Beat the heat with these 19 easy summer dinner recipes! Perfect for families, this list includes no-cook meals, summer salads, Crockpot and Instant Pot ideas, and budget-friendly recipes for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

19 Must-Try Summer Dinners for Hot Days
When the weather heats up, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. That’s why I’ve rounded up the best hot weather dinner ideas – perfect for those sweltering summer days when cooking feels like a chore.
These 19 Easy Dinners for Hot Summer Days are lifesavers for busy families who still want to enjoy delicious home-cooked food without the heat. You’ll find family-friendly meals that use the grill, Crockpot or Instant Pot.
Our Favorite Easy Summer Dinner Recipes
Enjoy these easy 19 budget-friendly recipe summer dinner ideas. Get ready to breeze through dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor this summer!

Tri Color Italian Pasta Salad
Perfect for family gatherings or summer picnics. This crowd-pleasing Tri Color Italian Pasta Salad is a winner even with picky eaters!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Wraps
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Wraps come together in under 15 minutes. It’s a light, quick, healthy, and delicious meal!
Greek Salad with Chicken
This delicious Greek Salad with Chicken and Avocado combines juicy baked chicken and fresh avocado over a homemade Greek salad for a flavorful, low-carb, healthy meal!
Barbecue Ribs with Blackberry Sauce
These Barbecue Ribs with Blackberry Sauce deliver a mouthwatering blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for grilling season and an unforgettable pork dish!
Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
Easy Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps pack bold flavor with just 7 ingredients and make the perfect low-carb, low-calorie, dairy-free dinner or snack!
Grilled Salmon Burgers
Fire up the grill for the best Salmon Burgers recipe—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside! These flavorful patties make a quick, easy, and healthy dinner the whole family will love.
Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
Quick and delicious Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Sliders feature melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and savory spices on soft Hawaiian buns—perfect for dinner, snacks, or game day!
Hawaiian Sliders
These easy Hawaiian Sliders Recipe are made with Hawaiian rolls, pineapple, and a tangy-sweet barbecue sauce for a flavor-packed bite. Perfect for a quick dinner, game day, or party, they’re a crowd favorite that’s both savory and sweet!
Butternut Squash Noodles with Tomato Sauce
Butternut Squash Noodles with Tomato Sauce offer a healthy, low-calorie twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs—without sacrificing flavor. Ready in just 10 minutes, this lean and green meal is perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.
EASY Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
This bold and creamy Chicken Tikka Masala comes together fast in the Instant Pot, delivering all the rich, spicy flavor of your favorite Indian dish with minimal effort.
Peanut Hearts of Palm Pasta
Spicy Peanut Hearts of Palm Pasta Stir Fry is a flavorful, low-carb dish that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken for a light, healthy and balanced dinner!
Olive Oil Hearts of Palm Pasta
This delicious low-carb Olive Oil Hearts of Palm Pasta dinner is packed with flavor, featuring Hearts of Palm linguine that lets you enjoy all the taste of pasta without the carbs. Gluten-free and perfect for a low-calorie diet, this simple meal is sure to satisfy!
Greek Chicken Skewers and Orzo Pasta Salad
This Greek Chicken Orzo Recipe is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty flavors in every bite. With its perfect balance of protein and carbs, it’s an easy, satisfying meal for any summer occasion!
Lemon Basil Salmon Foil Bake
Make this Sheet Pan Lemon Basil Salmon Foil Bake as a quick and easy low-carb dinner that comes together in just 5-10 minutes of prep. Healthy, flavorful, and perfect for salmon lovers, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress with minimal effort!
Easy Baked Chicken Wings
Crispy Easy Baked Chicken Wings are a game-day favorite, featuring a homemade barbecue sauce that adds a tangy kick to every bite. Whether you’re grilling or baking, this easy recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a backyard picnic.
BLT Wraps with Homemade Guacamole
Scrumptious BLT Wraps with Homemade Guacamole offer a fresh, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this easy recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Beef Tenderloin Salad with Homemade Honey Mustard
With a mix of cranberries and pears, topped with honey mustard dressing, this sweet and tangy Beef Tenderloin Salad is addicting!
Avocado Chicken Taco Salad
Try this quick and easy Avocado Chicken Taco Salad for a deliciously refreshing summer dinner recipe!
Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
Served cold, this easy Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect recipefor a summer picnic or pot luck party.
With these easy and refreshing summer dinner recipes, mealtime doesn’t have to be a hassle—even on the hottest days. Whether you’re whipping up a no-cook meal, tossing a fresh salad, or using your Crockpot to keep the kitchen cool, these simple recipes are perfect for keeping your family fed and happy all summer long.
More Easy Recipes for Summer:
- Best Summer Salad Recipes
- 60 Delicious Crock Pot Recipes
- 15 Easy Dinners Made with Pantry Staples
- 7 Easy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes for the Week
- 13 Best Sheet Pan Dinners
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