Ah, summer evenings—the sun’s still lazy in the sky, and all you want is something fresh and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine, instead of the usual routine, diving into flavors that sing like a backyard concert. This collection of summer dinners, bursting with zest and ease, promises to keep your taste buds dancing while you unwind.
Steps
- Grill a variety of your favorite foods, making extra to use for quick summer grill bowls. Save any leftovers for easy meal assembly later.
- Prepare easy air-fried fish tacos by placing bell peppers and fish in an air fryer. Enhance with charred tortillas and toppings like skinny chipotle cream, pickled onions, and cilantro lime ranch.
- Make steak pitas by grilling flank steak and serving with romesco sauce and herb whipped feta. This combination offers delicious flavors while being easy to prepare.
- Grill chicken and chop ingredients for a chipotle grilled chicken and mango Cobb salad. Use cilantro lime ranch to add a light and fresh flavor.
- Serve shaved pork tacos with spicy mango slaw for a delightful taste. Optionally pair with fresh Mexican corn salsa to complete the meal.
- Prepare blackened fish bowls with cilantro pepita sauce for a quick restaurant-quality meal. Prepping ahead makes it easy to assemble all the ingredients into a bowl.
- Assemble a green goddess veggie turkey burger on ciabatta with all your favorite toppings and sauce. Use leftover protein to maximize flavor and convenience.
- Cook soy-ginger salmon and pair it with a crunchy Asian slaw. Add extras like toasted nuts, avocado, and edamame for a nutritious and flavorful dish.
- Create BBQ pork and pineapple tostadas by preparing fresh pineapple salsa. Layer ingredients on tostada shells for a quick and tasty summer dinner.
- Toss together a summer salad with arugula, basil, pasta, and crispy chicken. Include summer corn, avocado, and pickled onions for a delightful and filling meal.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers
- Fish
- Tortillas
- Chipotle cream
- Pickled onions
- Cilantro lime ranch
- Flank steak
- Romesco sauce
- Herb whipped feta
- Chipotle grilled chicken
- Mango
- Shaved pork
- Spicy mango slaw
- Mexican corn salsa
- Blackened fish
- Cilantro pepita sauce
- Veggie turkey burger
- Ciabatta
- Soy ginger salmon
- Asian slaw
- Almonds, peanuts, or cashews
- Avocado
- Edamame
- Toasted sesame seeds
- BBQ pork
- Pineapple salsa
- Arugula
- Basil
- Pasta (cavatappi)
- Crispy chicken
- Sweet summer corn
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red peppers
- Panko
FAQ
- What are some quick and easy summer dinner ideas?
- Quick and easy summer dinner ideas include dishes like grill bowls, air-fried fish tacos, and blackened fish bowls with cilantro pepita sauce. These meals are not only healthy but can also be prepped ahead of time for convenience.
- How can I make fish tacos healthier?
- To make fish tacos healthier, try using an air fryer for the fish and add fresh toppings like pickled onions, cilantro lime ranch, and charred tortillas. These additions enhance flavor while keeping the meal light and nutritious.
- What is a good side dish for pork tacos?
- A great side dish for pork tacos is fresh Mexican corn salsa. It complements the flavors of the tacos and adds a refreshing element to the meal.
- How can I enhance the flavor of a cobb salad?
- Enhance the flavor of a cobb salad by incorporating chipotle grilled chicken and mango, along with a light cilantro lime ranch. These ingredients add a burst of flavor while keeping the salad fresh and satisfying.
- What is a simple way to prepare a healthy salmon dish?
- A simple and healthy way to prepare salmon is by pairing it with an Asian slaw. The combination of soy-ginger salmon with a crunchy, fresh slaw creates a flavorful and nutritious summer dinner.
Tips
- When grilling in the summer, prepare extra portions to use in quick and easy meal bowls for following days. This saves time and ensures you have tasty, ready-to-eat leftovers.
- For air-fried fish tacos, prepare toppings like pickled onions and cilantro lime ranch in advance. This way, assembling the tacos is quick and easy, and you can enjoy a flavorful meal without the last-minute rush.
- When making steak pitas with romesco and herb whipped feta, grill extra steak for a versatile ingredient that can be used in other meals throughout the week. This maximizes your cooking efforts and adds a delicious protein option to your meals.
- Keep a batch of cilantro lime ranch on hand for easy summer salads. This dressing pairs well with various dishes, making it a versatile and flavorful addition to your summer menu.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – For making the Easy Air-fried Fish Tacos.
- Grill or BBQ – Essential for the Quick and Easy Summer Grill Bowls, Chipotle Grilled Chicken, and Mango Cobb Salad.
- Tortilla Warmer or Griddle – Useful for charring tortillas for the fish tacos.
- Food Processor or Blender – To make sauces like the herb whipped feta and cilantro pepita sauce.
- Mandoline Slicer – Helpful for preparing thin slices of vegetables for the slaw and salads.
- Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan – For grilling indoors, especially useful for the steak pitas.
- Salad Spinner – To efficiently dry greens for salads like the Summer Salad with Arugula, Basil, Pasta, and Crispy Chicken.
