When it’s hot outside, the last thing I want to do is spend a ton of time in my kitchen!
I also don’t want to eat a heavy meal.
So to keep things light and refreshing, I like to keep some recipes on hand that hit the spot without causing a sweat.
No, this isn’t a list of salads (although there are a couple of delicious ones on here).
These recipes are full of flavor and fresh ingredients and perfect for those sticky, sun-soaked evenings!
Healthy Summer Meals
When it’s hot out, heavy meals just don’t hit the same.
That’s why I love recipes that are light, refreshing, and full of seasonal ingredients.
These ones are easy to make and will leave you and your family feeling satisfied!
1. Grilled Chicken and Watermelon Salad
I never thought of pairing chicken with watermelon until I found this recipe!
Marinate chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Grill or barbecue them until they are cooked through.
While that’s happening, cube some fresh watermelon and toss it with arugula, cucumber, and crumbled feta.
Slice the grilled chicken and lay it over the salad, drizzling with balsamic glaze and a little extra olive oil.
Serve everything chilled or serve the chicken a little warm to contrast with the cool salad.
2. Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
I love this twist on classic tacos!
Season some shrimp with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lime, then saute or grill them.
For the slaw, mix shredded cabbage with Green yogurt (zingy and creamy!), lime juice, and a touch of honey.
Warm up some corn tortillas until they are soft and bendy.
Load up each one with a spoonful of slaw, a few shrimp, and sliced avocado.
Sprinkle the tacos with cilantro and a few chili flakes if you want to add some heat.
3. Quinoa and Veggie Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are super simple to make and perfect for warm summer evenings!
Cook quinoa and mix it up with some black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and chopped spinach.
Season the mix with cumin, smoked paprika, and a dash of salt.
Cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds, filling each half with the quinoa mix.
Bake everything at 375°F until the peppers are tender.
For some creaminess, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado on top before serving!
4. Cold Soba Noodle Bowl with Veggies
To make this dish, cook soba noodles according to the package and rinse under cold water.
Toss the noodles with shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, edamame, and green onions.
Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a bit of maple syrup for the dressing.
Drizzle the sauce over the noodles and mix well.
Top with sesame seeds and a few crushed peanuts for crunch.
5. Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs
This salad has such a refreshing taste!
Rinse and drain a can of chickpeas and toss them in a bowl.
Add some diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped parsley.
Squeeze over fresh lemon juice and add a splash of olive oil.
Season the salad with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano.
Chill the whole thing for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend together before serving.
6. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
Spiralize fresh zucchini into noodles and set them aside.
Halve cherry tomatoes and sauté them lightly in olive oil.
Stir in the zucchini noodles just until warmed through.
Toss everything with a few spoonfuls of pesto and a handful of grated Parmesan.
Garnish with extra basil and toasted pine nuts if you have them.
7. Greek Chicken Lettuce Wraps
To make these delicious and healthy Greek chicken lettuce wraps, start by seasoning some chicken with oregano, garlic, lemon juice, and a little olive oil.
Grill or pan-cook the chicken until it’s done then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Lay out large romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
Fill each with chicken, diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a few crumbles of feta.
Add a drizzle of tzatziki or a quick yogurt sauce.
8. Black Bean and Corn Salad
Combine canned black beans and corn with diced red pepper, jalapeño, and red onion.
Add lime juice, olive oil, and chopped cilantro.
Mix well and season with salt and cumin.
Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to soak in the flavor.
Serve on its own or as a topping for grilled meat or tacos.
9. Tuna and White Bean Salad
In a bowl, combine canned tuna (in water or olive oil) with drained white beans.
Add chopped red onion, parsley, and a little celery for crunch.
Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
Add salt, pepper, and a small spoonful of Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
Gently toss until everything is well mixed.
10. Grilled Veggie and Hummus Wraps
Grilled veggie and hummus wraps are super healthy and tasty!
Slice zucchini, peppers, and eggplant and grill until everything is nicely charred.
Spread a generous layer of hummus on a whole grain wrap and add the grilled veggies along with a handful of greens.
Roll it up tightly and slice in half.
These can be served warm or cold, depending on your mood!
11. Avocado and Egg Salad Sandwiches
To make avocado and egg salad sandwiches, hard boil some eggs, peel, and mash them gently with ripe avocado.
Add a splash of lemon juice, chopped chives, salt, and pepper.
Spread onto toasted whole grain bread and add crisp lettuce or cucumber slices for texture.
Serve open-faced or as a full sandwich.
12. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
For something with an earthy taste, try these stuffed mushrooms!
Clean and stem large portobello mushrooms, then brush with olive oil.
Roast them gill-side up at 400°F for about 10 minutes.
Stuff the mushrooms with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and torn basil leaves. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction and season with salt and pepper.
Cooling Hot Weather Meals
When it comes to cooking meals in the summertime, there’s no need to overcomplicate things!
It’s all about keeping things simple, tasty, and laid-back.
Here are some more of my favorite summer dinner recipes:
13. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
To me, BBQ pulled pork sliders just taste like summer!
Slow cook pork shoulder with BBQ sauce, garlic, onion, and a splash of apple cider vinegar until tender.
Shred the meat and toss it back in the juices to soak up flavor.
Toast some slider buns and pile on the pulled pork.
You can add coleslaw for crunch and a hit of tang.
Make sure you serve warm with napkins nearby because these get messy!
14. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Cut chicken thighs into chunks and marinate in teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Thread onto skewers with bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple.
Grill them until they are cooked through and lightly charred.
Brush with some extra teriyaki sauce while grilling for a sticky glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onion before serving.
15. Grilled Pineapple Burgers
This is one of my family’s absolute favorite summer meals.
And it’s so easy to make too!
Grill pineapple slices until caramelized and slightly charred, and cook some burger patties to your liking (don’t forget to toast the buns).
Stack the burgers with lettuce, cheese, grilled pineapple, and a dollop of BBQ sauce.
Add red onion or jalapeños if you want some kick!
16. Cold Pasta Salad with Salami and Olives
Cold pasta really hits the spot on summer nights.
Boil pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
Toss it with chopped salami, black olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.
Add a splash of red wine vinegar and olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder.
Let it chill before serving for maximum flavor!
17. Crispy Fish Tacos with Lime Crema
If you thought the shrimp tacos sounded delicious, get ready for these crispy fish tacos!
Coat white fish fillets in seasoned breadcrumbs or cornmeal and pan-fry until golden.
Mix up a quick lime crema with sour cream, lime juice, and garlic.
Warm your tortillas and layer with fish, shredded cabbage, and the crema.
Add a little salsa or hot sauce if you’re feeling bold.
Serve with lime wedges on the side.
18. Street Corn Nachos
This recipe was inspired by one of my favorite food truck treats!
Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet and top with roasted corn, crumbled cotija, and shredded cheese.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Drizzle with sour cream mixed with lime and chili powder.
Sprinkle chopped cilantro and a little hot sauce over the top.
Serve right away so the chips stay crisp.
19. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Halve and seed fresh jalapeños, then fill them with cream cheese.
Wrap each one in a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Bake or grill until the bacon is crispy and the peppers are soft.
Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your mouth.
These disappear fast, so make extra!
20. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Boats
To make this recipe super quick, grab a rotisserie chicken from your grocery store!
Shred the chicken and toss with buffalo sauce and a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Spoon the mix into romaine or butter lettuce leaves and top with chopped celery and crumbled blue cheese.
They’re spicy, creamy, and crunchy all at once!
21. BLT Pasta Salad
Cook short pasta and cool it down under cold water.
Toss with chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced avocado.
Mix in a little mayo and ranch for a creamy dressing.
Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice.
It’s basically a sandwich in salad form.
22. Grilled Flatbread with Prosciutto and Arugula
Grilled flatbreads are so yummy, and this one is no exception!
Brush store-bought flatbread with olive oil and grill until lightly charred.
Top with prosciutto slices, arugula, and shaved Parmesan.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze. You can also add fresh figs or peaches for a sweet touch.
Slice into wedges for easy sharing.
23. Watermelon and Feta Skewers
These skewers are sweet and salty, making them perfect for a summer meal!
Cut watermelon and feta into cubes.
Thread onto skewers with mint leaves in between.
Drizzle with a little honey and lime juice.
Chill before serving for a refreshing bite.
24. Korean Beef Lettuce Cups
Cook ground beef with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of brown sugar until caramelized.
Spoon into crisp lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots, cucumber, and green onion.
Add a drizzle of sriracha or sesame oil for extra flavor.
Serve with a side of rice if you want to make it a full meal.
25. Summer Sausage and Cheese Platter
Slice summer sausage and pair it with a variety of cheeses like cheddar, brie, gouda, whatever you’ve got.
Add grapes, crackers, pickles, and maybe a little jam or mustard.
Arrange everything on a cutting board or tray.
I love throwing this platter together for lazy nights or last-minute gatherings!
Keep It Cool and Delicious All Summer Long
Summer dinners don’t have to be boring or a chore.
With a mix of fresh, healthy options and fun, flavorful favorites, there’s something here for every kind of evening.
When the heat cranks up, these meals help you keep your cool without sacrificing taste.
Try a few, mix things up, and make dinnertime the part of summer you actually look forward to!
