Quick and Easy Summer Dinners: Ideas to Keep You Cool and Satisfied

 

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, have fun with friends and family, and relax. The last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking dinner. Luckily, there are plenty of quick and easy summer dinner ideas that are both delicious and simple to prepare. Here are some great recipes and tips to help you whip up tasty meals without breaking a sweat.

Tacos!

Tacos are always a hit and they’re super easy to make. A taco bar with a range of toppings can also accommodate picky eaters. Prepare the toppings ahead of time to make dinner even quicker.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rotisserie chicken, scrambled eggs, leftover or precooked protein of choice
• Taco shells or soft tortillas

Toppings - pick according to preference:

• Shredded lettuce or purple cabbage
• Diced tomatoes, peppers, and/or onions
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Cilantro
• Pickled onions
• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Lime wedges
• Hot sauce
• Black beans

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the taco seasoning and water according to the packet instructions. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Prepare the toppings by shredding, chopping and washing as needed, and set out self-serve style.
4. Warm the taco shells or tortillas in the oven or microwave.
5. Let everyone add their favorite toppings. For small children, consider giving a base of tortilla, protein, and one veggie and then allowing them to customize from there.

Pasta Primavera

Pasta primavera is a light and colorful dish that’s perfect for summer. It’s also a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite)
• 1 small to medium zucchini or yellow squash, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the zucchini, squash, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender with a bit of browning.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
5. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Toss the cooked pasta with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Veggie Stir-Fry

A veggie stir-fry is a quick and healthy dinner option that you can customize with your favorite vegetables, fresh or frozen.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil, toasted sesame oil, or similar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ onion, sliced
• ½ cup snap peas
• ½ block of tofu or tempeh
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• Cooked rice or noodles

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the tofu and veggies. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Stir in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Serve the veggie stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.

Caprese

Caprese sandwiches are a simple and elegant dinner option. They’re perfect for a hot summer evening when you don’t feel like cooking.

Ingredients:

• Fresh baguette, ciabatta bread, or cannellini beans
• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Tomatoes, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Slice the baguette or ciabatta bread in half lengthwise. If using canned cannellini beans, rinse, drain, and add to bowl according to hunger/taste.
2. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
3. Layer the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves onto the base.
4. Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze and season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Taste, and add more seasonings according to taste.

With these quick and easy summer dinner ideas, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the warm weather. Whether you’re grilling, stirring, or simply assembling, these recipes are sure to keep you cool and satisfied all summer long. Happy cooking!