Easy Summer Family Dinner Ideas

While I love the cozy, indulgent meals that come with fall and winter I most enjoy cooking dinner in the summertime. Recipes are typically quick and easy and full of fresh ingredients. Though I usually have more time for making dinner when we don’t have school and sports – I love the laid back approach to summer meals. I’m looking forward to getting our deck finished and utilizing our grill more! I polled my Instagram audience about their favorite summer meals for the family and added some of my own below.

BBQ Turkey Meatballs: These were so good! I served them with Banza “orzo” and a zucchini, tomato, mozzarella salad (that my kids didn’t eat).

The Best Summer Pasta: This has been my family’s go-to recipe for years. We especially enjoy it on vacations. It’s so easy but yet so, so good!

Chicken Sausages & Potato Salad: I love to make this French potato salad but my kids don’t like it – so I usually just bake some sweet potato fries for them.

Fish Stick Tacos: This was suggested a few times by followers on Instagram and I forgot how much I love this meal. I use whatever frozen fish sticks we have and make a simple slaw. I use mayo, lime juice, salt & pepper and toss it with shredded cabbage. We top our tacos with avocado and I usually set out salsa & cheese for the kids.

Chicken Parmesan Mini Meatloaves: This doesn’t really scream summer but I made it recently and my kids devoured it. I should have known better than to try and serve roasted broccoli – next time I’ll steam theirs.

Veggie Packed Pasta: This recipe could not be easier, it combines jarred pasta sauce, spinach and cottage cheese and the result is amazing. My family loved this pasta dish – I used Banza pasta for extra protein.

BLTS: Can’t go wrong here, my whole family enjoys a good BLT. My husband loves these Smoked Salmon BLTs and I always add avocado to make a BLAT! I usually serve with fruit & corn.

Roasted Summer Squash Salad: This is on my list to try – though I’ll probably deconstruct it for my picky kids.

Greek Bowls: This is another favorite in our family year round but in the summer months you can easily utilize the grill! Grill a protein of your choice (I also like to make turkey meatballs) and then layer on the toppings. I serve brown rice, tzatziki, feta, cucumbers & olives. My kids pick what they like!

BBQ Salmon Bowls: This recipe has been on my list to try! My kids love salmon but I never seem to make it as much in the summer. I love how fresh this recipe is!

Turkey Burgers: Always a hit in our house. I usually serve with corn on the cob and baked sweet potato fries.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: I’m excited to try this. I don’t think my kids have ever had kebabs and I think they will enjoy them!

Grilled Pizzas: My parents make the best grilled pizza and I can’t wait to try some new recipes this summer without heating the oven to 425 degrees. Mozzarella & marinara for the kids – but personally I want to try this zucchini & herbed ricotta flatbread.

Fried Chicken Sandwiches: These sounds soooo delicious. I’d probably just pick up ‘red bag chicken’ from ALDI instead of making my own!

Panzanella: One of my favorite summer recipes! I like to serve it deconstructed for my kids and with a side of grilled chicken or fish.

Turkey & Avocado Grinder Sandwiches: These are amazing. I usually don’t make sandwiches for dinner unless it’s a BLT night but these are so hearty and filling they fit the bill. Hands down the best sandwich I’ve ever made!

Tagliatelle With Corn & Cherry Tomatoes: Nothing is better than a simple, summer pasta dish!