67 Easy Hot Weather Dinner Ideas for Summer

As the sun shines brightly and the days grow longer, summer presents the perfect opportunity to embrace the joys of outdoor cooking and dining. The air is filled with the scent of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and vibrant herbs, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws friends and family together. Summer gatherings are all about celebrating the flavors of the season, and with an array of fresh ingredients at our fingertips, cooking becomes not just a chore but a delightful experience.

67 Easy Hot Weather Dinner Ideas for Summer

Dive into the essence of summer with these flavorful recipes that celebrate fresh ingredients and outdoor cooking. Enjoy Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers, a zesty delight perfect for gatherings, alongside refreshing Spicy Cold Noodle Salad and vibrant Corn and Avocado Salsa. These dishes are easy to prepare and guarantee to impress your family and friends. Embrace the joy of summer meals with delicious flavors that bring everyone together! #SummerRecipes #Grilling #FreshIngredients #OutdoorCooking #ChickenSkewers #Foodie #HealthyEating #FoodLovers

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Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cubed

Juice of 2 lemons

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

8 corn tortillas

1 cup cabbage, shredded

½ cup pico de gallo

¼ cup cilantro, chopped

Lime wedges for serving

4 cups watermelon, cubed

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

½ red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup fresh mint, chopped

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz rice noodles

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup cucumber, julienned

1 red bell pepper, sliced

⅓ cup green onions, chopped

¼ cup chopped peanuts

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp chili paste (adjust to taste)

Lime wedges for serving

2 cups corn (fresh, grilled, or canned)

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 small red onion, diced

1 jalapeño, seeded and diced

½ cup cilantro, chopped

Juice of 2 limes

Salt and pepper to taste

12 oz pasta of choice

2 ripe avocados

2 cloves garlic

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ cup basil leaves

¼ cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Cherry tomatoes for garnish

Instructions

In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.

Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and has grill marks.

Serve warm with a side of summer salad.

Prep Time: 30 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4 |

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🌶️ Zesty Shrimp Tacos 🌮

In a bowl, combine shrimp, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.

Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.

Assemble tacos by filling each tortilla with shrimp, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and cilantro.

Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4 |

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🍉 Watermelon Feta Salad 🥗

In a large bowl, combine watermelon, feta, red onion, and mint.

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

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the watermelon salad and toss gently to combine.

Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

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

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🍤 Spicy Cold Noodle Salad 🍜

Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.

In a large bowl, combine noodles, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, and green onions.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste.

Pour the dressing over the noodle salad and toss to combine.

Top with chopped peanuts and serve with lime wedges.

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

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🌽 Corn and Avocado Salsa 🥑

In a large mixing bowl, combine corn, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.

Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.

Gently toss to combine without mashing the avocado.

Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats.

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

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🍝 Creamy Avocado Pasta 🥗

Cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve some pasta water and drain.

In a food processor, combine avocados, garlic, lemon juice, basil, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.

Season with salt and pepper.

Toss the drained pasta with the avocado sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches desired consistency.

Serve with cherry tomatoes on top and additional basil if desired.

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

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Feel free to ask for more delicious summer recipes or for any specific type of dish you want to explore!