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7 New and Easy Weeknight Summer Recipes
Is your summer packed with fun-filled days and busy weeknights? You’re not alone. Cooking during the summer can feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve curated a list of 7 easy weeknight summer dinner ideas that are quick, fresh, and full of seasonal flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a fast meal after a long day at the beach or just trying to stay cool on a hot evening, these recipes are guaranteed to bring joy (and convenience) to your table.
From Mediterranean-inspired pitas to veggie-packed frittatas, these dishes highlight wholesome, vibrant ingredients without the hassle of complicated prep. Best of all? They come together effortlessly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up those summer vibes.
Summer Vegetable Frittata
This light and fluffy frittata is the ultimate answer to “What can I make with what I have in the fridge?” Packed with summer vegetables, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or feta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and sauté the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper until tender (about 5 minutes).
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Cook on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the frittata is set.
- Slice into wedges and serve!
Pro Tip: Pair with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Caprese Chicken Skillet
Are you looking for a hearty yet summer-appropriate dish? This one-pan chicken skillet combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil for a dish that screams summer.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes per side).
- Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they release their juices.
- Top each chicken breast with mozzarella balls, cover the skillet, and cook until the cheese melts (about 2 minutes).
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze, garnish with fresh basil, and serve!
Pro Tip: Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices.
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Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry
When it’s too warm for heavy carbs, zucchini noodles save the day. This quick and healthy stir-fry is packed with flavor and ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add bell peppers, carrots, and green onions, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, ginger, and chili flakes, then toss in the zucchini noodles.
- Cook for 2 minutes, just to warm the zucchini noodles without overcooking.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds.
Pro Tip: Add grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
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Street Corn Chicken Quesadillas
These quesadillas are a delicious twist on classic street corn, combining zesty flavors with melty cheese in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn, cooked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Mix the cooked chicken, corn, mayonnaise, chili powder, and cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture onto half of each tortilla, then fold them in half to create quesadillas.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream or guacamole.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle with lime juice and a pinch of cotija cheese for authentic street corn vibes.
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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Pitas
Light, refreshing, and full of protein, these Mediterranean-inspired pitas are the perfect no-cook dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 pita pockets
Instructions:
- Combine chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, parsley, feta cheese, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the mixture into pita pockets and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: These also make a great on-the-go lunch!
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Pesto Tortellini with Cherry Tomatoes
When you want something comforting but still fresh, this pesto tortellini recipe is your go-to.
Ingredients:
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 1/3 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions and drain.
- Toss the cooked tortellini with pesto sauce and cherry tomatoes.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve warm or chilled.
Pro Tip: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
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Turkey Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Skip the carbs and go for these light yet satisfying turkey lettuce wraps. The creamy peanut sauce takes them to the next level!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup diced water chestnuts
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (for sauce)
- Large lettuce leaves
Instructions:
- Cook ground turkey in sesame oil over medium heat. Stir in soy sauce and water chestnuts, and cook until heated through.
- Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to make the sauce.
- Fill lettuce leaves with turkey mixture, drizzle with peanut sauce, and serve.
Pro Tip: Add crushed peanuts for extra crunch!
Read More: Top 6 Main Dishes for Summer
Make Summer Dinners Fun and Stress-Free
These quick summer dinner recipes are proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create flavorful, satisfying meals. From light veggies to bold flavors, there’s something for every palate. Time to grab your apron, get cooking, and make the most of summer evenings!
Have a favorite summer recipe? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
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Hello, my name is Mary. I’m a passionate food and drink enthusiast, sharing flavorful recipes, creative drinks, and culinary inspiration from around the world. With a love for exploring new tastes and traditions, I bring a mix of easy-to-follow guides and expert tips to make every meal an adventure. Follow along for delicious discoveries and a toast to positive living!