67 Summer Dinner Ideas for Relaxed Weeknights and Alfresco Gatherings

Summer dinner ideas often start with what’s in season, whether the goal is to use up garden zucchini or make sure you’ve gotten your proper fill of tomatoes. But just throwing plain veggies on the grill or serving the same salad again and again can get a little ho-hum. And that’s where the vast Epicurious archives come in. Below, you’ll find a few of our favorite summer dinner recipes, including no-cook (or low-cook) options, mains and sides for your next barbecue, picnic-friendly salads, and quick recipes for nights when you’d rather be anywhere but standing over a hot stove. Scroll down to build your own summer dinner ideas list—and be sure to start your free trial to access all the recipes and use the Epicurious iOS app.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson1/67Classic Seafood Boil With Lemon-Butter
Some summer dinner ideas just feel like a party—cover your table with newspaper, whip up a quick cocktail sauce and lemon butter for dipping, and invite some friends.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Kim2/67Zucchini and White Bean Caesar
Summer salad dinners are the best salad dinners. This hearty Caesar helps sweet fresh zucchini shine. And other than toasting up some croutons, there’s no heat required.
Photo by Caleb Adams, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell3/67Cedar-Plank Salmon
Need a showstopper for your first big summer BBQ? Meet our favorite grilled salmon, with its hint of smoke and tangy-sweet glaze.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton4/67Easy Pasta Salad
Banana peppers add a tangy kick to this easy pasta salad. Feel free to make it in advance and stash in the fridge for a few hours before bringing it along to a backyard party or picnic.
Photo by Peden + Munk5/67Grilled Fattoush with Halloumi and Eggplant
This spin on fattoush features grilled pita, eggplant, and Halloumi cheese, plus tomatoes, cukes, and lots of fresh mint and dill.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell6/67Grand Aioli
An elegant party move that doesn’t require silverware.
Photo by Peden + Munk7/67Chopped Salad With Shallot Vinaigrette, Feta, and Dill
Make this flexible summer salad with whatever produce you’d like—asparagus is nice! Just make sure everything is cut to roughly the same size.
Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Judy Mancini8/67Summer Squash and Basil Pasta
Summer isn’t complete without a really good summer squash dinner. The key to this pasta recipe is cooking the yellow squash and zucchini until it gets nice and jammy.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone9/673-Ingredient Garlic-Herb Grilled Chicken Wings
A simple marinade gives this grilled chicken tons of flavor. Serve with lots of napkins and your favorite slaw.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson10/673-Ingredient Pesto-Grilled Chicken with Peaches
Grab your favorite store-bought pesto (or make your own!) to use as a marinade and finishing sauce in this sweet-meets-savory summer dinner idea.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich11/67Paella With Seafood
Shrimp, mussels, and bomba rice get the star treatment in this large-format dish.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell12/67Green Bean and Tuna Salad With Basil Dressing
This simple meal is both fresh and hearty. And with minimal cooking involved, it’s ideal for summer.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Lillian Chou13/67Spicy Honey-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops With Peach Pico de Gallo
When peaches show up at your local market, it’s time to make this juicy mix of peaches, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro to pile onto grilled pork chops.
Roland Bello14/67Corn and Zucchini Salad with Feta
If you can get your hands on zucchini blossoms, serve them in this fresh salad that makes the most of summer produce.

Tiffany Hopkins

Maggie Hoffman

Anna Hezel

Casey Corn



