Light Summer Dinners That Still Satisfy

These light summer dinner ideas are perfect for when the weather is warm and you want to whip something up with lots of fresh produce.

overhead view of a bowl of greek quinoa salad garnished with parsley, with cucumbers and tomatoes off to the side of the bowl

I absolutely love eating out on the patio during the summer months. Warm weather happens in a blink in the mid-west, and so we try to soak up every second of it. These great dinners are perfect for patio meals. They are light, fresh, and leave you feeling full and satisfied without that heavy after dinner need to take a nap feeling. These great dinner ideas are ones you can come back to over and over all summer long.

5 from 1 vote

Cobb Salad

Cobb Salad is a classic for a reason. The delicious ingredients combine to create a hearty meal that will leave everyone happy and satisfied. Don't miss my homemade Red Wine Vinaigrette that pulls everything together.

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5 from 1 vote

Panzanella Salad

Panzanella Salad is our new favorite summer salad. Crisp vegetables combine with toasted pieces of bread in a delicious and light vinaigrette dressing.

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5 from 2 votes

Fish Taco Recipe

These Fish Tacos are so easy to make, and are restaurant quality good. The amazing flavors of the fish, slaw, and sauce come together in the most perfect way.

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overhead view of Mediterranean quinoa in a wood bowl

5 from 13 votes

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is one of the only grains that brings protein to the party, and when you pair that with fresh veggies and my light Greek dressing, you have a delicious dinner that works perfectly for lunch the next day too!

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5 from 3 votes

Baked Salmon in Foil

Baked Salmon in Foil is an easy, light dinner that is full of delicious flavor. You will love making salmon this foolproof way.

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Lemon Pasta

This lemon pasta comes together in about 20 minutes and is full of bright lemon flavor in a delicious creamy sauce.

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Chicken Caesar Wrap

My Chicken Caesar Wrap is everything you love about a Caesar salad, in a hand-held wrap. It is delicious and makes the best lunch.

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5 from 3 votes

Curry Chicken Salad

Curry Chicken Salad is going to be your new favorite spin on chicken salad. Made with easy ingredients, this salad has the best flavor and is bound to be a hit wherever you take it.

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5 from 2 votes

Crab Cakes

These Crab Cakes will blow your mind! Unlike what you get at restaurants, these are packed to the brim with crab and have a great flavor. This is the perfect appetizer or dinner!

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5 from 1 vote

Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is such a delicious spring time dinner. Made with fresh veggies and pasta, you will love this delightful and bright meal.

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Sushi Bowl

This Sushi Bowl is the perfect dinner if you are craving sushi. It has all of the amazing flavors without any of the hassle of rolling sushi.

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5 from 12 votes

Easy Orzo Pasta Salad

This Easy Orzo Salad is delicious and combines the perfect flavors in this Mediterranean salad. It makes such a great side dish for any BBQ or picnic!

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5 from 1 vote

Shrimp Avocado Salad

Cut up shrimp, avocado, and tomatoes come together with the simplest dressing for a light and delicious salad that you will want to eat all summer long.

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