Easy No-Oven Summer Sunday Dinner Ideas

The best Sunday dinner ideas for summer! These quick no-oven family summer suppers are perfect for hot weather weekend meals – with 5 ingredients or less!

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There’s nothing quite like a summer Sunday!

The days feel slower (in a good way), we get to be outside, and it’s extra fun to sit down to Sunday supper with family or friends.

That’s why I put together this list of easy Sunday dinners ideas for summer.

They’re light and fresh, perfect for picky eaters – while still hearty enough for the hungriest among us.

Best of all, none of them involve the oven!

After all, nobody wants to be stuck in a hot kitchen on a beautiful sunny day.

These easy-going summer Sunday dinners include:

• Flavorful grilled recipes
• No-fuss crockpot meals (that cook themselves)
• Quick stovetop dishes 

They all require few ingredients, making them budget friendly and super easy to make.

Whether you’re feeding your usual crew, hosting a laid-back celebration with good company …

… or just looking for something new to make, you’ll love these recipes!

Let’s check ‘ em out!

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken 

With bright, fresh flavors, this easy marinated Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken pairs nicely with a summer salad, grilled veggies, pasta or potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Juice of 2 lemons (or 4-6 tbs of jarred lemon juice)
• 3 tbs olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbs fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbs fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Directions:

1. Combine everything except chicken in a bowl to make marinade.
2. Place chicken breasts in marinade and let sit for 30 minutes (or up to 3 hours)
3. Grill chicken on medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165 F. 
4. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwiches 

Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a classic for a reason, and the Crockpot creates hands-off, super tender, fall-apart pulled pork smothered in tangy BBQ sauce.

Serve it on your favorite buns with coleslaw or other favorite sides for the ideal summer comfort food Sunday dinner.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1-2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder)
• 1 tso smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns

Directions:

1. Season pork with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Add pork, onion, and garlic to slow cooker, and pour over BBQ sauce.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours, or until pork shreds easily.
4. Shred pork with forks, and serve on buns.

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Easy stovetop Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta perfectly balances creamy indulgence and a little Cajun kick without too many ingredients. 

The sausage and pasta hang out in a spicy, creamy sauce, for the ideal summer cozy meal.

Ingredients: 

• 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbs Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbs olive oil

Directions:

1. Boil pasta per package instructions, drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, and saute sliced sausage until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Pour in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, then stir and simmer until sauce slightly thickens.
4. Add cooked pasta to skillet and combine with sauce and sausage until heated through.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki 

Greek Chicken Souvlaki may sound fancy, but it’s basically juicy marinated chicken grilled to perfection on skewers. 

The herbs and lemon give it a fresh kick, and it’s perfect for wraps or straight off the grill for effortless summer entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
• Juice of 1 lemon (or 3 tbs jarred lemon juice)
• 3 tbs olive oil
• 2 gloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder)
• 1 tbs dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, then add chicken cubes to marinade for at least 30 minutes.
2. Thread chicken onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
3. Serve with pita, hummus or tzatziki sauce, or a salad.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers 

A great use for those summer bell peppers, Crockpot Stuffed Peppers are healthy, inexpensive, and take about 10 minutes to prep.

Leftovers taste great as lunches throughout the week too!

Ingredients:

• 4-6 large bell peppers, with tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 1-2 cups cooked rice (the microwavele packets are so easy!)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Optional: 1 can black beans, drained

Directions:

1. Cook ground meat in a pan
2. Add tomatoes, black beans (if using) and taco seasoning packet with a splash of water to cooked meat. Stir in cooked rice.
3. Fill peppers with mixture and place in slow cooker, standing up.
4. Add about 1/2 cup water or broth to bottom of slow cooker so it’s not dry.
5. Cook on Low for hours or High for 3 hours, until peppers are tender, and serve warm.
6. Optional: Sprinkle peppers with shredded cheese, then replace lid until melted.

Grilled Flatbread 

Grilled Flatbread pizzas are totally customizable for your family’s tastes.

Make it with pizza sauce and traditional toppings, or use hummus and veggies for a Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients:

• 2-8 Naan bread (1 per person)
• Sauce options: Marinara, hummus, pesto, or alfredo
• Meat options: Grilled chicken, cooked bacon, pepperoni, ham, etc.
• Veggie options: Cherry tomatoes, red onions, olives, mushrooms, etc.
• Shredded cheese options: Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar

Directions:

1. Add toppings to Naan bread and transfer to medium heated grill.
2. Close the lid until cheese is melted and Naan is golden brown
3. Serve with salad or your favorite sides

For Mediterranean version: Heat Naan on grill for 2-3 minutes per side, then remove. Add hummus, tomato, onion, and cucumber, and serve (don’t return to grill).

BBQ Beef Sandwiches 

Shredded, saucy beef on soft buns, Crockpot BBQ Beef Sandwiches are the epitome of summer comfort food.

And this recipe is so easy that you’ll make it all year long.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• Bottle of BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, sliced
• Buns

Directions:

1. Add beef to slow cooker, then layer on onion slices and pour over BBQ sauce
2. Cook on Low for 8 hours
3. Shred and serve on buns

Peach BBQ Chicken 

Grilled Peach BBQ Chicken brings a sweet twist to the usual grilled chicken flavors. 

The peach-infused sauce is fruity, slightly tangy, and pairs beautifully with the smoky char from the grill. 

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup peach preserves
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tbs apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine everything except chicken into a sauce.
2. Coat chicken in sauce and let sit for 20 minutes.
3. Grill chicken over medium-high heat turning every 4-5 minutes, until cooked through.
4. Serve with corn on the cob, grilled veggies, or your favorite summer salad.

Garlic Butter Shrimp 

Garlic Butter Shrimp is quick but feels kinda fancy with the rich garlic butter sauce. 

Perfect for tossing with pasta, rice, or just eating straight up with a big piece of crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbs butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for about 1 minute.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve with your favorite summer sides.

Citrus Herb Grilled Pork Chops 

Give pork chops a zesty makeover with oranges, herbs, and a touch of olive oil. 

The citrus keeps the chops tender and juicy, while the fresh herbs add just enough kick to keep things interesting. 

It’s that kind of recipe you’ll want to bring out when you don’t want to fuss over-fancy prep, but still end up with a special dinner. 

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1 orange, juiced and zested
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 2 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine orange juice, zest, olive oil, herbs, salt and peppers in a bowl.
2. Coat pork chops in the mixture and let sit for 15-30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cook pork chops about 6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 145 F.

Crockpot Chicken Ranch Tacos 

Set it and forget it Chicken Ranch Tacos are always a hit!

The chicken can also be used for quesadillas, enchiladas, or nachos.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts
• Jar of salsa
• Packet of ranch seasoning mix
• Packet of taco seasoning mix
• Tortillas and your favorite taco toppings

Directions:

1. Add chicken, salsa, and seasoning packets to crockpot
2. Cook on Low for 6 hours
3. Shred chicken and serve with your favorite toppings

Grilled Turkey Burgers 

Ground beef burgers are always super delicious, but if you’re trying to make lighter fare, I highly recommend these Grilled Turkey Burgers.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tbs mayo
• 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 tbs garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns and burger toppings (ie. lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, avocado, condiments)

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl and form into equal-sized patties.
2. Grill 5-6 minutes per side, until interior temp reaches 165 F.
3. Serve on buns with favorite toppings.

Note: A nonstick grill mat really helps prevent the burgers from sticking!

Crockpot Balsamic Chicken and Veggies 

A full meal in one pot, sweet, tangy, and savory Balsamic Chicken Veggies cooks all day while you’re out doing fun summer things.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbs brown sugar
• 2-4 garlic cloves, minced (or garlic powder)
• Baby carrots
• Small potatoes, or 1-2 Russet potatoes, cut into chunks
• ¼ cup water

Directions: 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic and water.
2. Drizzle a little of the sauce over bottom of slow cooker, then add chicken, potatoes, and carrots, and pour remaining sauce over.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours

Simple Grilled Ribeye Steaks 

Nothing beats the satisfaction of a well-grilled Ribeye Steak. You only need salt, pepper, steak seasoning and a little oil to bring out the natural richness of this cut. 

The best part? Letting the grill’s heat do most of the work while you kick back with a cold drink. 

Ingredients:

• 2-4 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
• 2 tbs olive oil
• Steak seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Rub steaks with olive oil, then season generously with steak seasoning, salt and pepper
2. Preheat grill on high, about 450 F. 
3. Grill steaks for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for your preferred doneness.
4. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

No-fuss Honey Soy Glazed Salmon is the kind of dish that makes you look like a total pro even though you threw the ingredients together in 5 minutes. 

The glaze caramelizes beautifully for that mouthwatering finish. 

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 3 tbs soy sauce
• 2 tbs honey
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic

Directions:

1. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, and garlic.
2. Brush glaze over salmon filets.
3. Pan sear on the stove until cooked through. Serve with rice, veggies, or salad.

Alternate cooking methods: Bake at 400 F for 10-12 minutes, or grill oiled skin side down on medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes.

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs 

Full of tropical flavor, Pineapple Teriyaki Kabobs have all those summery vibes we crave all year. 

With minimal ingredients, it’s a very beginner-friendly recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken, cut into chunks
• 2 cups of storebought teriyaki sauce
• 1-2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh is best, but canned works too)
• 1-2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Marinate chicken chunks, pineapple and bell peppers in 1 cup teriyaki sauce for at least 15 minutes.
2. Thread onto skewers.
3. Place skewers on medium-high heat grill, turning regularly for about 10-12 minutes. Brush with reserved teriyaki sauce periodically, starting about halfway through.
4. Serve with rice, veggies, or Naan bread to make wraps.

Blackened Fish Tacos 

A little spicy and smoky but still cool and casual, Blackened Fish Tacos are a crowd favorite on warmer nights. 

The blackening spice gives the fish a bold kick, and wraps up deliciously with a simple slaw or avocado. 

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish filets (tilapia or cod)
• 2 tbs blackening seasoning
• 8-10 tortillas
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage, or coleslaw
• 2 tbs olive oil

Directions:

1. Coat fish with blackening seasoning on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook fish for 5-6 minutes per side.
3. Fill tortillas with fish, and top with cabbage or coleslaw. 

Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken 

Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Thighs marry the tang of mustard with the sweetness of honey, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. 

The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy exterior that pairs well with any side you’ve got on deck. 

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Directions:

1. Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. Coat chicken thighs evenly in honey mustard mixture. Let sit for at least 15 minutes, but up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high, then grill chicken thighs for about 8-10 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165 F.
4. Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with rice, pasta, veggies, or salad.

Crockpot Greek Chicken 

Greek Chicken makes excellent filling for pita, or on top of rice or salad. Super affordable, quick, and tastes great too.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ⅓ cup olive oil, combined with 3-4 tbs greek seasoning
• 1 small onion, sliced
• Pita bread
• Topping ideas: Feta, lettuce, tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, olives, cucumbers

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to slow cooker
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours
3. Shred and serve in a pita with feta and lettuce, or on top of a salad or rice.

Substitution ideas for Greek seasoning:

• Use ⅓ to ½ cup greek dressing instead of olive oil 
• Or use 2 tbs garlic powder and 1 tbs dried oregano 

Rosemary Garlic Grilled Pork Tenderloin 

Pork tenderloin gets a flavor upgrade with rosemary and garlic, a classic flavor combo that never disappoints. 

The grill locks in juiciness and gives it a gorgeous crisp crust that’s special enough for company but super easy too.

Ingredients:

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 2 lbs)
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper, and rub mixture all over the pork.
2. Heat grill to medium-high and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 145 F.
3. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing thin.

Beef & Bell Pepper Stir Fry 

Stovetop Beef & Bell Pepper Stir Fry is a lifesaver when it’s hot and you want something meaty and fresh in a pinch. 

This version keeps it simple, with tender beef and crisp bell peppers with minimal seasoning, letting the natural flavors shine. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced into strips
• 3 tbs soy sauce
• 2 tbs vegetable oil
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Optional additions: broccoli, onion, shredded carrots, sesame seeds, and green onion for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large pan over high heat, then add garlic and sliced beef, and sear until brown (about 3-4 minutes)
2. Add sliced bell peppers, and soy sauce, and stir-fry another 5 minutes until veggies are tender.
3. Serve with rice as desired.

Maple Mustard Grilled Chicken Breasts 

Sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard make for an easy glaze that turns grilled chicken breasts into something special. 

It’ll become your go-to for when you want juicy chicken and sweet-savory flavor without complicated sauces. 

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbs maple syrup
• 3 tbs Dijon mustard
• 1 tbs olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Whisk together maple syrup, mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper.
2. Coat chicken breasts and let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
3. Grill on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temp reaches 165 F.
4. Let rest a few minutes then serve with your favorite sides.

Spicy Sausage & Tomato Skillet 

Stovetop Spicy Sausage and Tomato Skillet marries the amazing flavor of spicy sausage with juicy summer tomatoes. 

It’s rustic, easy, and smells incredible while cooking. With just one skillet, dinner’s done before you know it.  

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spicy or Italian sausage (sliced or crumbled)
• 1-2 pints cherry tomatoes, or 3 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbs olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1-2 bunches of broccolini

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat, then add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through.
2. Stir in garlic, then add tomatoes and cook until soft and bubbling, about 6 minutes.
3. Add in optional broccolini and saute a few more minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.

Herb Lemon Grilled Flank Steak 

Flank steak has so much bold flavor, and this herb-lemon marinade really brings it out. 

The short marinade time makes dinner prep fast, and grilling gives the meat a great sear. Slice it thin and serve it with whatever you like. 

Ingredients:

• 1 flank steak (about 2 lbs)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 2 tsp mixed fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper. 
2. Poke steak with a fork on each side, then coat with marinade and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Grill on high heat for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, increasing time for preferred doneness.
4. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thin against the grain.

Mediterranean Grilled Swordfish 

Swordfish steaks get a fresh Mediterranean twist with olive oil, lemon, and oregano. 

It’s simple, fresh, and highlights the meaty texture of this fish. 

Ingredients:

• 4 swordfish steaks
• 3 tbs olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tsp dried oregano 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper.
2. Coat steaks with mixture and chill for 15 minutes.
3. Grill on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. Drizzle with extra lemon juice and serve.

Ready to try some new summer Sunday dinner ideas?

I hope this list of easy Sunday meals for summer has given you tons of inspiration for new recipes to try this season.

From quick stovetop meals to hands-off crockpot dishes, to unique grilled dinners, there are so many easy options to choose from.

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