ll lick the plate clean after your last bite.
While you should definitely enjoy this dish while it’s still warm, I recommend throwing it into the fridge to create a pasta salad for the next day.
18. Summer Zucchini Noodle Salad for Summer Dinner
There’s no superior way to embrace the balmy climate than with a summer zucchini noodle salad!
It’s the right moment to substitute carbohydrates with some delightful zoodles.
Why get burdened by starchy and glutinous foods when you can feel breezy and energetic post a scrumptious meal?
You certainly have the option to cook all the components, but I suggest the wholesome option of leaving them raw.
Expert advice: Do not hesitate to toss in some goat cheese for an added creamy texture.
17. Cheese Ravioli with Lemon Basil Butter Sauce
I’m utterly passionate about ravioli, even during the peak summer temperatures.
This is why this delectable meal adopts a more vibrant and refreshing strategy that won’t cause any sluggishness.
Why settle for a dense and creamy dressing when you can choose a savory lemon basil butter for a delightful garnish?
16. Greek Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Red Onion
This incredibly easy and swift Greek pasta medley is perfect to prepare in advance and store in your refrigerator.
Just dice some succulent Mediterranean produce like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for a delightful bite.
Remember to toss in a handful of olives and scatter some feta to truly relish this cuisine.
15. Mediterranean Style Creamy Chicken Salad
Mediterranean Style Creamy Chicken Salad is the Mediterranean chicken recipe you will want to eat all summer long! Shredded chicken is mixed with classic Mediterranean ingredients like Kalamata olives and feta cheese. This simple recipe only has 7 ingredients. Four of the ingredients come straight from a jar! Mediterranean chicken salad can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect dish to make for your next summer BBQ.
Check it here.
14.
You’ll love this No Bake Banana Pudding that’s quick and easy to put together. It’s made with homemade whipped cream and topped with shortbread cookies, which creates an amazing southern dessert!
Check it here.
13.
No Bake Key Lime Pie is a tart and tangy recipe that’s perfect for spring and summer! Cool and creamy key lime filling is topped with homemade whipped cream for an easy, no-bake dessert!
Check it here.
12. The Best Blt Pasta Salad
This BLT pasta salad is the perfect easy and creamy pasta salad recipe! Perfect for lunch, family gatherings and much more. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and so easy to make. You’ll be running to it again and again!
Check it here.
11. Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
This Easy Fruit Salad Recipe is made with fresh, ripe fruit and drizzled with a light orange juice dressing. Ready in under 20 minutes and made with no added sugars, learn all my tips and tricks for making the very best fruit salad and enjoy all summer long for breakfast, dinner, or dessert!
Check it here.
10. Healthy Mediterranean Salsa
Super Easy Mediterranean Salsa. Light, healthy and loaded with tons of flavor! This mediterranean cucumber salad makes a great appetizer or side dish! This recipe is gluten free and vegan!
Check it here.
9.
You’ll love this easy-to-make loaded vegetarian taco salad recipe. Protein-rich walnut meat with all the classic toppings of a taco tossed with crisp romaine lettuce and finished with avocado lime dressing. The perfect weeknight dinner or lunch option!
Check it here.
8. How To Make Spaghetti Squash In The Microwave
Do you love spaghetti squash but want an easier way to cook it? It’s so simple to make spaghetti squash in the microwave! Only about 12 minutes and you will have soft tender vegetable pasta just the way you like it! Then drizzle with some olive oil and spices! It’s the perfect t vegan plant based dish for any meal of the day.
Check it here.
7. Easy Buffalo Chickpea Sandwich
This easy buffalo chickpea sandwich is the perfect lunch for any kids or adult! Made in under 10 minutes, this sandwich is full of nutrition and plant based protein to keep you full for hours. This buffalo chickpea sandwich can be made gluten free and oil free.
Check it here.
6. Delicious Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp
When you need something light and fresh for dinner, make this grilled lemon garlic shrimp. It’s a classic seafood recipe that you will never get tired of.
Check it here.
5. Instant Pot Chicken And Rice
This Instant Pot Chicken and rice is the perfect one-pot meal for the whole family! Combine vegetables, chicken, rice, and spices, and get a delicious recipe that you can make in less than 15 minutes using your Instant Pot pressure cooker. See also instant pot side dishes for summer.
Check it here.
4. Gazpacho – Cold Spanish Soup
My favorite thing to eat during the summer is Gazpacho, a cold Spanish soup from the South of Spain. For me, eating spoonfuls of gazpacho feels like dipping into a cool pool and the scent is like a garden of fresh vegetables. Basically, Spain is my favorite country!
Check it here.
3. Simple Seasoned Salmon
This recipe is a hidden treasure in our household. Salmon isn’t part of our standard dinner rotation, but when we’re able to find it on sale, this recipe always “knocks it out of the park” with anyone sharing our table. It’s flexible — you can make it in the oven or on the grill — and is delightfully simple to prepare.
Check it here.
2.
I have no idea why I think of ribs only as a summer food. I was speaking with a friend a few weeks ago who was extoling the virtues of a new meal service she’s trying. She selects from a weekly menu, all of the components of the meals are shipped fresh to her and she assembles, cooks and serves. The recipes sounded inspired and mouthwatering.
Check it here.
1.
Tacos Al Pastor is a spicy, sweet taco recipe with pork and pineapple. This recipe is easy in the slow cooker any time of the year. Great recipe for making a taco bar too!
Check it here.
30+ Hot Weather Summer Dinners
Stay cool with these 32 easy summer dinner ideas , perfect for hot summer weather. Quick and easy meals to enjoy a summer night!
Ingredients
- Mediterranean Style Creamy Chicken Salad
- No Bake Banana Pudding
- No Bake Key Lime Pie
- Blt Pasta Salad
Instructions
- Choose any Refreshing Dinner Ideas For Hot Summer Nights from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Refreshing Dinner Ideas For Hot Summer Nights and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.