Try these easy summer dinner ideas utilizing fresh ingredients from the season. The best part? Many of these meals come together in 30 minutes or less.
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Summer is my favorite time of year.
Everything is beautiful and blooming. The garden is overflowing. The kids can enjoy the long summer days outside, playing in the creek or at the pool.
It can also be a busy time of year, too. I would rather spend less time in the kitchen and more time outdoors and enjoying the weather.
That’s why I love to have a few easy summer meals I can easily whip up.
Check out my list of 20 of summer dinner ideas below. If you want to hear more about what I like to make at the farmhouse in the summer, listen to my podcast episode all about what I cook in the summer months.
Why You’ll Love These Summer Dinner Ideas
Flavorful meals that are quick and easy โ You don’t have to rely on frozen dinners or boring deli sandwiches. You can still enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Utilize fresh produce โ Fresh produce is one of the best parts of summer. These meals use many of the common veggies grown in backyard gardens.
Kid-friendly options (that aren’t hot dogs) โ Most of all of these recipes have been approved by my kiddos!
Our Favorite Summer Dinner Recipes
Tacos
Tacos are so versatile and a great way to utilize fresh summer produce. We make tacos a lot in the summer, and we always use myย Sourdough Tortilla Recipe.ย
Here are a few ideas how to serve tacos this season:
- Grilled fish tacos with a fresh peach salsa.
- Classic ground beef tacos withย fermented salsaย andย fermentedย jalapeรฑos.ย
- Pulled chicken tacos with barbecue sauce, feta, and green onions. Rotisserie chicken is great (and easy!), too.ย
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Although there is nothing like a burger fresh off the grill, especially when it is wedged between aย sourdough hamburger bun, some days you need something that will come together quickly and can easily be made ahead. That’s where this recipe comes in.ย
With this soup, youโll still get all of the flavor of a good cheeseburger, but with additional veggies and nutrient-packed bone broth. It’s great to enjoy in all seasons! Yes, even on a hot summer night.
Tuna Salad
I start by mixing up some of myย homemade avocado mayo.ย Then I add in some tuna, diced onion, celery and fresh herbs. Tomatoes and bacon would also be great additions.ย
Chicken Salad
I love to have easy meals in the fridge and ready to go. This Southwest Chicken Salad is perfect for that. Use fresh garden cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, lime juice, and herbs to mix up this creation.
Greek Chicken Orzo Pasta
Zucchini, tomato, and red onion are mixed in with chicken marinaded in an olive oil vinegar mixture to make for a flavorful, one skillet meal. This is one of my favorite recipes to make for an easy weeknight dinner. You could even replace the dried oregano with fresh.
Fresh Garden Salads
While it is not always my kid’s favorite, I love to just throw together a big salad to enjoy for lunch or dinner. Lately, I’ve been switching between myย homemade Mexican Ranch Dressingย andย fermented balsamic vinegar blueberry vinaigrette.ย
Top withย hard boiled eggs made in the instant pot and shredded chicken (I like toย bake a whole chicken,ย and use it in a variety of meals) for some added protein.
Pizza
My whole family loves pizza. It’s a crowd pleaser, and it is such an easy meal. I use myย sourdough discard pizza crustย and then add seasonal ingredients to top it. Fresh tomatoes, onion, and fresh basil are always go-tos.ย
Zucchini Lasagna
When you plant zucchini in your garden, you almost always hit a point when there is such an abundance of zucchini, it is coming out of your ears. Zucchini lasagna is the perfect solution. Make lasagna like you normally would, but swap out the noodles for thinly sliced zucchini. You can also make this with eggplant!
Sausage Zucchini Boats
Yes, more zucchini recipes! This is one of our favorite garden veggies, and it usually comes in an abundance. This is another favorite recipe to use them up. The kids love to help make these fun zucchini boats, too!
Easy Zucchini Frittata
While this may be considered a breakfast, it can really be enjoyed at any meal. Eggs make for easy dinners. We love to enjoy our farm fresh eggs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet
I use myย homemade sauerkrautย as a side to dinner often (and myย fermented carrots, too). It is easy to make, and so nice to have on hand. Plus, it is filled with gut-healthy probiotics. Pair it with sausage and potatoes for a delicious meal you’ll love! This can be a meal all on its own, or you can serve with a side of freshly picked green beans.ย
Sourdough Skillet – Healthy One Pot Meal
The key to lazy summer dinner ideas is making recipes that require fewer dishes to clean after. That’s why I love this one pot meal. And even better is how you can use a variety of fresh produce from the garden or Farmer’s Market to create something that is all your own.
Use onions, zucchini, tomatoes, fresh corn and more. I top it with sourdough discard and a little cheddar cheese – parmesan would also be great, too!
One Skillet Creamy Peach Chicken
Summer is not only about the fresh vegetables. It’s also about the fresh fruits, like peaches.
Although you may think of peaches as something to make sweet treat with, like myย sourdough peach cobbler, it is also delicious in savory dishes. This simple chicken recipe combines sweet and savory in one skillet.ย
Pesto Gnocchi
The best way to utilize fresh herbs is to make a pesto sauce. Basil and mint are two of my favorites to use. This pesto gnocchi is a simple dinner, but is filling and, oh, so flavorful. You can also use myย homemade pestoย on myย sourdough pasta noodles.ย
Sourdough Grilled Cheese
Who says you can’t have grilled cheese for dinner? My sourdough grilled cheese is a grown up version of this nostalgic classic. Made with cheddar and homemade fresh mozzarella, it pairs great with a tomato soup made with garden tomatoes.ย
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef Recipe
Like the zucchini boats, this is another fun recipe to have the kids help with. Fun to make and fun to eat! Packed full with diced tomatoes and onions, it’s about as summer as it can get.
Easy Sourdough Ham and Cheese Rolls
During the busy summer, we all want to have dinner options in our back pocket that are simple. These ham and cheese rolls are simple, but yet will make everyone’s taste buds happy.
Meatball Sub Recipe
You just can’t go wrong with sandwiches during the summer. I love this meatball sub recipe because it is packed full of protein and keeps everyone full and happy.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Hamburger Helper is a classic quick dinner. It takes 30 minutes to whip up. I promise the homemade version is way better than the kind you find at the grocery store.ย
Easy Salmon Croquettes
These crispy salmon burgers make a super healthy, protein-packed meal, on the table in 15 minutes flat. They pair perfect with myย sourdough discard hamburger bunsย and a little bit of myย creamy avocado aioli.ย
If you try any of the recipes above and love it, I would love it if you could come back and give it 5 stars!ย Tag me on Instagram @farmhouseonboone.
Want more summer dinner ideas in a pre-made meal plan?
Check out my 28-Day summer meal plan!
It includes:
- Ingredients that are easy to find.
- Weekly shopping lists.
- A focus on what is seasonally available.
- Wholesome meals that are kid approved.
- Simple recipes that can be doubled or tripled, based on family size.
Katri says
I cannot say it enough, yumm!
That easy cozy rice with bone broth! I also use bone broth as a sub for water… Must try the rice!! โบ๏ธ
Lisa says
Thank you!
Lynn Culley says
Hello , my name is Lynn Culley from Canada.
Love everything you do in the Farmhouse way and life.
I do alot like what you do.
Love canning , cooking simple life way.
I would love for you too write a recipe book with all your recipes, I have your book. Love it.you do wonderful job.
My father was Amish, I have lots recipes, but love yours too.
Have a great fall. My favorite time of year harvest time.
Thanks again
Lynn Culley
Thais says
Hi. Where did you get your colander? Love your channel!
Dennette Schettner says
So glad I found you. Thank you for all the great ideas,recipes and inspiration.
Lisa says
you’re so welcome!
Carole says
I would love to have your recipea sent to my email
Carole says
Would love to have your recipes sent to my email
Charlotte Zweigoron says
Hit it out of the park, again. Love these ideas and really want to try the pizza from sourdough starter..!
Lisa says
thank you!
Michele M says
Lisa, love the inspiration and ideas. We are up to our eyeballs in zukes right now. Baking quadruple loves every week for the last few. Tomatoes are just starting up and it will be a banner year for those it looks like.
I love you guys live the old fashioned farm way – it is such a thrill to see what you are up to. Bless you!
Lori says
I am super jealous of your garden full of basil! Mine turned brown at the base and died. Now my rosemary is turning brown in the middle. My carrots died (who kills carrots, right?!), my bell pepper plants have produced nothing, and my Roma tomatoes didn’t pollinate. Even my lavender keeled over on me! Truly, I’m getting a complex. But, good for you! I’m glad you’ve gotten something from your garden because homegrown always tastes better and is better for you.
Lisa says
oh I’m so sorry to hear about your garden!