10 Lazy Summer Dinner Ideas

The air feels heavy, and the sun doesn’t set fast enough. On days like this, those long, dry heatwave stretches, it’s hard to even think about standing over a stove.

That’s when I find myself craving some lazy summer dinner ideas. Something easy and flavorful that won’t heat up the whole kitchen or leave me sweating over a sink full of pots and pans.

I’ve been on the hunt for exactly that: light meals that help me survive the heat and satisfy my pasta-loving heart. If you’ve got recipes that match the ease and comfort of my penne pasta recipes, I’m all ears.

What I love about the kind of meals that fall under the lazy summer dinner umbrella is how forgiving they are. There’s no pressure to be perfect.

No need to marinate meat for hours or use every herb listed in the original recipe. Take my favorite Vietnamese bun bowl, no baking soda brine? Still amazing. Out of herbs? A handful of spring mix does the job.

Nuoc cham takes less than two minutes to make and doesn’t involve any cooking. This is the kind of shortcut magic I live for during the summer months.

And these quick meals go beyond just noodles. Think grilled romaine salads topped with tomatoes and feta, or pasta salad loaded with pesto, pine nuts, and grilled chicken.

Cold avocado soup with lump crabmeat? A dreamy 3-minute dinner. German-style potato salad, a big bowl of tomato cucumber salad, shrimp pasta salad, these dishes are so satisfying and don’t leave you feeling weighed down.

So tell me: what’s your go-to lazy summer dinner? I need more to keep the heat out of the kitchen and bring the joy back to dinnertime, especially ones that pair well with my penne pasta recipes.

10. Shrimp Tacos With Slaw

Shrimp tacos with slaw are a perfect choice for those lazy summer evenings. As one of the most refreshing summer dinner ideas, they offer a delightful mix of fresh flavors and crisp textures that are both light and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
• Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
2. In another bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro to create the slaw. Adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for a minute on each side.
4. Assemble the tacos: Place a few shrimp on each tortilla, top with slaw, and drizzle with hot sauce if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, flavorful shrimp tacos!

9. Margherita Flatbread Pizza

Margherita flatbread pizza is a fantastic choice for those warm summer nights when you want something easy and delicious. As one of the top summer dinner ideas, its crispy base, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant basil come together to celebrate simple, fresh ingredients that taste like summer on a plate.

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made flatbread or pizza crust
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet and spread a layer of marinara sauce evenly over the top.
3. Arrange the slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Remove from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves on top before slicing.
7. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Margherita flatbread pizza!

8. Watermelon Feta Salad

This watermelon feta salad is a refreshing and light dish perfect for those lazy summer dinners. As one of the easiest summer dinner ideas, the combination of sweet, juicy watermelon and salty feta cheese creates a contrast that excites the taste buds and keeps things cool and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 cups watermelon, diced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, and torn mint leaves.
2. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad, and toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy this cool and delightful salad!

7. Grilled Cheese With Tomato Slices

Grilled cheese with tomato slices is a classic summer dinner ideas that never fails to please. The gooey, melted cheese pairs perfectly with juicy, fresh tomatoes, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s simple, comforting, and ideal for warm evenings.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread (your choice)
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• Butter for spreading

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet. Add cheese slices on top, followed by tomato slices, and then the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
4. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the other side is golden.
5. Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and enjoy your delicious grilled cheese with tomato slices!

6. BBQ Chicken Wraps

BBQ chicken wraps are one of the perfect summer dinner ideas, combining tender chicken with tangy barbecue sauce, fresh veggies, and soft tortillas. This flavorful and easy-to-make meal is great for warm evenings when you want something satisfying but light.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1/2 cup cheese, shredded (optional)
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or any dressing of your choice)

Instructions

1. Mix Chicken and Sauce: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until well coated.
2. Prepare the Tortillas: Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Spread a little ranch dressing over each tortilla.
3. Add Fillings: Place a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce and cheese if using.
4. Wrap It Up: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it tightly from the bottom to the top.
5. Serve: Cut the wraps in half and enjoy them immediately, or wrap them in foil for a picnic!

5. Tuna Stuffed Avocados

Tuna-stuffed avocados are a refreshing and easy summer dish that packs a punch in flavor and nutrition. This simple yet satisfying meal combines creamy avocado with savory tuna salad, making it one of the best summer dinner ideas for a quick, healthy bite.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 can of tuna (5 oz), drained
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions or chives (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. Scoop out a small portion of the flesh to create more space for the filling.
2. In a bowl, mix together the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Spoon the tuna mixture into the avocado halves. Top with chopped green onions or chives if desired.
4. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a short while before enjoying.

4. Cold Noodle Bowl With Sesame Dressing

This cold noodle bowl is a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for lazy summer dinner ideas.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces soba noodles
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup to create the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cold noodles, carrot, cucumber, and green onions. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss well to combine.
4. Serve in bowls, garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro if desired.

3. Hummus Platter With Pita And Veggies

This hummus platter serves as a quick and delightful summer dinner ideas. The creamy texture of the hummus pairs perfectly with warm pita and crisp vegetables, making each bite a refreshing experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Pita bread, cut into wedges
• Assorted veggies (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions

1. Blend the Hummus: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
2. Prepare the Pita: Warm the pita bread in a toaster or on a skillet until soft and slightly toasted.
3. Chop the Veggies: Slice your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a serving platter.
4. Serve: Spoon the hummus into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle paprika on top. Serve alongside the pita wedges and veggies.

2. Turkey And Cheese Lettuce Wraps

Turkey and cheese lettuce wraps are a refreshing and light dinner option, perfect for those hot summer nights. They combine the savory flavors of deli turkey and your favorite cheese, all wrapped in crisp, crunchy lettuce leaves. These wraps are one of the easiest summer dinner ideas that are both low-carb and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 head of Romaine lettuce or Butter lettuce
• 8 ounces deli turkey slices
• 4 ounces cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill), for garnish
• Optional: mustard or mayo for spreading

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lettuce: Carefully separate the lettuce leaves, wash them under cold water, and pat dry.
2. Layer Ingredients: Place a few slices of turkey on each lettuce leaf. Add a slice of cheese on top, and if desired, spread a little mustard or mayo.
3. Add Tomatoes: Top each wrap with halved cherry tomatoes for added freshness.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs over the wraps for an extra flavor kick.
5. Serve: Roll or fold the lettuce around the filling and enjoy your wraps fresh!

1. No-Cook Charcuterie Dinner Board

A no-cook charcuterie board is perfect for lazy summer evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Include a mix of cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and crackers for a satisfying and easy meal. It’s one of the best summer dinner ideas for relaxing on the patio.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces assorted cured meats (e.g., salami, prosciutto)
• 8 ounces assorted cheeses (e.g., cheddar, brie, gouda)
• 1 cup mixed fresh fruits (e.g., grapes, berries, sliced apples)
• 1 cup assorted olives
• 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds)
• 1 baguette or crackers
• Honey or jam for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Gather all your ingredients and a large serving board or platter.
2. Start by arranging the cured meats in one section of the board, folding or rolling them for an appealing presentation.
3. Next, slice the cheeses and place them in a different section, combining various textures and flavors.
4. Add your fresh fruits, making sure to place different colors and shapes for variety.
5. Fill in the gaps with olives and mixed nuts to create a beautiful display.
6. Finally, place the baguette or crackers on the side and drizzle some honey or jam over the cheeses, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your no-cook charcuterie board!

Conclusion

Keep things easy and delicious with these lazy summer dinner ideas! Perfect for warm evenings, these quick recipes are light, flavorful, and hassle-free. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up the summer vibes.