Summer is here, and with it comes the heat. As temperatures soar, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in a hot kitchen preparing dinner. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best hot summer dinner recipes that are easy to make and won’t heat up your kitchen.
1. Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa
Nothing says summer quite like grilled chicken. This recipe takes it up a notch with a fresh and flavorful mango salsa. Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder for at least 30 minutes. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Serve with a homemade mango salsa made from diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
2. Caprese Salad with Grilled Shrimp
This salad is a classic summer dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Start by grilling shrimp seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic for 2-3 minutes per side. Combine sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves in a large bowl. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and then add the grilled shrimp on top.
3. Gazpacho Soup
Gazpacho is a chilled soup that’s perfect for hot summer nights. Combine diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a blender or food processor. Add a splash of red wine vinegar and olive oil, and then blend until smooth. Chill the soup for at least an hour before serving. Garnish with croutons, chopped cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Grilled Tuna with Avocado Salsa
This recipe is a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy fresh tuna. Season tuna steaks with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked to your liking. Serve with a homemade avocado salsa made from diced avocado, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
5. Watermelon and Feta Salad
This salad is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. Start by combining diced watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion in a large bowl. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, and then sprinkle with chopped mint leaves.
6. Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Salsa
This recipe takes advantage of summer’s sweet and juicy peaches. Marinate pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and rosemary for at least 30 minutes. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Serve with a homemade peach salsa made from diced peaches, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
7. Lemon and Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
These shrimp skewers are quick and easy to make, and they’re bursting with flavor. Marinate shrimp in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through.
8. Tomato and Mozzarella Panini
This sandwich is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of summer. Start by slicing a loaf of ciabatta bread in half. Layer sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella on one half, and then add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a handful of fresh basil leaves. Top with the other half of the bread, and then grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
9. Cold Peanut Noodle Salad
This dish is perfect for those hot summer days when you don’t feel like cooking. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions, and then rinse them under cold water. Combine the noodles with sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and diced red bell pepper. For the sauce, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Toss the noodles with the sauce, and then garnish with chopped scallions and peanuts.
10. Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
This recipe is a great way to use up your summer vegetables. Cut bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant into bite-sized pieces. Thread the vegetables onto skewers, and then brush with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Grill the kabobs for 5-7 minutes per side or until the vegetables are tender.
11. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, and then let it cool. Combine the quinoa with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Toss the salad with the dressing, and then season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
These kebabs are a delicious way to bring the flavors of the tropics to your dinner table. Marinate chicken chunks in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes. Thread the chicken onto skewers with chunks of pineapple, red onion, and bell pepper. Grill the kebabs for 5-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through.
13. Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
These tacos are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a summer dinner. Season shrimp with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, and then grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Serve the shrimp in warmed corn tortillas, and then top with a homemade mango salsa made from diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
14. Tomato and Basil Pizza
This pizza is a classic summer dish that’s easy to make and always delicious. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Roll out a pizza crust, and then top it with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and chopped fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil, and then bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
15. Lemon and Garlic Grilled Salmon
This recipe is a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy fresh salmon. Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until the salmon is cooked to your liking.
In conclusion, these hot summer dinner recipes are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for those hot summer days. Whether you’re grilling, making salads, or cooking up a quick and easy dish, these recipes are sure to please. Don’t let the heat get you down, try out these recipes and enjoy a refreshing and satisfying summer dinner.
FAQs
- Are these recipes healthy?
- Yes, these recipes are all healthy and use fresh ingredients.
- Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?
- Absolutely, feel free to substitute ingredients to your liking.
- Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
- Some of these recipes can be made ahead of time, such as the gazpacho soup and the quinoa salad. However, some dishes such as the grilled items should be made fresh.
- Can these recipes be made for a crowd?
- Yes, many of these recipes can easily be scaled up to feed a crowd.
- Can I add my own twist to these recipes?
- Absolutely! These recipes are meant to be a starting point, so feel free to add your own personal touch and make them your own.