If there’s one thing I swoon over most, it’s quick dinner ideas and easy snacks. Heck, my entire website is practically dedicated to it. Let’s start cookin’!
As we wind down to the end of summer, I’m always trying to take advantage of what’s in season. With these mealtime ideas, you can spend a little less time in the kitchen and a little more time soaking up the sun with a Strawberry Mint Margarita in hand.
Here I’ve compiled 30 of our favorite meals and sides to serve this time of year, including plenty of no-cook classics, party ideas, and 30-minute or less gems. Simply click on the title to be taken to the full blog post + recipe.
LET’S FIRE UP THE GRILL!
HOT DIGGITY DOG SPREAD:
Try these creative hot dog recipes for a spin on a classic we all love. Feel free to mix-and-match and create your own masterpiece with these suggested combinations. Here we’ve got “The Picnic Dog”, a “Tex-Mex Dog” and my personal favorite, a “Reuben Dog”. Wowza.
FULLY LOADED CRISPY GROUND CHICKEN BURGERS:
These ground chicken burgers are seriously sink-your-teeth-into fantastic. Crispy on the outside, super moist in the center. Oh my, so grand. Utilize your skillet or flattop for the grill or make them indoors on your stovetop!
GRILLED SALMON SALAD WITH CITRUS VINAIGRETTE:
This gorgeous salad combines tart grapefruit, juicy oranges, crisp red onions, nutty pumpkin seeds and creamy blue cheese with a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep or an easy, and flavorful, weeknight dinner.
CHARRED CORN WITH CILANTRO COWBOY BUTTER:
Add an oomph of flavor to grilling season with this Cilantro Cowboy Butter. Obviously it pairs nicely with grilled corn, but you can also slather it on steak, chicken, bread and so much more!
WEEKNIGHT GRILLED SESAME GINGER CHICKEN:
When it comes to the hustle and bustle, easy dinner ideas always float my boat. There’s nothing more satisfying then knowing you can throw some protein on the grill with green onions, serve it up alongside some sushi rice and call it a meal.
COBB SALAD GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH:
I absolutely adore making up a jam-packed grilled chicken sandwich recipe. Cobb Salad stuffed baguettes definitely take this handheld to the next level. Deliciously messy sandwiches are kinda my thing… and this protein-packed sammie is guaranteed to make your mouth water.
HOW TO GRILL NEW YORK STRIP STEAK AT ANY TEMPERATURE:
Become the master of your grill with this easy recipe guide on How To Grill New York Strip Steak. See how easy it is to cook a juicy steak for any occasion. Perfect for tailgates, social gatherings, or an indulgent weeknight entree.
UNCLE JORDAN’S GRILLED CHICKEN WINGS:
These flavorful grilled chicken wings are loaded with buttery heat, fresh herbs and a hint of smoke. I mean, it ain’t summer unless you’re noshing on some wings from time to time, am I right?
QUICK DINNER IDEAS – 30 MINUTES OR LESS
SESAME HOISIN GROUND CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS:
When it comes to the most crowd-pleasing chicken lettuce wraps recipe, this one here has got it all! Savory, crunchy, straight up delicious. A quick dinner ideas favorite!
MEXICAN BEEF AND ZUCCHINI SKILLET:
I’m all about simple, one-skillet meals during busy weeknights. Oh, and you know the best part? EASY CLEAN-UP! With our last of the summer zucchini haul, this dinner checks all the boxes. You can serve it in a variety of ways, but my personal favorite is over my Homemade Spanish Rice.
CRISPY CHICKEN KOREAN BIRD DOGS:
Crunchy Chicken replaces a traditional hot dog in this delicious fusion meal. Crisp coleslaw, tart kimchi, sriracha, fresh herbs… delish!
CITRUS CHICKEN TOSTADAS WITH AVOCADO CORN SALSA:
Growing in California, I absolutely adore all things Mexican food. We nosh on some form of it here at home at least once to twice per week. Not only are the dishes easy to make, but they satisfy all those fiesta cravings at first bite.
CHEESY CORN DOG MUFFINS SPIKED WITH PICKLES:
There’s nothing more fun than making homemade corn dogs on a summer afternoon. These are a tasty snack that both kids and adults enjoy!
GREEN GODDESS GRAIN BOWLS WITH CRISPY CHICKEN:
When it comes to making grain bowls, you can never go wrong with barley, crispy chicken, and an assortment of seasonal veggies.
BUFFALO MEATBALL TAQUITOS:
Flour tortillas turn into a crunchy, savory shell that adds a nice texture to the spicy filling made of chopped meatballs, buffalo sauce, and a blend of two cheeses. Roll ’em up, pop them in the oven and enjoy all the spicy, melty cheesy smells while they bake.
CHICKEN, BERRY, FETA, AND ARUGULA SALAD WITH SUMAC DRESSING:
Tender chicken paired with blackberries, feta, and a sumac dressing that brings it all together. I love salads for quick dinner ideas! We also add saffron-infused barley, which makes this dish a hearty meal that’ll satisfy your entire family. Oh, and don’t forget the flatbread chips for extra crunch!
ONE PAN MEXICAN RICE CASSEROLE WITH GROUND BEEF:
Cheesy, savory, super fulfilling, and incredibly easy to make… your whole family will love this meal. This protein-packed rice casserole is the ultimate way to use up any ground beef you have tucked away in your fridge. There’s a little bit of this, a little bit of that… and I often refer to these one-skillet wonders as “kitchen sink” meals.
AVOCADO CHICKEN SALAD PINWHEELS:
Enjoy these Avocado Chicken Salad Pinwheels for lunch, a light dinner or appetizers on the back patio. They’re easy to make and taste phenomenal! These are a great for quick dinner ideas with kids.
SHEET PAN CHICKEN STREET TACOS:
These red, white and blue chicken street tacos are the perfect addition to your summer gatherings! Savory, sweet and spicy… the best combo! Psst: These take 35 minutes… but still wanted to include them here because they’re SO GOOD and utilize fresh produce!
PIADINE (ITALIAN FLATBREAD) WITH CREAMY ITALIAN SALAD:
Pillowy crust with garlic, parmesan, and baked until crispy. Finish with a cool salad on top, fold together, and enjoy your Piadine.
SKILLET PANEER CHEESE FULLY LOADED SANDWICH:
If you’ve never tried paneer cheese you’re seriously missing out. It’s similar to halloumi or bread cheese, but has a slightly different distinct flavor. It’s so versatile and I love the way it holds up as the main protein in sandwiches. Seriously, so grand.
COOL APPS & SIZZLING SIDES:
PICNIC CAPRESE PASTA SALAD WITH AGED BALSAMIC:
This Caprese Pasta Salad is fresh and herby, drizzled with savory and sweet to create the most delicious combination. It’s the ultimate side for lunch outings, cookouts, backyard get-togethers, or even meal prep for the week ahead!
SUPER REFRESHING WATERMELON CUCUMBER SALAD WITH FETA:
With flavorful fresh produce, subtle sweetness, and salty cheese, this Watermelon Cucumber Salad is must try! Grab just a handful of ingredients… then chop, slice, and serve. It doesn’t get easier than that. This is a a thirst quenching, craving satisfying bowl of deliciousness. I kid you not.
JARCUTERIE: HOW TO MAKE A CHARCUTERIE BOARD IN A JAR:
Perfecting your skills on how to make a charcuterie board can be overwhelming at times. Skip the cutting board and opt for a mason jar! Don’t fret -you won’t miss out on any of the important elements of a traditional charcuterie board. These jars are packed with a solid variety of cheeses, cured meats, and tons of flavorful accompaniments like pickles and pepperoncini’s for that must-have tang.
MEXICAN STREET CORN DEVILED EGGS WITH A KOREAN TWIST:
Let’s talk about the perfect party appetizer. We’re officially on school breaks, so let the entertaining season begin. We usually have people over about 2 – 3 times per week during the solstice of summer. These little babies are a tasty option for cookouts, bringing to the pool over an ice tray, or simply served as a starter at your next dinner party.
QUICK AND EASY BLACK BEAN SALSA (NO COOKING REQUIRED!):
When it comes to entertaining, I’m all about quick and easy recipes to feed a crowd. This black bean salsa is so flavorful and delish. We love it with tacos, burritos, haystacks, salads, and more! I’m always making a different variation of salsa to keep in our fridge for the week ahead. It adds a ton of freshness and flavor to so many meals!
CHEESY JUMBO LUMP CRAB HOT SPINACH DIP:
This cheesy, fully loaded hot spinach dip is the ultimate party snack. Serve with crackers, toasty baguette, and crunchy fresh veggies! This recipe couldn’t be any easier. Seriously, mix everything together and bake.. that’s it!
AIR FRIED ARANCINI BALLS WITH CREAMY RED PEPPER SAUCE:
Raise your hand if you’re satisfied with a plate of appetizers for dinner? I am! These Arancini Balls are easy, cheesy and oh-so-delish! I absolutely love the combination of bacon, cheddar and chives. So that’s exactly what we stuffed into this classic recipe to mix things up!
CRISPY CHEESY DILL PICKLE CHIPS:
If you’re a fan of deep-fried dill pickle chips, you’ve got to give this cheesy version a whirl! A tasty snack the whole family will devour! We have a slight obsession with pickles within my household. From my famous Pickle Juice Fried Chicken Sandwich to these Parmesan Air Fried Pickles… there’s no part of a pickle jar that goes to waste! What are some of your favorite pickle recipes?
KITCHEN SINK MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD:
When I think of Mediterranean Quinoa Salad… words like fresh, crisp, and light come to mind. Superfood meets veggies with a lemon dressing. This is a fantastic recipe for meal prep, as it holds up nicely and tastes even better as it sits and marinates in the fridge.
PIN THIS FOR LATER:
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