It’s a recipe roundup of my favorite 5 summer dinner ideas. These meals are everyday favorites, made easy and family friendly. What does that mean? Well, they’re dinners that don’t heat up the kitchen and they’re favorites of kids and adults.
Meatloaf Monday
How about some meatloaf in the Instant Pot (or slow cooker)? It’s a family recipe and looks delicious. So, I made it on Monday and shared the prep on Instagram stories.
If you want a healthier option, make my turkey loaf recipe!
Taco Tuesday
This Tuesday, it’s carnitas dutch oven recipe. This is definitely a fix-it-and-forget-it recipe because the carnitas are made in a slow cooker, which is perfect during the summer—you won’t have to heat up the kitchen!
Summer dinners should be quick and easy, right? If you don’t have a crockpot, you can make Dutch oven carnitas instead!
Click for the crockpot carnitas recipe
Grilled Shrimp Dinner and Marinated Vegetable Salad
When I think of summer dinners, the grill usually comes to mind. I usually use packaged salad, but with all of the great fresh vegetables in season, a marinated veggie salad was calling.
Nothing says summer dinner like freshly hibachi shrimp recipe! And, you won’t believe how easy they are to make. With these easy tips, you’ll be grilling shrimp like a boss.
Just be sure to season and marinate the shrimp before making the salad!
How to make Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes
- Salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- ½ large sweet onion such as Vidalia, chopped and slivered
- 1 cucumber—peeled halved lengthwise, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves thinly ribboned
Instructions
- Halve the tomatoes lengthwise and cut into bite-size wedges. In a small bowl, toss the tomatoes with a pinch of salt, pepper, and vinegar. Let the tomatoes stand for up to 30 minutes.
- Shortly before serving, transfer the tomato wedges to a medium bowl with a slotted spoon; discard the juices. Add the cucumber and onion, then the olive oil and toss to coat. Lastly, add the basil and toss once more. Serve promptly.
Nutrition
Thursday Summer Dinner – Pesto Pasta with Pancetta
This pesto and salmon pasta dish just radiates the essence of summer. It is light, easy, healthy, and delicious!
Click for the Pesto Pasta Recipe
Friday Instant Pot Chicken Verde
This is another flexible recipe! You can substitute red salsa for the green salsa verde, depending on your preference.
Serve the salsa chicken Instant Pot over rice, tortilla chips, on tortillas, or even make enchiladas with it. It’s Friday and this Mexican-style summer meal is easy!
Click Here for the Instant Pot Chicken Verde Recipe
Summer Dessert Ideas
Have a wonderful week, my friends, and I hope you enjoy these summer dinner ideas!
Jennifer Krentzin says
Love following you and seeing your daily IG story and posts! ?
Renae says
Thank you! I’m so glad to have great followers/readers like you.