As the days get longer and the nights grow warmer, it’s time to put away the crockpot, bust out the grill, and stock up on the best seasonal produce. So, let’s toss on those aprons and dive into the freshness of the top 5 summertime dinners.
Grilled Steak Salad
Sizzling, juicy steak, crispy fresh greens, and sweet, flavorful corn on the cob—that’s what a Grilled Steak Salad is all about––a perfect balance of flavors and textures that scream summer. This dish allows you to indulge in your favorite cut of steak guilt-free while also getting in your daily dose of veggies.
This versatile recipe allows you to add the things that suit your taste and even your budget. Choose your cut of meat and the veggies you and your family enjoy. You can either keep it veggie-rich with cucumbers and bell peppers or fruit-forward by adding some berries and honey-roasted walnuts for a sweet crunch and easy weeknight dinner.
Smoked Sausage and Veggie Kabobs
Kabobs are a summertime favorite. Chicken, shrimp, steak—the options are deliciously endless. But if you’re looking for a quick and budget-friendly kabob, why not give these smoked sausage and veggie kabobs a try?
The layered goodness of crisp, sweet pepper, tangy onions, and sweet zucchini make the perfect pairing with smoked sausage. Season with your favorite grilling seasonings, and you’ll be ready to toss them onto the grill!
Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packets
Another grillable favorite is shrimp and broccoli foil packets. These packets are filled with tender, juicy shrimp and fresh broccoli florets swimming in a buttery lemon and garlic sauce. The best part? There is minimal cleanup, and it cooks in 20 minutes.
Using aluminum foil, create a pocket and place your shrimp, broccoli florets, butter, garlic, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Close it up and place it on a hot grill for 15 to 20 minutes until the shrimp are translucent and the broccoli is tender. Serve with some loaded baked potatoes, and that is a tasty summer dinner—done!
BBQ Grilled Chicken Legs
This summertime recipe never fails to impress. Plus, it can be set aside ahead of time and thrown onto the grill for a simple weeknight meal. Perfect for hot summer days, the sweet BBQ sauce paired with a tangy grill rub is really what sets this apart from your run-of-the-mill grilled chicken.
Create your own grilling chicken rub with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Make sure the chicken drums are completely covered with the homemade rub and grill until the internal temperature reaches 165. Pro tip––ensure a low and slow grilling session to prevent any of the rubs from burning.
Smother with your favorite BBQ sauce and serve with a chilled potato salad for a kid-approved and simple summer dinner recipe.
Blackened Tilapia Tacos with Homemade Tangy Slaw
White fish can be incredibly versatile and is an amazing way to get some tasty protein into your daily diet. These blackened tilapia tacos, with their spiced crust and tangy slaw, create the perfect summer dinner dish.
Pan-sear your seasoned tilapia filets in oil until flaky, then set aside. Prepare your tangy slaw using mayo, salt, pepper, lime juice, fresh sliced jalapeno, thinly sliced cabbage, and cilantro. Fill your favorite warm tortilla shells with the fish and slaw for a truly unforgettable taco Tuesday.
Wrapping Up the Top 5 Summertime Dinners
With these tasty, fresh, and fun summertime dinner ideas, your summer evenings will be filled with delicious meals. Try these recipes and let us know if they were a hit!
