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As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer invites us to embrace the joy of fresh, seasonal cooking. The vibrant colors and bold flavors of summer produce inspire us to create dishes that are not only delicious but also quick to prepare. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a picnic at the park, or simply looking to whip up a satisfying weeknight dinner, summer cooking is all about simplicity and freshness.

50+ Insanely Good Summer Dinner Recipes You Need

Brighten your summer table with quick and delicious recipes that celebrate the season! Discover vibrant dishes like Zesty Grilled Citrus Shrimp, Summer Spinach and Strawberry Salad, Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl, Spicy Grilled Vegetable Tacos, and Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes. Perfect for backyard barbecues or weeknight dinners, these recipes are easy to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors. Explore the joy of summer cooking today! #SummerRecipes #HealthyEating #MediterraneanDiet #Grilling #FreshFlavors
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 cup olive oil

Zest of 1 orange

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lime

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried

2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 cucumber, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, diced

1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 zucchini, sliced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced

1 red onion, sliced

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

12 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta

2 ripe avocados

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange zest, lemon zest, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

    Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat well. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes.

      Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

        Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers (about 5-6 shrimp per skewer).

          Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and have grill marks.

            Serve with additional lime wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4

                Summer Spinach and Strawberry Salad 🌱🍓

                  In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and walnuts.

                    In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.

                      Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.

                        Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors.

                          Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 15 min | Servings: 4

                            Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl 🥗🌍

                              In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Allow to cool.

                                In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.

                                  In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.

                                    Add cooled quinoa to the chickpea mixture, then drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine.

                                      Serve chilled or at room temperature.

                                        Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                                          Spicy Grilled Vegetable Tacos 🌮🔥

                                            Preheat your grill to high heat.

                                              In a large bowl, combine zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, corn, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

                                                Grill vegetables for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and lightly charred.

                                                  Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.

                                                    Assemble tacos by placing grilled vegetables on tortillas and topping with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

                                                      Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 4

                                                        Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 🍝🥑

                                                          Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

                                                            In a blender, combine avocados, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, basil, salt, and pepper; blend until smooth.

                                                              In a large bowl, combine pasta and avocado sauce, tossing until the pasta is well coated.

                                                                Gently fold in cherry tomatoes and serve immediately, topped with Parmesan if desired.

                                                                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 4

                                                                    These delightful summer recipes are guaranteed to add brightness to your dinner table and impress your guests! Enjoy your summer cooking!