67 Easy Hot Weather Dinner Ideas for Lazy Summer Days
Easy hot weather dinner ideas! These are the perfect meals for hot summer days, when you just want a tasty dinner without all the fuss.
On hot summer days, it feels downright impossible to want to cook.
(They call them lazy summer days for a reason, am I right?)
All your regular dinners just aren’t cutting it, and you need new ideas.
You don’t want to heat up the house, or work too hard at it, but you still need to eat!
That’s why I put together a list of easy hot weather dinner ideas.
They’re easy and light, won’t heat up your kitchen, and can be on the table quickly.
So whether you’re looking for healthy summer dinners, easy vegetarian meals, or new unique shish kabob recipes to try, there’s something for you!
Pair one of these BBQ side dishes or delicious pasta salads recipes with it, and take the stress out of dinnertime.
Let’s dive into these recipes for hot weather!
💡 Psst: Want a whole YEAR of dinner ideas at your fingertips? Grab my One Year of Dinners Meal Plan, with 365 different recipes!
Easy Hot Weather Dinner Ideas
BBQ Cheeseburgers
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!
Mexican Style Shrimp
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.
Chili Cheese Dogs
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.
Ramen Noodle Beef Teriyaki
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.
Summer Harvest Cheddar Quesadilla
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!
Ground Beef Fajitas
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.
Open Face Tuna Melt Sandwich
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.
Pizza Burger Sandwiches With Pepperoni
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.
Lime & Cilantro Salmon
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.
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Kebabs
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.
Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa
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.
Simple Turkey Burgers
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.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
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.
One Pot Sausage and Peppers
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!
Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
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.
Coconut Lime Salmon
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.
Lemony Flank Steak with Pomegranate Molasses
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.
Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
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!
Easy Grilled Pineapple Meatball Skewers!
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!
Grilled Steak Tacos with Corn Salsa
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.
Avocado Chicken Salad
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.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas
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.
Loaded Italian Burgers
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!
Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice
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.
Mexican Shredded Beef Salad
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.
Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls
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
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.
15-Minute Pan Seared Salmon with Basil Tzatziki
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.
Perfect Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
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.
Pesto Grilled Salmon with Strawberry Cucumber Salsa
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!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
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.
Easy Shrimp Fajitas
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.
BLT Quinoa Bowls with Tangy Yogurt Dressing
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!
Marinated Beef Kabobs
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.
Easy Shrimp Scampi
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. Cleanup is easy, too!
Lime Chicken Pasta Salad
Since this lime pasta salad recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, it's perfect for those busy weeknights.
With the chicken, pasta, and romaine all served together, it’s easy to eat on the patio or deck.
Sausage Broccoli Foil Packets
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!
Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti
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.
Dorito Taco Salad
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.
Tahini Marinated Grilled Chicken
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.
Lobster Tails
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.
Smoked Salmon Pizza
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.
You can even cook it right on the grill to keep your kitchen cool.
Easy Shredded Chicken Parmesan Sliders
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.
Tuna Pasta Salad
This delicious Tuna Pasta Salad is the perfect 15 minute meal for warm summer evenings.
It’s filling, and a great balance of flavors and textures.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
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.
Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Pasta
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 Recipe
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.
Pasta with Pancetta and Peas
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.
Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
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.
Coconut Chicken Salad Sandwich
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.
Mexican Zucchini
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.
Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl
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.
Mexican Rice Bowls with Shrimp
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.
Prawn and Avocado Salad
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.
Mediterranean Risoni Salad
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.
Cream Cheese Pasta with Corn and Spinach
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.
Easy Italian Chopped Salad
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.
Shrimp Poke Bowl
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!
Sweet Corn and Zucchini Gnocchi Skillet
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!
Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
This quick & easy Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is the perfect light 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.
Salmon Sandwich
Prepare a Salmon Sandwich almost effortlessly by grilling or baking.
Either way, you'll end up with a restaurant-quality sandwich ready in under 30 minutes.
Quick Flatbread Pizza Margherita
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.
Summer Gnocchi with Basil Brown Butter
This summer gnocchi recipe is simple and satisfying!
Fluffy gnocchi in a skillet with farmers market veggies and a quick brown butter sauce.
Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach & Mushrooms
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.
Healthy Greek Rice Salad
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!
Avocado Bell Pepper Pasta
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!
Pesto Bowls with Roasted Potatoes and Summer Squash
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!
Ready to try some of these recipes for hot weather?
I hope this list of meals for hot summer days has given you lots of inspiration for easy summer dinners you can add to your meal plan.
From salads, sandwiches, and wraps, to light pasta dishes, and grilling recipes, there’s something for everyone!
And if you want even more dinner ideas, be sure to grab my One Year of Dinners Meal Plan bundle – you won’t have to come up with new ideas for a year!
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