If you live in Ohio, you know that summers can be hot and sticky. You don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice healthy, home-cooked meals.
With a bit of creativity and following quick summer dinner recipes, you can enjoy delicious dinners without spending hours in the kitchen. From grilled chicken and fruit salad to salmon, there’s something for everyone here. So fire up the grill and enjoy a delicious summer dinner!
Recipe 1: Spicy Shrimp and Mango Skewers
Mango Shrimp Skewers are an easy-to-cook recipe and almost everyone’s favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 30 medium uncooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 large mango
- chili-lime sauce
- spicy paprika (optional)
- salt and pepper (optional)
- Lime juice (optional)
If you are looking for a summer recipe that’s both healthy and delicious, you might want to try Spicy Shrimp and Mango Skewers! These skewers are packed with protein and antioxidants, perfect for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, and super easy to make. Just thread shrimp and mango onto skewers, and brush with a spicy chili-lime sauce. Then grill (or broil) for just a few minutes, and that’s it! Serve with rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal, or enjoy them as an appetizer or main course.
Recipe 2: Grilled Chicken with Watermelon Salsa
Grilled Chicken with Watermelon Salsa is perfect for backyard barbecues or easy weeknight dinners
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 3
Ingredients:
- 4 Chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- BBQ spice blend of your choice.
- Watermelon cubes (2 cups)
- Red onion (¼ chopped or diced)
- Jalapeno (2 tbsp finely chopped)
- Cilantro (2 tbsp chopped)
- Lime Juice (1 tbsp)
The Grilled Chicken with Watermelon salsa recipe is perfect for summertime grilling. While the recipe makes the chicken juiciy and flavorful, the watermelon salsa adds a refreshing touch. You can serve it with grilled vegetables and a cold glass of iced tea.
- Start by dicing up the watermelon into small cubes.
- Add in some diced red onion, diced jalapeno, chopped cilantro, and a splash of lime juice.
- Mix everything and set it aside.
- Next, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ spice blend.
- Grill them over medium heat until perfectly cooked.
- Serve the chicken with the salsa on top, and enjoy!
Recipe 3: Prosciutto-Wrapped Cantaloupe
Prosciutto Wrapped Melon – an easy no-cook appetizer perfect for the summertime.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: Not required
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 3
Ingredients:
- Melon
- Prosciutto
- Fresh basil or mint leaves
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to dress up your cantaloupe, look no further than this recipe. Wrap thin slices of prosciutto around the melon, and voila! You’ve got an elegant and sophisticated appetizer to impress your guests. If you’re feeling especially fancy, you can even top the wraps with a sprinkle of fresh basil or mint leaves. So, give this recipe a try the next time you’re looking for a creative way to show off your cantaloupe. You won’t be disappointed.
Recipe 4: Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled corn salad is the ultimate summer dish which is filling and nutritious
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 Minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 2-3
Ingredients:
- Parsley
- Corn
- Onion
- Tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Feta cheese
- Apple cider vinegar and olive oil
- Salt and pepper
This summer salad is the perfect side dish for your next barbecue. Grilled corn salad is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional potato salad or coleslaw. While the corn gives the salad a sweetness neutralized by the tangy dressing, the grilled onions add a smoky flavor. This dish can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings. So go ahead and fire up the grill – your guests will surely enjoy this delicious and healthy salad.
Recipe 5: Caprese Orzo Salad
This Caprese orzo salad recipe is fresh, light, and perfect for summertime dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 2-3
Ingredients:
- Pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Basil leaves
- Mozzarella cheese
As good Italian will tell you, the key to a great Caprese salad is fresh ingredients. Fortunately, this dish is easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients. Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, is the perfect base for this flavorful salad. Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil combine to create a light and refreshing meal. This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish, making it perfect for any occasion. The best thing about this salad is that you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. So go ahead and give this delicious recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Recipe 6: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad recipe is a healthy, make-ahead meal you will love any time of the day.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 2-3
Ingredients:
- Boneless chicken breast (1 pound)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Diced celery and onion (¼ cup each)
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Freshly chopped parsley and dill
This recipe is a healthier version of the traditional chicken salad. It is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. The Greek yogurt gives the chicken salad a creamy texture, while the herbs and spices add flavor. The salad can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded.
- Add 1 cup plain Greek yogurt and mix it well.
- Next, add 1/4 cup of diced celery and diced onion.
- Then, squeeze in 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, add 1/4 teaspoon salt and sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Finally, mix everything well and garnish the salad with one tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley and fresh dill.
Recipe 7: Tomato Basil Salmon
You can’t have enough of this quick salmon dish – a perfect relish for a summer dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 2-3
Ingredients:
- Salmon
- Minced garlic
- Freshly chopped basil leaves.
- Sliced tomatoes
This recipe is for all the salmon lovers out there. Tomato basil salmon is a great way to get your protein and omega-3s, and the tomatoes add a nice flavor. The best part about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make. Spread a side of salmon with minced garlic, sprinkle with fresh basil, then layer sliced tomatoes on top. Place it on the grill for 10 minutes, and there you have a fantastic dinnertime meal.
Recipe 8: Quinoa Vegetable Bowls
Full of crunchy bites and a sharp and tangy flavor, make the quinoa vegetable bowls recipe a must-try for your dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 2-3
Ingredients:
- Quinoa
- Finely chopped vegetables (such as corn, tomato, carrot, spinach, etc.)
- Spices of your choice
- Lemon juice (optional)
Quinoa is the perfect grain for a vegan recipe – it’s packed with protein and has a neutral flavor that goes well with almost anything. This recipe for quinoa vegetable bowls is simple, healthy, and delicious. The bowls can be made ahead of time and served cold or hot, making them perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. And best of all, they’re customizable – feel free to add your favorite vegetables, beans, or spices to the mix. So whether you’re looking for a Meatless Monday option or want to add more quinoa to your diet, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy!
Recipe 9: Honey Lime Chicken Tacos
This Honey Lime Chicken Taco recipe is so delicious that everyone will praise you at the dining.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 2-3
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken breasts (cooked and shredded).
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Chili powder
- 5 cups Cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup Lime juice
- 1/2 cup Honey
- Taco shells
So, you’re in the mood for some tacos. But not just any tacos – you’re craving something different—honey lime chicken tacos, to be specific. And luckily, we’ve got just the recipe for you. These chicken tacos are flavorful, thanks to a zesty honey lime marinade. The chicken is then grilled to perfection before being nestled into warm tortillas and topped with your favorite taco fixings.
Recipe 10: Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
Prepare this cilantro lime grilled chicken recipe and impress your guests with its deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 Minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast
- Lemon juice
- Chopped Cilantro
- Minced garlic
- Olive oil
Try this delicious recipe the next time you’re in the mood for grilled chicken. First, marinate the chicken with lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and olive oil. Then, let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. When you’re ready to cook, preheat the grill and cook the chicken for about 10 minutes per side. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken that will please even the pickiest eaters. So why not try this recipe the next time you’re in the mood for grilled chicken? You won’t be disappointed.
Recipe 11: Spicy Grilled Salmon
One of the most popular dishes for summer grilling and busy weeknights is the spicy grilled salmon, which you can prepare in just 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 Minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast
- Lemon juice
- Chopped Cilantro
- Minced garlic
- Olive oil
Here’s a recipe for those who like seafood with a little kick. Spicy grilled salmon is a simple dish that packs a significant flavor punch. The key to this recipe is the marinade, which features a combination of sriracha, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Just whisk the ingredients together and then pour them over the salmon fillets. Let the salmon sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, and then fire up the grill. The salmon will only need to cook for a few minutes per side, so keep a close eye on it. Once it’s cooked through, take it out from the grill and enjoy. The spicy marinade gives the salmon a real kick, but it’s also incredibly delicious. So if you’re looking for a way to spice up your grilled salmon, give this recipe a try.
Recipe 12: Tropical Fruit Salad
Tropical Fruit Salad: A refreshing, easy-to-prepare summer meal you can have any time of the day.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: Not required
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Papaya
- Mint leaves
- Lemon juice
- Any other fruit of your choice.
If you want to enjoy a taste of the tropics this summer, this fruit salad recipe is just what you need! It’s packed with juicy pineapple, mango, and papaya and topped with a zesty lime dressing. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be on your table in minutes. So close your eyes, pretend you’re on a sandy beach, and enjoy this tropical salad. Bon appétit!
Recipe 13: Summertime Spaghetti Squash
Looking for a perfect light, healthy summer dish? Treat yourself to spaghetti squash.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: Not required
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- Pancetta or bacon
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash (5-6 pounds)
- 1/3 cup Italian salad dressing of your choice.
- 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1/2 red bell pepper
Spaghetti squash is a summertime staple in almost all homes. It’s light, refreshing, and easily compliments your favorite summertime entrées. This recipe will remind you of spaghetti carbonara. The key to making this dish successful is cooking the spaghetti squash until it is soft enough to fork into strands.
This process will ensure that the squash doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. You can also add a little bit of crushed red pepper for some heat if you like. And, of course, no carbonara would be complete without pancetta or bacon. So if you’re looking for a light and healthy summertime dish, give this Summertime Spaghetti Squash a try!
Let CookinGenie make your summer dinners more fun and relaxed
Whether you’re looking for quick summer recipes to add to your rotation or want to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family, these 13 light and healthy summer dinner recipes are perfect. And if cooking isn’t your thing (or you don’t have the time), a personal chef from CookinGenie in Ohio can help! With years of experience creating delicious, seasonal meals, our team can take the hassle out of dinner prep – so you can enjoy your guests without worrying about what’s for dinner.