25 Easy Summer Dinners You Can Make in Less Than 30 Minutes

The summer months are full of fun activities we look forward to all year, but spending hours in a hot kitchen isn’t one of them.

When it comes to summer dinners, the bottom line is: They need to be easy and not take a ton of time to prepare. After all, there are so many better ways to spend your free time in the summer, but you’ve still gotta eat. What you need are a few easy summer dinner ideas that you can keep in your back pocket to whip out on nights when you need a quick, satisfying meal to fuel your summer plans.

From veggie-packed pastas to fresh-off-the-grill favorites, these easy summer dinner ideas are simple, quick, and delicious. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time out enjoying the season with these 25 summer dinners you can make in less than 30 minutes. 

Ahi Poke Bowl

Recipe: The Easiest 30-Minute Ahi Poke Bowl

If you’re a little intimidated by working with raw fish, this ahi tuna poke bowl is a great place to start. The recipe makes it incredibly easy to whip up this dish, and it tastes restaurant-ready.

Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

This recipe uses ingredients you most likely already have at home and is a great way to make a protein-packed meal in a short amount of time. If lamb is out of your comfort zone, you can easily swap for ground beef instead.

Zucchini Pasta

Source: by Erin Clarke of Well Plated

Zucchini noodles may be healthier than regular noodles, but don’t worry; they taste just as good. With just zucchini, lemon juice, parmesan, butter, shallots, garlic, cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and basil, you have a delicious dinner on your hands.

Garlic Lemon Bucatini with Crab

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

Crab may seem like a big undertaking, but this recipe only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. Plus, nothing says summer like seafood pasta.

20 Minute Ginger Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

Source: Half-Baked Harvest

Stir fry is the best quick dinner option because all you have to do is chop up your ingredients and throw them in the pan. This recipe elevates the run of the mill stir fry with brown butter, garlic, and Thai red curry paste for a well-seasoned dish balanced out with some tangy pineapple.

Spicy Mango, Black Bean & Avocado Tacos

Source: Love and Lemons

If you are trying to incorporate more plant-based protein, these tacos are a tasty option. The kick from chili powder, chile, and sriracha, combined with the creamy avocado and beans, is a treat for your tastebuds.

Whole Wheat Summer Pesto Pasta

Source: The Girl on Bloor

When you need to make dinner quickly, the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes to wash when you’re finished cooking. This one-pot pasta makes an amazing dinner on the table in less than half an hour and keeps cleanup simple.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Source: Ahead of Thyme

These honey garlic shrimp skewers are the ideal blend of sweet and savory flavors. The shrimp is marinated in a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce that will have you wanting them every night of the week.

Easy Chipotle Salmon Burgers

Source: Half-Baked Harvest

If you’re craving a burger but want to spice up your basic ground beef, try this salmon burger. It has all the amazing parts of a classic burger with cheese and condiments but with a fresh seafood twist.

Zippy Orzo Summer Salad

Source: Pinch of Yum

The fresh dill and lemon in this summer salad create a zesty salad that is the epitome of summer. Loaded with veggies and served with chicken, it’s also a healthy, well-rounded meal that will keep you full.

Mexican Zucchini Boats

Source: The Cookie Rookie

Sometimes, we want Mexican flavors without turning to the recipes we always lean on, like tacos or enchiladas. Mix it up with these zucchini boats that are packed with vibrant spices, tender ground beef, black beans, corn, and gooey melted cheese.

20-Minute Snap Pea Pasta

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

IMO, there’s nothing better than a light, summery pasta, and this snap pea pasta only reinforces that idea. With in-season products like snap peas and shallots this will be one of your new favorite recipes.

Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

Elevate your dinner with these irresistible crispy lemon chicken thighs. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a lemon marinade and then oven-baked to golden perfection, resulting in a dish with bright, tangy flavors and an incredible crunch. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a go-to.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Recipe: Mediterranean Greek Orzo Salad With Feta

This Mediterranean orzo salad can be as a side dish, a midday snack, lunch, or dinner. It’s so versatile and filled with crisp, refreshing flavor. If you want to make it more filling, add some chicken, lamb meatballs, or chickpeas.

Bhetki Fish in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce

Source: My Food Story

This recipe makes the flakiest buttery fish ever, and it is drenched in a simple but flavorful citrus basil butter. It is so easy to make, but it will impress you and your guests.

Ultimate Vegan Burrito Bowl

Source: Sweet Potato Soul

This burrito bowl will be ready faster than picking up a takeout order or it tastes way better too. This colorful, vegan burrito bowl will make you swear off Chipotle forever.

Mango Chicken Teriyaki

Source: Pinch of Yum

This bowl is bursting with tropical goodness. You will want to slather the tangy mango teriyaki sauce on everything once you try it. This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

Healthy Southwestern Chicken Bowls

Source: Lovely Little Kitchen

This healthy recipe is great for making ahead of time to prep for a busy week, or you can put it together quickly for a last-minute dinner. It also keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers all week long.

Lemon Butter Scallops

Source: Chungah Rhee | Damn Delicious

If you have never made scallops at home, it’s super easy, and this recipe provides so many tips and tricks to make sure they turn out fabulous every time. They are sure to be a new summer staple.

Grilled Romaine Salad with Jalapeño Ranch

Source: Isabel Eats

Once you try this amazing grilled romaine salad, you will swear off your usual Caesar. If you have never grilled your lettuce, this recipe will show you how smoky, tender, and crisp it becomes. It truly takes the flavor to the next level.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Source: Damn Delicious

This recipe is essentially the grown-up, better version of a chicken tender, and it will quickly become your new comfort meal. The chicken is so crispy, and the honey-garlic sauce is better than anything you can get from a drive-through or grocery store.

5-Minute Seared Tuna

Source: Sonja & Alex Overhiser | A Couple Cooks

Seared ahi-tuna not only makes a yummy dinner, but it also boasts lots of nutritional benefits like protein, omega 3’s, and other vitamins. When grocery shopping for this recipe, make sure to buy sushi-grade tuna to ensure it is safe to eat raw.

Jerk Salmon with Pineapple Salsa

Source: Grandbaby Cakes

This jerk salmon recipe creates a bright, sweet, spicy dinner option that will outshine your normal salmon recipe. The pineapple salsa adds a pop of citrus that balances out the meal wonderfully.

Prosciutto and Roasted Vegetable Salad with Basil Pesto Vinaigrette

Source: The College Housewife

This hearty salad is equal parts nutritious and delicious. With roasted summer vegetables and salty prosciutto, this salad has an incredible mix of flavors. It’s the ideal summer appetizer for guests, or you can enjoy it all for yourself.

Orecchiette Pasta with Lemon and Asparagus

Source: Sonja & Alex Overhiser | A Couple Cooks

The combination of bitter asparagus, lemon, and a light sauce forms the best restaurant-quality summer pasta dish. Customize it to your liking with more seasonal vegetables or chicken for some protein.