Best Late Summer Dinner Recipes
Summer is coming to an end, and that means it’s time to savor the last of the season’s fresh produce before it’s gone. Late summer is the perfect time to enjoy a delicious dinner outdoors with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing salad, a hearty and filling pasta dish, or a flavorful grilled entree, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share some of the best late summer dinner recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
1. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
This salad is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, with grilled peaches and creamy burrata cheese. To make this dish, simply grill sliced peaches and toss them with arugula, prosciutto, and burrata cheese. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze and serve as a refreshing and light starter.
2. Caprese Stuffed Avocado
This dish is a twist on the classic Caprese salad, with creamy avocado instead of tomatoes. Simply halve and pit the avocado, then stuff it with fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve as a healthy and filling appetizer.
3. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
These tacos are a perfect summer dinner, with grilled shrimp, fresh salsa, and a creamy avocado crema. Simply marinate the shrimp in chili powder, lime juice, and garlic, then grill until cooked through. Serve in a warm tortilla with salsa, avocado crema, and your favorite toppings.
4. Zucchini and Tomato Pasta
This pasta dish is a great way to use up late summer produce, with fresh zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Simply sauté the vegetables in garlic and olive oil, then toss with cooked pasta and fresh herbs. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve as a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
5. Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa
This grilled chicken recipe is elevated with a sweet and tangy peach salsa. Simply marinate the chicken in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, and honey, then grill until cooked through. Serve with a fresh peach salsa made with diced peaches, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
6. Summer Vegetable Ratatouille
This French classic is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge. Simply sauté diced eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers with onions and garlic, then simmer in tomato sauce until tender. Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a hearty and flavorful dinner.
7. Watermelon and Feta Salad
This refreshing salad is perfect for hot summer nights, with juicy watermelon and tangy feta cheese. Simply toss diced watermelon with crumbled feta, mint, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Serve as a light and delicious side dish.
8. Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
This classic Argentinean sauce is a perfect accompaniment to grilled steak, with fresh herbs and tangy vinegar. Simply grill your favorite cut of steak to your desired doneness, then top with chimichurri sauce made with parsley, cilantro, garlic, and red wine vinegar.
9. Shrimp Scampi Linguine
This pasta dish is a perfect summer dinner, with tender shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Simply sauté the shrimp in garlic and butter, then toss with cooked linguine and fresh parsley. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve as a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
10. Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon
This grilled salmon recipe is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Simply marinate the salmon in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grill until cooked through. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
11. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This salad is packed with protein and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect summer dinner. Simply mix canned chickpeas with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette. Serve as a light and flavorful main dish or side salad.
12. Pesto Shrimp Skewers
These skewers are easy to make and perfect for grilling. Simply marinate shrimp in pesto sauce, then skewer them with cherry tomatoes and grilled until cooked through. Serve as an appetizer or main dish with a side of grilled vegetables.
13. Ratatouille Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are a great way to use up leftover ratatouille, with a twist. Simply cut bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and stuff with the ratatouille mixture. Top with shredded cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
14. Chicken Caesar Salad
This classic salad is a perfect summer dinner, with grilled chicken and crisp romaine lettuce. Simply grill chicken breasts, then toss with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Serve as a light and flavorful main dish.
15. Grilled Pork Chops with Peach BBQ Sauce
This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with juicy pork chops and tangy peach BBQ sauce. Simply marinate the pork chops in a mixture of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, then grill until cooked through. Serve with a side of grilled peaches and a dollop of peach BBQ sauce.
Late summer is a great time to experiment with fresh and flavorful ingredients in your cooking. These easy and delicious recipes are perfect for enjoying with friends and family, whether you’re grilling outdoors or enjoying a light and refreshing salad. With these recipes in your repertoire, you can savor the last of the season’s bounty and make the most of the warm summer nights.
Conclusion
These 15 late summer dinner recipes are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. From grilled shrimp tacos to ratatouille stuffed peppers, there’s something for everyone in this list. So fire up the grill, grab some fresh produce, and enjoy these delicious meals with your loved ones.
FAQs
Can I substitute other fruits or vegetables in these recipes?
- Yes, feel free to substitute any fruits or vegetables that are in season or that you prefer.
Are these recipes healthy?
- Many of these recipes are healthy, but it ultimately depends on your dietary needs and preferences. For example, the watermelon and feta salad is low in calories and high in vitamins, while the grilled pork chops with peach BBQ sauce may be higher in fat and calories.
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
- Some of these recipes can be made ahead of time, such as the Mediterranean chickpea salad and the ratatouille stuffed peppers. Others, such as the grilled shrimp tacos, are best served immediately.
Can I use frozen seafood or vegetables in these recipes?
- While fresh produce and seafood are recommended for optimal flavor, frozen options can be used if fresh is not available.
Can I adjust the spice level in these recipes?
- Yes, feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference by adding or reducing the amount of chili powder, jalapeño, or other spices in the recipes.