85 Quick & Easy Summer Meal Ideas for Busy (or Lazy) Days

This summer harvest cheddar quesadilla is filled with juicy ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh corn, basil and melted sharp cheddar cheese.

A delicious way to celebrate summer’s bounty!

This recipe makes the best barbecue hamburgers – perfect for grilling at your next outdoor party or cookout.

Use this easy recipe to make the most delicious homemade BBQ burgers you’ve ever had!

These Texas toast pizzas make pizza night at home easy! Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Using frozen garlic bread, you can then put your favorite pizza topics on, bake for 5 minutes and enjoy!

Switch it up this summer and try these easy and quick Ground Beef Fajitas!

Perfectly seasoned tender ground beef, bell peppers and onions, all drizzled with a squeeze of lime juice.

Serve it on tortillas or atop rice with your favorite taco toppings, or over rice for a tasty taco bowl.

This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken kebab recipe features chunks of chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy huli huli sauce with peppers, onion, and pineapple.

The sauce is bomb, and it's an easy flavorful dish that's perfect for summer grilling.

These are seriously the best chili cheese dogs!

There is nothing better than juicy hot dogs on a toasty bun, smothered in hot dog chili. Talk about the perfect summer comfort food.

If you love beef teriyaki and want a quick and easy meal, this Ramen Noodle Beef Teriyaki recipe is for you.

Customizable for your favorite veggie mix-ins, this dish can be made in under 20 minutes and is perfect for those busy weeknights.

These Pizza Burger Sandwiches With Pepperoni are a family FAVORITE!

So easy to make since it can be made in the crock pot so you can have it ready when you walk through the door at night.

This simple, yet incredibly flavorful Fried Cabbage with Sausage is a hearty and savory one-pot meal.

It's perfect for a quick and easy (and inexpensive!) weeknight dinner.

This classic tuna melt recipe has the perfect balance of creamy tuna, melted cheese and toasted bread.

Ready in under 30 minutes it's perfect for a hearty lunch or busy summer weeknight dinner.

An easy weeknight meal, One-Pot Sausage and Peppers is a delicious dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

No need to wash a ton of dishes, this dinner is made in one, nonstick pot!

These grilled boneless skinless chicken thighs have a sweet and spicy dry rub that adds so much flavor.

They come out juicy and cook in less than 15 minutes for a quick meal. Eat them on their own with your favorite summer side dish, or use them on a sandwich, salad, or wrap.

These quick, easy, no-cook Shredded Buffalo Chicken sandwiches are WW friendly and made with rotisserie chicken and caraway coleslaw.

They're perfect for summer or anytime you need a fast no cook meal!

You have to try these easy Grilled Pineapple Meatball Skewers! It has a wonderful sweet and tangy flavor.

A simple summer dinner that's kid-friendly and on the table in less than 20 minutes!

Tinga Tostadas are absolutely delicious and the perfect summertime dinner for a crowd or picky eaters.

They are fresh, full of flavor and absolutely delicious, and made in less than 30 minutes.

These flavor-packed Italian Grilled Hamburgers feature a unique mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, all seasoned with zesty, savory Italian spices, and piled high with grilled peppers and onions, juicy tomato, and a warm, melty slice of fresh mozzarella.

They’re easy to make, plus you can prep them in advance – so even a busy weeknight can feel like a festive backyard grill party!

These buffalo chicken rice bowls are the perfect summer meal!

Made with easy buffalo chicken tenders and full of fresh seasonal veggies this is a meal everyone will love!

Easy pineapple pork chops combine juicy and tender pork chops with the sweet and sour flavors of pineapple, onion and garlic, and just a touch of honey for added sweetness.

This quick pork skillet is the perfect quick weeknight meal. Plus, cleanup is quick with just one pan.

If you’re craving a lighter fare that checks all the right flavor boxes, then you need to make this easy Grilled Pesto Salmon with Strawberry Cucumber Salsa.

Flaky, flavorful salmon served with fresh and fun strawberry cucumber salsa is the perfect summertime dish!

If you love easy dinners with simple ingredients then look no further than these Chicken Burgers in the air fryer.

With very little prep and cook time, these air fryer ground chicken burgers are a healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

These Marinated Beef Kabobs are flavorful, tender, and easy to customize.

The longer you marinate the beef, the better they’ll taste, so prep them the night before or morning of, and just toss them on the grill before serving.

This yummy chicken taco spaghetti is the perfect family friendly meal that comes together quickly and tastes so good.

It’s an excellent pantry staple dinner to have in your repertoire!

Savor the rich, mouthwatering flavors of these succulent Garlic Butter Pork Chops, perfect for an easy summer dinner or an indulgent weekend feast.

This easy-to-follow recipe combines the tenderness of juicy pork chops with the irresistible aroma of garlic and the richness of butter, creating a dish that will undoubtedly leave everyone asking for them again and again.

A perfect summer dinner idea for seafood lovers, this shrimp and garlic pasta is as quick to make as delicious it is to eat.

It breaks the boredom of “the same old thing” for dinner, and can be on the table in less than half an hour. Clean up is easy, too!

Baked chicken leg quarters is a simple all-in-one sheet pan dinner that’s simple and easy to make!

This dish looks impressive, but requires minimal prep and few ingredients. Make it for guests, or in the spring or late summer when you start craving a bit more comfort food.

This delightful spaghetti al limone with ricotta has a delicious fresh summer taste and intense citrus flavor.

All you need is fresh ricotta and basil, lemons and grated Parmigiano or vegetarian parmesan to make the no-cook sauce.

Keep the regular oven off and make this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe that’s ready in just under 20 minutes.

It’s healthy, delicious, and the perfect mixture of crispy and juicy!

Who doesn’t love a one-pan dish that’s easy to put together, has great flavor and is a great freezer meal?

This Baked Tortellini can be prepared in just a few minutes, which also makes it ideal for meal prep.

One of our favorite family dinners is this Dorito Taco Salad recipe with Nacho Cheese Doritos, hamburger, beans, tomatoes and lettuce!

So easy to make (or make ahead), it’s a delicious way to eat tacos in a cold, refreshing salad. If you're kids or husband don't like salad, they might just eat this one.

You are only 6 ingredients away from enjoying a delicious chicken fajita bake.

Best of all, you can prepare in advance and toss in the oven for a quick and delicious dinner tonight.

This pizza with smoked salmon is a cheerful burst of flavors.

Crusty naan bread forms the base, topped with cream cheese infused with herbs, smoked salmon, capers, onions, and a generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.

Shredded Chicken Parmesan Sliders take only minutes to put together and are a great way to use leftover (or rotisserie) chicken.

From the crispy rolls to the melted cheese, this recipe is a family-friendly, low maintenance take on classic Chicken Parmesan.

Crockpots are perfect for summer because you won’t heat up your kitchen, and dinner is ready when you’re back from your fun summer activities.

Ranch Chicken Casserole is an all-in-one slow cooker meal that can easily be prepped and frozen before cooking, making it the perfect freezer meal.

Pasta with pancetta and peas is the perfect easy weeknight dinner made in less than 20 minutes!

Thick cut pancetta is cooked till perfectly crispy, mixed with green peas, then tossed with orecchiette pasta and grated parmesan cheese.

This over-the-top chicken salad sandwich is easy to make ahead and a fun twist on the classic version.

The surprise ingredients make it extra hearty. Serve it on a tasty roll, sliced bread, or eat it atop a salad or with crackers.

This quick recipe makes moist turkey burgers in no time.

If you’re trying to eat less red meat, or want a healthier version of a summer burger, you won’t feel like you’re missing out with these flavorful patties.

Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken with mango salsa is bursting with sweet, spicy, smoky flavors!

Easy, fresh, healthy and delicious served over rice or as filling for tacos.

Camarones rancheros, aka Mexican style shrimp, is a rich and flavorful combination of shrimp, tomatoes, onions, serrano peppers, and spices.

In less than 30 minutes, you can have this healthy summer dinner on the table.

This lime and cilantro salmon is quick and easy to put together and perfect to enjoy on a summer evening.

The bright flavor combination tastes like a tropical vacation.

These Quick and Easy Chicken Caesar Wraps are light, healthy and delicious!

They are made in about 10 minutes and are perfect for a summertime lunch or simple dinner.

Ripe, juicy hollowed out tomatoes are stuffed with hearty tuna salad before being topped with spiced Havarti cheese.

Just like the iconic open faced sandwich, these are baked in the oven– roasting the tomatoes and baking their flavor right into the tuna while melting the cheese to form a golden brown crust on top.

This creamy Coconut Lime Salmon comes together in just one pan and in less than 30 minutes.

It is lightly sweet and a little tangy. Serve it over rice, noodles, or with your favorite veggies for an easy dinner.

So simple, but the flavor combination is sublime. Also fabulous with lamb chops!

The sauce is created while the meat rests -- amazingly easy. Plus, it’s basically a 3-ingredient dish.

This Italian herb chicken is packed with flavor, and comes together fast in your skillet in just 20 minutes for a quick summer dinner.

Serve it alongside your favorite summer side dish, or even on top of a salad or in a wrap.

Grilled Steak Tacos with Cucumber and Corn Salsa are the perfect warm weather dinner.

Spicy skirt steak topped with the freshest cucumber and grilled corn salsa.

This quick avocado chicken salad recipe takes just 15 minutes to make if you use leftover (or rotisserie) shredded chicken.

Topped with homemade cilantro lime dressing, it has all the fresh summer flavors.

If your favorite traditional Chinese dish on the take-out menu is fried rice, you'll love this healthy dinner version of Chinese takeout.

Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice has plump shrimp and your favorite vegetables all in a delicious sauce.

Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a dish perfect for busy weeknights that the entire family will love.

Salpicón is a refreshing and satisfying shredded beef salad bursting with the flavors of Mexico.

Keep your kitchen cool by using an Instant Pot to cook the beef easily and quickly. It’s the perfect main dish salad for hot weather dining.

Summer basil adds fresh flavor and a unique twist to tzatziki in this super-fast dinner recipe!

Pan Seared Salmon yields moist, fall-apart filets with a flavorful, crisply caramelized crust on top.

A fresh take on a salad classic. Grilling the romaine lettuce, bread, AND chicken totally enhances the salad's flavor beautifully.

The smokiness from the grill, alongside the easy tangy homemade dressing is truly a winning combo.

If you need a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, then look no further than this shrimp fajitas recipe!

With juicy shrimp and a flavorful fajita filling, this dish is sure to become a favorite on your regular rotation.

Crispy bacon, spicy arugula, and juicy tomatoes are placed atop a bed of quinoa and drizzled with a tangy yogurt dressing.

Make this for the perfect meal prep lunch or satisfyingly easy dinner!

Since this lime pasta salad recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, it’is perfect for those busy weeknights.

With the chicken, pasta, and romaine all served together, it’s easy to eat on the patio or deck.

These low carb foil packets make a great dinner and only take 30 minutes to cook in the oven or the grill.

You’ll love that there’s only a few ingredients!

Tahini Marinated Grilled Chicken is simple, quick, and crave-worthy.

Put the chicken in the marinade in the morning and leave it to get happy in all that tahini-lemon-garlic-and-herb yumminess.

Then just throw it on the grill or pop it in the oven that evening.

These lobster tails are juicy, flavorful and buttery! And the whole recipe only takes 20 minutes to make.

It’s special enough for a holiday or upscale celebration menu, but quick enough for a weeknight.

This delicious Tuna Pasta Salad is the perfect 15 minute meal for warm summer evenings.

It’s filling, with a great balance of flavors and textures.

Tangy and sweet, these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs with pineapple are the ultimate weeknight meal.

Quick and easy to assemble, minutes to cook, and perfect for the entire family.

This easy Mexican Zucchini is made in one skillet and is sure to be a family favorite.

You will love your favorite taco ingredients mixed with light zucchini noodles creating a low-carb, filling meal.

These Mexican Rice Bowls are ready in 30 minutes, and a wonderfully fresh take on Mexican flavors.

They're topped with garlicky shrimp, avocado, fresh veggies, and a refreshing cilantro lime dressing.

This sweet corn and zucchini gnocchi skillet is the perfect summer skillet with fresh zucchini and sweet corn in a light creamy lime sauce with fresh basil.

There’s nothing like sweet corn and zucchini to make a meal feel like summer!

Prepare this delicious Salmon Sandwich almost effortlessly by grilling or baking.

Either way, you'll end up with a restaurant-quality sandwich ready in under 30 minutes.

Prawn (aka shrimp) and avocado salad is a light, healthy dish for lunch or dinner.

This salad is a great way to incorporate healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh veggies in one refreshing, nutritious dish.

Feel good about dinner with this easy and hearty Italian chopped salad, with a zesty homemade Italian dressing that will knock your socks off.

You won’t miss the sub bun with all this flavor.

Full of fresh, healthy ingredients, this shrimp poke bowl is a feast for the eyes and your stomach.

It’s a satisfying meal filled with lean protein, whole grain brown rice, fresh veggies, and topped with a Sriracha mayo that packs a spicy punch!

A savory Tomato Pie is a perfect way to use up an abundance of Summer produce.

With thick slices of juicy tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, & bright red onion- it’s piled high in a buttery pie shell & topped with a cheesy spread.

Perfect for brunch or dinner, this tomato pie recipe is a simple Southern delicacy that delivers big flavor.

This quick & easy Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is the perfect light vegetarian summer dinner.

It is full of fresh blistered tomatoes, basil, parmesan cheese, and garlic. Best of all, it comes together in only about 15 minutes.

This delicious Margherita flatbread pizza recipe is going to be your new favorite flatbread pizza.

It’s delicious and easy to assemble using store bought naan bread, making for a tasty light summer lunch or dinner meal when you don’t feel like cooking.

Couscous is tossed with basil leaves, cucumbers, olives, and tomatoes.

It’s all dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette to make a refreshing, light dinner for hot days.

This summer gnocchi recipe is simple and satisfying!

Fluffy gnocchi in a skillet with farmers market veggies and a quick brown butter sauce.

This light, summery Greek orzo salad is filled with veggies, herbs, and a bright lemony vinaigrette.

Serve it alongside your favorite bread for a light summer meal!

Need a quick weeknight dinner perfect for a hot summer night? This zesty lemon ricotta pasta is the perfect recipe.

Featuring ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil in a creamy garlic lemon ricotta sauce, it’s comforting yet light at the same time.

This grilled halloumi sandwich is a satisfying weeknight dinner, ready in only about 15 minutes!

Halloumi cheese slices and onions are grilled (or pan-fried) and layered with tomatoes, lettuce, and a quick garlicky mayo.

Summer pasta is a quick and easy no-cook sauce that’s perfect for summertime.

Fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and balsamic vinegar add so much flavor and texture to the tomatoes!

Panzanella salad is a hearty, main dish salad utilizing fresh summer tomatoes, basil, cucumbers, bell peppers and onions.

Combined with toasty bread, fresh mozzarella, and the best homemade dressing, what’s not to like?!

Grill or toast the bread on the stovetop if you don’t want to turn the oven on.

This Mediterranean Quinoa Chickpea Bowl makes the perfect healthy lunch or light dinner.

It's topped with roasted cauliflower, Kalamata olives, and lemon tahini sauce that creates a beautiful medley of flavors.

This chunky eggplant and zucchini pasta is quick to make in just 30 minutes and features hearty vegetables that are roasted to bring out maximum flavor.

You can make this pasta dish year-round but it’s best in the summer when these versatile vegetables are cheap and abundant.

These healthy and delicious 5-minute vegan tacos are satisfying and delicious, and loaded with nutritious fillings that you can easily customize.

This Mediterranean Risoni Salad (aka orzo salad) is quick and easy to make. It tastes of summer and is great as a lighter meal on a hot day.

Tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, fresh mozzarella, and pine nuts make it extra special and definitely flavorful.

This delicious vegetarian pasta recipe is made with only 10 basic ingredients and gets ready in less than 20 minutes.

A quick, easy, and inexpensive comforting dish that's loved by everyone.

Loaded with the goodness of fresh juicy cherry tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms this easy pasta recipe gets ready in less than 30 minutes.

It’s vegan, hearty, and full of summer flavors.

Whether it's served hot or cold, this Greek Rice Salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy vegetables and grains.

Perfect for summer cookouts and potlucks or a light weeknight dinner, this healthy dish is sure to be a hit!

This creamy avocado bell pepper pasta is fresh and delicious with fresh basil, ripe avocado, roasted red peppers, garlic, and lemon juice.

Best of all, you will have dinner on the table in 20 minutes or less, no chopping required!

These fresh bowls feature roasted summer produce, roasted potatoes, and homemade pesto.

This is a vegetarian dish that is downright popping with color and flavor!

This strawberry goat cheese salad is the perfect spring and summer salad!

Made with fresh strawberries, goat cheese, spinach, walnuts & pine nuts, then drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette with a hint of cinnamon.

This crispy pan fried gnocchi is a simple and quick recipe to make in only 20 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.

Crispy gnocchi coated in a light sauce made with garlic, herbs, butter and parmesan.