A list of amazing summer dinner recipes that include favorites like grilled pork chops, grilled chicken kabobs, fried corn and strawberry lemonade. 

These recipes have everything you need for summer like grilled meats, kabobs, foil packet recipes, side dishes, drinks and more.

A collection of summer dinner recipes such as watermelon agua fresca, tropical fruit salad and steak kabobs.

It’s about that time of year when you start planning for BBQ weekends with amazing friends and family. Summer dinner recipes are ones that make memories. People refer to your gathering by the dish you made or ‘remember when you brought that one salad,‘ so give them something to remember this summer.

Summer is also the time when all different fruits and vegetables are in season, so these recipes are heavy on summer favorites like tomatoes, corn and berries. Plus there are fantastic grilled recipes because our grill is going nonstop in the summer. Grilling is even more fun when cooking up succulent morsels on skewers or in foil packets.

Along with summer salads and main dishes, don’t forget to serve up a refreshing drink to cool off with on a hot night!

I have gathered up 38 of my favorite summer dinner recipes to share with you. You can also make life a little easier by checking out my list of 35 freezer meal recipes. See if you can find a new memory maker from this great list!

38 Summer Dinner Recipes

On the Grill

A selection of grilled chicken, pork chops and fish that are perfect for a casual weekday dinner or a meal fit for entertaining. Fire up the grill and give these a try!

A collection of summer dinner recipes featuring grilled chicken, grilled pork chops and bbq chicken.
Grilled chicken salad with bacon, veggies and blue cheese.

Grilled Chicken Salad

This grilled chicken salad is tender marinated chicken that's grilled to perfection then served over lettuce with bacon, avocado, corn, blue cheese and tomatoes. A hearty salad that's packed with flavor and also happens to be full of nutrition.
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A plate of grilled chicken wings coated in herbs.

Grilled Chicken Wings

These grilled chicken wings are coated in a flavorful garlic, lemon and herb marinade, then grilled to golden brown perfection. A simple yet satisfying appetizer or main course that's easy to make and always a crowd pleaser!
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Grilled pork chops coated in marinade then cooked and garnished with parsley.

Grilled Pork Chops

These grilled pork chops are soaked in a flavorful marinade, then cooked to golden brown perfection. A quick and easy recipe that's perfect for any BBQ or summer gathering!
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BBQ pork chops are bone in pork chops that have been grilled and topped with barbecue sauce.

BBQ Pork Chops

These BBQ pork chops are bone-in pork chops brined in garlic and spices, then grilled to perfection and basted with barbecue sauce. An easy dinner option that’s perfect for summer entertaining.
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A plate of grilled swordfish steaks topped with herbs.

Grilled Swordfish

This grilled swordfish is marinated in lemon, garlic, olive oil and herbs, then seared on the grill until golden brown. The absolute best way to prepare swordfish, this dinner is easy yet elegant.
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Sliced grilled chicken breast garnished with herbs and lemon.

Grilled Chicken Breast

This grilled chicken breast recipe is boneless skinless chicken breasts soaked in a flavorful garlic and herb marinade, then grilled to golden brown perfection. A staple recipe that's perfect for summer entertaining!
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Grilled marinated salmon fillets with lemon, garlic and herbs.

Marinated Salmon

This marinated salmon is fresh salmon fillets flavored with olive oil, garlic and herbs, then grilled or baked to perfection. You’ll want to grill salmon all summer long after you taste this easy marinade!
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Grilled bruschetta chicken topped with melted mozzarella cheese, tomato basil bruschetta and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Bruschetta Chicken

This bruschetta chicken recipe is marinated and grilled chicken topped with mozzarella cheese, tomato basil bruschetta and balsamic glaze. The perfect easy dinner for summer time!
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Beer can chicken on a grill.

Beer Can Chicken

This beer can chicken is a whole chicken that is coated in homemade BBQ spice rub, then placed on top of a beer can and grilled to smoky and tender perfection. A unique way to eat chicken that always gets rave reviews!
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A platter of BBQ chicken garnished with corn on the cob and parsley.

BBQ Chicken

This BBQ chicken is chicken pieces that are grilled or baked until juicy and tender, then coated in BBQ sauce and cooked until caramelized. An easy dinner option with minimal ingredients that is always a big hit!
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Foil Packet Recipes and Kabobs

Simplify grilling with kabobs and foil packet recipes. Grilling kabobs makes it easy to cook shrimp, chicken and veggies and they are so fun to eat! Foil packet recipes are complete meals with minimal cleanup. Many of the foil packet recipes can be either grilled or baked, depending on your preference.

A group of summer recipes with beef kabobs, shrimp skewers and salmon foil packets.
Steak kabobs with mushrooms, red onion and bell peppers, brushed with garlic butter.

Steak Kabobs with Garlic Butter

These steak kabobs are pieces of sirloin beef skewers with mushrooms, peppers and onions, then grilled to perfection and finished off with garlic butter. An easy and hearty dinner option.
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A salmon foil packet that can be baked or grilled with seasoned salmon and fresh vegetables.

Salmon Foil Packets

These salmon foil packets are fresh salmon fillets and vegetables coated in herb butter, then baked or grilled to perfection. An easy and healthy meal with minimal clean up!
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Skewers of jerk shrimp and pineapple, topped with parsley.

Jerk Shrimp Kabobs

These jerk shrimp kabobs are skewers of shrimp, pineapple and peppers, all coated in homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning, then grilled to perfection. A quick dinner option that’s full of flavor.
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Cooked chicken breasts covered in cheese surrounded by peppers, onions and black beans, all inside a foil packet.

Chicken Fajita Foil Packets

These chicken fajita foil packets are filled with cheesy Mexican spiced chicken, black beans, peppers and onions. Throw them on the grill or in the oven to cook, then add your favorite fajita toppings and serve with tortillas!
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A plate of grilled chicken kabobs made with marinated chicken and colorful vegetables.

Grilled Chicken Kabobs

These grilled chicken kabobs are made with marinated chicken and colorful vegetables, all threaded onto skewers and cooked to perfection. An easy dinner that can also be baked in the oven!
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Grilled shrimp skewers with lemon wedges and parsley.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These grilled shrimp skewers are shrimp marinated in garlic, lemon and herbs, then threaded onto sticks and cooked to perfection. Shrimp kabobs can be on your table in just 20 minutes, which makes them perfect for a busy night!
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This recipe for Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs is juicy chicken breast, pineapple and vegetables in a sweet and tangy sauce, threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. Serve with coconut rice for a taste of the tropics at home!

Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

This recipe for Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs is juicy chicken breast, pineapple and vegetables in a sweet and tangy sauce, threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. Serve with coconut rice for a taste of the tropics at home! 
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Grilled potatoes in foil on a serving plate garnished with herbs.

Grilled Potatoes in Foil

These grilled potatoes in foil are diced potatoes cooked in ranch butter, then topped with melted cheese, bacon, sour cream and chives. All the flavors of a loaded baked potato in foil packet form!
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These grilled lemon sriracha shrimp are a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy and a whole lot delicious! #KingsfordFlavor #Ad

Grilled Sriracha Shrimp

This recipe for grilled lemon sriracha shrimp is a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet and a lot delicious.
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These bacon ranch chicken foil packets are a super easy dinner option with minimal cleanup! Chicken breasts are cooked with potatoes and ranch flavored butter, then topped with melted cheese and bacon for a meal that's sure to please any crowd.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Foil Packets

These bacon ranch chicken foil packets are a super easy dinner option with minimal cleanup! Chicken breasts are cooked with potatoes and ranch flavored butter, then topped with melted cheese and bacon for a meal that’s sure to please any crowd.
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Summer Dinner Sides

Summer side dishes are the perfect way to show off all that fabulous in-season produce. From tender, grilled veggies to flavorful salads, there are plenty of fresh and healthy options to please any crowd.

A group of side dishes perfect for summer dinners like caprese skewers, strawberry spinach salad and grilled vegetables.
Tomato avocado salad with red onion and a cilantro lime dressing.

Tomato Avocado Salad

This tomato avocado salad is a zesty blend of avocado, tomato, cilantro, jalapeno and red onion, all tossed in a lime dressing. A simple yet satisfying dish that is great for picnics and potlucks.
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Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers

These caprese skewers combine tomatoes with basil, mozzarella, olive oil and balsamic for an appetizer that’s both easy and impressive!
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A bowl of tropical fruit salad with mango, raspberries, papaya, kiwi and pineapple tossed in honey lime dressing.

Tropical Fruit Salad

This recipe for tropical fruit salad is a colorful mixture of mango, pineapple, papaya, kiwi and raspberries tossed in a honey lime dressing.
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This berry cheesecake salad recipe is a variety of fresh berries tossed in a light and creamy cheesecake mixture. The perfect summer salad!

Berry Cheesecake Salad

This berry cheesecake salad recipe is a variety of fresh berries tossed in a light and creamy cheesecake mixture. The perfect summer salad!
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This blackberry apricot salad uses summer's finest produce and the creamy apricot poppyseed dressing is to die for!

Blackberry Salad

This blackberry salad is full of summer’s finest fresh produce and is topped with a creamy apricot poppy seed dressing. 
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Fried corn topped with bacon and chives in a pan.

Fried Corn with Bacon

This fried corn is cooked with bacon and chives until golden brown and caramelized. The ultimate easy summer side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, fish and hamburgers. A Southern classic that never goes out of style!
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A bowl of strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing, feta cheese and sliced avocado.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This strawberry spinach salad is a blend of baby spinach leaves, fresh strawberries, red onion, almonds, feta cheese and avocado, all tossed in a poppy seed dressing. A fresh and colorful salad that's fit for any occasion!
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Grilled brussels sprouts on skewers served with lemon and parsley.

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

These grilled Brussels sprouts are coated in olive oil, garlic and herbs, then threaded onto skewers and cooked until caramelized. A unique and unexpected summer side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken, beef and seafood.
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A colorful platter of grilled vegetables flavored with garlic and herbs.

Grilled Vegetables

These grilled vegetables are an assortment of colorful veggies bathed in a flavorful garlic and herb marinade, then cooked to perfection on the grill. An easy dish that’s quick to make and always gets rave reviews! Grilled veggies pair well with almost any protein such as beef, fish or chicken.
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Grilled broccoli topped with parsley and garnished with lemon wedges.

Grilled Broccoli

This grilled broccoli is marinated in garlic, herbs and olive oil, then seared to tender perfection. A unique and unexpected way to prepare broccoli that's great for the warmer weather months!
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Refreshing Drinks

Don’t forget about a cool, refreshing drink for those long summer days. Here are some fabulous drinks featuring lemonade, punch and agua fresca.

A group of summer drinks like strawberry lemonade, cherry limeade and agua fresca.
Cups of agua fresca in assorted fruit flavors.

Agua Fresca Recipe

This agua fresca recipe is a basic formula to produce a perfect Mexican style fruit drink every time! Use watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, peaches, kiwis or even cucumber for a light and refreshing beverage that's great for parties.
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A glass pitcher of cherry limeade garnished with slices of fresh lime and maraschino cherries.

Cherry Limeade

This Sonic style cherry limeade is fizzy, refreshing and perfect for a hot day! Best of all, it’s ready in just 5 minutes.
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This easy watermelon agua fresca is the perfect drink for any summer party!

Watermelon Agua Fresca

This cool and refreshing watermelon agua fresca is perfect for summer entertaining!
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This sparkling raspberry pineapple freeze is a festive and refreshing drink that takes just minutes to put together. #WaterMadeExciting Ad

Sparkling Raspberry Pineapple Freeze

This sparkling raspberry pineapple freeze takes frozen fruit and blends it with sparkling water for a festive and refreshing beverage.
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A pitcher of strawberry lemonade garnished with sliced lemons and mint.

Strawberry Lemonade

This homemade strawberry lemonade is a simple yet refreshing combination of fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar. The ultimate summer time drink!
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A pitcher of pineapple punch with fresh pineapple, raspberries and mint.

Pineapple Punch

This refreshing pineapple punch is made with just 5 ingredients and is ready in 5 minutes. The perfect sparkling fruit drink for any summer party!
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Lime sherbet punch garnished with cherries, lemons, limes and mint.

Sherbet Punch

This lime sherbet punch is a cool and refreshing beverage made with lemon lime soda, limeade and sherbet. Sherbet punch is the perfect drink for parties, especially on a warm day!
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This recipe for strawberry mango agua fresca is a light and refreshing fruit drink that only takes 15 minutes to make, it's the perfect way to cool off on a hot day! Ad

Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca

This recipe for strawberry mango agua fresca is a light and refreshing fruit drink that only takes 15 minutes to make, it’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day!
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With these summer dinner recipes you can amaze your friends and family, or just enjoy a warm summer day. Try some of these recipes to make your summer a little brighter!

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Comments

  1. Wow! What a long list of carefully selected summer dishes. I’ll try a couple of these. I definitely love any seafood recipe.

  2. These are some wonderful summer recipes! They’re very nostalgic –– anything on the grill is for me 🙂 I haven’t been to a BBQ in so long.

  3. SO many delicious recipes for the summer! I want to try making foil meals on the BBQ and lots of fresh fruit salads!

  4. This is making me so hungry at 1am reading your blog. The goods are attractive and colourful. I’ll save this on Pinterest. Love the shrimp recipe

  5. Lots of options, can’t choose! While I’m all for the foil recipes, I’ll have to try the light ones first. It’s amazing how summer brings up a ton of amazing food!

  6. I lean towards salads and light recipes during the summer, even for dinner. Love the list of recipes that you shared. My husband and I will enjoy them!

  7. Oh my! This is a lot of food! All of them look absolutely delicious and I don’t even know where to begin 🙂 Summer salads are my personal favorites!

  8. Wow what an extensive roundup of amazing recipes for the summer months. There are definitely a lot of ideas that I have gotten from this to try myself!

  9. Wow that is quite a list and I so want to make them all this season! Thanks for sharing some ideas that I never thought of.

  10. I love all types of food , summer food are among the top favorites. The seasonal vegetables makes it all great

  11. What a great collection of summer meals and such beautiful photographs. Thank you very much for this post.

  12. Girl!! What a fabulous list. I love so many of the choices. The grilled corn looks fab. I’m so ready for fresh corn on the cob. Yum! 🙂

  13. This roundup makes me so excited for summer! We love using the grill and all the fresh produce from the farmers market. I pinned this for later, thank you!

  14. Such a complete recipe for summer BBQ preparation. I will use this to host BBQ party for my birthday which is coming soon. I love your side dishes menu, super colorful with all different type of fresh ingredients. It will look super pretty on the table! I am going to keep this list!

  15. This is an amazingly long list of great meals! Your making me very hungry for dinner out as I do not have the food on hand or defrosted to make these. There is such a variety and the packets look so easy during the warm weather. Most look delicious!