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
The most delicious homemade BBQ burgers you’ve ever had, perfect for grilling for dinner or at your next outdoor party or cookout.
Mexican Style Shrimp
Camarones rancheros, aka Mexican style shrimp, is a rich and flavorful combination of shrimp, tomatoes, onions, serrano peppers, and spices, ready in less than 30 minutes,.
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
Customizable for your favorite veggie mix-ins, this Ramen Noodle Beef Teriyaki can be made in under 20 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights.
Summer Harvest Cheddar Quesadilla
Summer harvest cheddar quesadilla is filled with juicy ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh corn, basil and melted sharp cheddar cheese.
Ground Beef Fajitas
Perfectly seasoned tender ground beef, bell peppers and onions, all drizzled with a squeeze of lime juice, Ground Beef Fajitas are such a fun twist on the dish.
Open Face Tuna Melt Sandwich
This classic Tuna Melt has the perfect balance of creamy tuna, melted cheese and toasted bread. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Pizza Burger Sandwiches With Pepperoni
Pizza Burger Sandwiches With Pepperoni are easy to make 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 has a bright flavor combination that tastes just like a tropical vacation.
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Kebabs
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken kKebabs feature chunks of chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy huli huli sauce with peppers, onion, and pineapple.
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
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 Turkey Burgers.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Quick and Easy Chicken Caesar Wraps are light, healthy and delicious, and made in about 10 minutes. Perfect for the hottest days!
One Pot Sausage and Peppers
An easy weeknight meal, One-Pot Sausage and Peppers is a delicious dinner ready in under 30 minutes that doesn't dirty too many dishes.
Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
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!
Coconut Lime Salmon
Creamy Coconut Lime Salmon 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
Lemony Flank Steak with Pomegranate Molasses is so simple, but the flavor combination is sublime. It’s basically a 3-ingredient dish!
No-Cook Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
These quick, easy, no-cook Shredded Buffalo Chicken sandwiches are WW friendly and made with rotisserie chicken and caraway coleslaw.
Easy Grilled Pineapple Meatball Skewers!
You have to try these easy 20 minute Grilled Pineapple Meatball Skewers! They have such a wonderful sweet and tangy flavor.
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 takes just 15 minutes and is topped with homemade cilantro lime dressing, for all the fresh summer flavors.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Tinga Tostadas are fresh, full of flavor and absolutely delicious, and made in less than 30 minutes.
Loaded Italian Burgers
Italian Grilled Hamburgers have a unique mix of seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage, then piled high with grilled peppers, onions, juicy tomato, and melty fresh mozzarella.
Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice
Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice has plump shrimp and your favorite vegetables all in a delicious sauce for a healthier version of Chinese takeout.
Mexican Shredded Beef Salad
Salpicón is a refreshing and satisfying shredded beef salad bursting with the flavors of Mexico.
Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls
Super easy Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls are made with buffalo chicken tenders and fresh seasonal veggies.
Easy Pineapple Pork Chops
Easy Pineapple Pork Chops combine juicy and tender pork chops with the sweet pineapple, onion and garlic, and just a touch of honey for added sweetness.
15-Minute Pan Seared Salmon with Basil Tzatziki
Summer basil adds fresh flavor and a unique twist to tzatziki in this super-fast Pan Seared Salmon that yields moist, fall-apart filets with a carmelized crust.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Grilling the romaine lettuce, bread, AND chicken, alongside the easy tangy homemade dressing totally enhances this salad's flavor beautifully.
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.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
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
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.
Marinated Beef Kabobs
These Marinated Beef Kabobs are flavorful, tender, and easy to customize. And the longer you marinate the beef, the better they’ll taste!
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.
Lime Chicken Pasta Salad
Since this Lime Chicken Pasta Salad recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, it’is perfect for those hot, busy summer weeknights.
Sausage Broccoli Foil Packets
These few-ingredient Sausage Broccoli Foil Packets make a great dinner and only take 30 minutes to cook in the oven or the grill.
Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti
Vegetarian Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti has a delicious fresh summer taste and intense citrus flavor.
Doritos Taco Salad
One of our favorite family dinners is this Dorito Taco Salad recipe with Nacho Cheese Doritos, hamburger, beans, tomatoes and lettuce!
Tahini Marinated Grilled Chicken
Tahini Marinated Grilled Chicken is simple, quick, and crave-worthy. Put the chicken in the marinade in the morning for that tahini-lemon-garlic-and-herb yumminess.
Lobster Tails
Juicy, flavorful and buttery Lobster Tails are special enough for a holiday or upscale celebration menu, but quick enough for a weeknight.
Smoked Salmon Pizza
Smoked Salmon Pizza involves tender naan bread topped with cream cheese infused with herbs, smoked salmon, capers, onions, and everything bagel seasoning.
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.
Tuna Pasta Salad
This delicious Tuna Pasta Salad is filling, with a great balance of flavors and textures, for the perfect 15 minute summer meal.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Tangy and sweet, these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs with pineapple are quick and easy to assemble, and take just minutes to cook.
Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Pasta
Tomato Bruschetta Pasta has 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.
Pasta with Pancetta and Peas
Pasta with Pancetta and Peas is the perfect easy weeknight dinner made in less than 20 minutes!
Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
This Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad is 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.
Mexican Zucchini Skillet
Easy Mexican Zucchini Skillet has all your favorite taco ingredients mixed with light zucchini noodles for a low-carb, filling meal.
Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl
Mediterranean Quinoa Chickpea Bowl is topped with roasted cauliflower, Kalamata olives, and lemon tahini sauce for a beautiful medley of flavors.
Mexican Rice Bowls with Shrimp
Mexican Rice Bowls are topped with garlicky shrimp, avocado, fresh veggies, and a refreshing cilantro lime dressing.
Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a light, healthy dish that incorporates healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh veggies in one refreshing, nutritious dish.
Mediterranean Risoni Salad
Mediterranean Risoni Salad featured sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, fresh mozzarella, and pine nuts and tastes like summer.
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.
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.
Shrimp Poke Bowl
Full of fresh, healthy ingredients, this Shrimp Poke Bowl is filled with lean protein, whole grain brown rice, fresh veggies, and topped with a Sriracha mayo.
Sweet Corn and Zucchini Gnocchi Skillet
Sweet Corn and Zucchini Gnocchi Skillet is made with fresh zucchini and sweet corn in a light creamy lime sauce with fresh basil.
Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Quick and easy Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is full of fresh blistered tomatoes, basil, parmesan cheese, and garlic and comes together in about 15 minutes.
Salmon Sandwich
This delicious Salmon Sandwich is a restaurant-quality sandwich ready in under 30 minutes.
Quick Flatbread Pizza Margherita
Delicious Margherita Flatbread Pizza is delicious and easy to assemble using store bought naan bread. Perfect for when you don’t feel like cooking.
Summer Gnocchi with Basil Brown Butter
This Summer Gnocchi 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.
Healthy Greek Rice Salad
Whether it's served hot or cold, Greek Rice Salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy vegetables and grains in the summertime.
Avocado Bell Pepper Pasta
Creamy Avocado Bell Pepper Pasta is fresh and delicious with fresh basil, ripe avocado, roasted red peppers, garlic, and lemon juice.
Pesto Bowls with Roasted Potatoes and Summer Squash
Flavorful and fresh Pesto Bowls feature roasted summer produce, roasted potatoes, and homemade pesto.
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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