Summer is the perfect time to explore fresh, vibrant flavors in your cooking. The season brings an abundance of fresh produce, longer days, and the opportunity to dine al fresco. Here are seven summer dinner ideas, complete with recipes and grocery lists, to help you make the most of this sunny season.
1. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Recipe:
Marinate 1 lb of shrimp in a mixture of 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and salt to taste for 20 minutes.
Grill the shrimp until cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
For the salsa, combine 2 diced avocados, 1 diced tomato, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, juice of 1 lime, and salt to taste.
Serve the grilled shrimp in corn tortillas, topped with the avocado salsa.
Grocery List:
1 lb shrimp
Olive oil
Chili powder
Cumin
Salt
Avocados
Tomato
Cilantro
Lime
Corn tortillas
2. Caprese Chicken with Pesto Zoodles
Recipe:
Season 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill until cooked through.
Top each chicken breast with a slice of fresh mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and a basil leaf. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
For the zoodles, spiralize 4 zucchinis. Sauté in olive oil until tender, then toss with 1/4 cup of pesto.
Grocery List:
Chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
Fresh mozzarella
Tomatoes
Basil
Balsamic glaze
Zucchinis
Olive oil
Pesto
3. Grilled Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter and Quinoa Salad
Recipe:
Grill 4 salmon fillets until cooked to your liking.
For the butter, combine 1/2 cup softened butter, zest of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (like dill or parsley), and salt to taste. Spread on the cooked salmon.
For the salad, combine 2 cups cooked quinoa, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, and salt to taste.
Grocery List:
Salmon fillets
Butter
Lemon
Fresh herbs
Salt
Quinoa
Cucumber
Bell pepper
Olive oil
4. Greek Chicken Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce
Recipe:
Marinate 1 lb cubed chicken breast in a mixture of 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp oregano, and salt to taste for 2 hours.
Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill until cooked through.
For the tzatziki, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 grated cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and salt to taste.
Serve the kebabs with the tzatziki sauce.
Grocery List:
Chicken breast
Olive oil
Lemon
Oregano
Salt
Skewers
Greek yogurt
Cucumber
Fresh dill
5. Summer Vegetable Stir Fry
Recipe:
Sauté 1 diced bell pepper, 1 diced zucchini, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 cup cherry tomatoes in 2 tbsp olive oil until tender.
Add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Cook for another minute.
Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles.
Grocery List:
Bell pepper
Zucchini
Snap peas
Cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Garlic
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Rice or noodles
6. Grilled Steak with Chimichurri and Sweet Potato Fries
Recipe:
Season 2 steaks with salt and pepper, then grill to your liking.
For the chimichurri, combine 1 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 cloves garlic, and salt to taste in a food processor until smooth.
For the fries, cut 2 sweet potatoes into fries, toss with olive oil and salt, and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.
Serve the steak with the chimichurri and sweet potato fries.
Grocery List:
Steaks
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Garlic
Sweet potatoes
7. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Recipe:
Spread 1/2 cup BBQ sauce on a pizza crust.
Top with 1 cup shredded cooked chicken, 1/2 diced red onion, and 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella.
Bake at 475°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Top the cooked pizza with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
Grocery List:
BBQ sauce
Pizza crust
Cooked chicken
Red onion
Mozzarella
Fresh cilantro
These summer dinner ideas are sure to please your palate and make the most of the season's bounty. Whether you're grilling on the patio or cooking in the kitchen, these recipes bring the fresh flavors of summer to your table. Enjoy the season of sunshine and good food!
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