5 Delicious and Easy Summer Dinner Recipes for Your Next BBQ or Picnic

Summer is here, and with it comes the promise of long, warm evenings and the chance to enjoy delicious and light summer dinner recipes. With so many fresh, seasonal ingredients available, there is no better time to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with new flavors and ingredients. In this blog post, we will share some of our favorite summer dinner recipes that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

5 Easy Summer Dinner Recipes

Grilled Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are a summertime staple, and this recipe is a great way to add some variety to your usual taco night. The grilled fish provides a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh, tangy slaw. This recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. firm white fish (such as cod or halibut)
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush fish with olive oil and season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill fish for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. While the fish is cooking, heat tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
5. In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, diced onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
6. To assemble tacos, place grilled fish on a tortilla and top with slaw.

Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a classic summer dish that is perfect for showcasing fresh, seasonal tomatoes and basil. This simple salad is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Serve it as a starter or as a side dish to any summer meal.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp. balsamic glaze
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter.
2. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top.
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze and olive oil over the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Grilled chicken skewers are a fun and easy way to enjoy a summer BBQ with friends and family. This recipe is simple, yet delicious, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Serve with a side of rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread chicken, peppers, and onions onto skewers.
4. Brush skewers with marinade.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto pasta salad is a refreshing and filling summer dinner recipe that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for a BBQ. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing.
5. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the bowl and toss to combine.
6. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Grilled Vegetable Sandwich

Grilled vegetable sandwiches are a vegetarian-friendly option that is packed with flavor and nutrients. This recipe can be customized with your favorite vegetables and can be made on a grill or a panini press. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced lengthwise
• 1 yellow squash, sliced lengthwise
• 1 red onion, sliced into rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 ciabatta rolls, split
• 4 oz. goat cheese
• 1 cup arugula

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush vegetables with the olive oil mixture.
4. Grill vegetables for 2-3 minutes per side, or until charred and tender.
5. Toast ciabatta rolls on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
6. To assemble sandwiches, spread goat cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
7. Top with grilled vegetables and arugula.
8. Serve immediately.

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fresh, seasonal ingredients and try out new recipes. Whether you prefer grilled meats, refreshing salads, or vegetarian-friendly options, there are plenty of summer dinner recipes to choose from. These five recipes are just a few examples of the many delicious and easy-to-make meals you can enjoy during the summer months. So fire up the grill, break out the fresh produce, and get ready to enjoy some unforgettable summer dinners.