From grilled steak to light shrimp dishes to burgers to squash casserole, these classic summer dinner ideas belong in your weeknight meal rotation. Full of seasonal produce, perfect grill marks and packed with flavor, these go-to family dinners scream summer. You can’t have summer without burgers, grilled chicken and zucchini-loaded dinners! So let’s fire up the grill, grab those garden veggies and take the shrimp out of the fridge to make these classic summer dinner ideas!
Sauteed Parmesan Zucchini & Yellow Squash
“Every summer, no matter how few plants we plant, it seems like we have too much zucchini and yellow squash. Since the neighbors don’t like it when we leave it on their doorsteps, I’ve had to come up with ways to get my family to eat it. This is my husbands’ and my favorite way.” – Lynelle
Sweet Balsamic Glaze Caprese Burger
“It’s a salty meets sweet burger…” – Kisha
Chicken Bacon Kabobs
“This quick and easy tropical treat is sure to delight your family or guests at your next grilled lunch or dinner!” – Cheryl
Grilled Garlic Shrimp in Foil
“Grilling shrimp in foil is easy and fit for a king (or queen).” – Daune
Bacon Onion Tomato Pie
“It may sound strange, but believe me it is to die for!” – Lolly
Caprese Chicken Stacker With Reduced Balsamic
“I just made this last weekend. Salt and pepper chicken with fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil & balsamic reduction. It’s one of my fave plates I’ve ever made.” – Stephanie
Summer Squash Cheesy Bake
“My brother plants a large garden every year and just the other day his zucchini and yellow squash are now ready. I brought some home and wanted something a little different to do with it where they weren’t cooked to a mush.” – Stacey
Lisa’s Air Fryer Fried Chicken
“I got myself the XL Power Fryer and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. I whipped up this recipe last night for our family and hubby said it tasted just like KFC. But this is way healthier as it’s cooked with no oil. Got to love that, right? :)” – Lisa
Crab Cake Sandwiches
“This is a very tasty alternative to lunchtime sandwiches. Wonderful when served on onion sandwich rolls with coleslaw.” – Mysti
Bold Tastin’ Grilled Steak
“This was a favorite when I was growing up!! We rarely had meat but when we did, we sure loved the bold flavors this marinade brought out!!” – Ashley
Shrimp in Buttery Garlic Sauce
“Yuuummmm…..shrimp in a flavorful buttery garlic sauce. One of my husband’s favorite meals. What could be better? It is perfect served over hot pasta.” – Baby
Fettuccine Chicken & Tomato Dinner
“Made this recipe from what I had in my fridge and pantry. Very good, if I do say so myself!” – Denise
Brats & Beer On The Grill
“Here’s a great delicious way to cook up those bratwursts when you want a really tasty bratwurst.” – Cheryl
Zucchini Casserole
“For those with a garden, you probably have a ton of zucchini from your harvests. Here is another way to use it.” – Pam
David’s BBQ Pork Ribs
“This recipe is one I came up with one day when wanting something different for my BBQ ribs other than BBQ sauce. So if you are wanting to try something different next time you BBQ pork ribs give it a try. You’ll be glad you did! This recipe gives ribs an incredible flavor that you just need to try. Use it on any pork you wish to BBQ. Pork steaks, baby back ribs, spare ribs, short ribs country-style ribs, or St Louis-style ribs. All of my family and friends that have tried this recipe, ask for it every time I BBQ. Enjoy! And as always, Bon Appetite!” – David
Grilled Salmon With Hoisin Sauce
“Salmon is a “fish steak” to me. It is a very thick, moist, and flavorful fish and I love the hoisin sauce on salmon! Hoisin is a Chinese barbeque like sauce or glaze. It is bold with flavors and really compliments the salmon. Salmon is our top favorite fish to eat. More importantly, it is extremely good for you too. It packed full of Omega 3 vitamins more than any other fish. I hope you will try this wonderful fish glazed with hoisin sauce and enjoy the unique flavors that it brings.” – Kimberly
Zucchini and Basil Pesto
“This tastes great with any kind of pasta!” – Antonette
Marinated Flank Steak & Mushrooms
“This adds lots of flavor to an inexpensive cut. Be sure to slice it across the grain when serving.” – Pamela
Grill Chicken Thighs w/ White Barbecue Sauce
“The flavor of the rub and the sauce is WONDERFUL. They go so great together. I know most would not think of a white barbecue sauce but this one is GREAT. Serve chicken with grilled corn and some grilled zucchini; YUMMY. You will not be disappointed with this meal. Not just the great taste, but it is all prepared on the grill. No kitchen clean-up. :)” – Missy
Blackened Red Snapper With Fresh Salsa
“There is nothing like fresh seafood. When I made this, the fish came from a fishing trip to the Gulf Coast the night before. I serve this over a simple pasta. The fish and salsa have so much flavor there is no need to season the pasta. If you have the time, make the salsa the night before to give the flavors time to combine – you will be glad you did.” – Tammy
Papa’s Grilled Chicken With a Twist
“Can’t cook it fast enough. They wait in line!” – Denny
Baked Italian Sausages
“This is a great way to cook Italian sausages! Just a few minutes of prep time and they only get checked and turned once… then leave them alone until done! We love these for sandwiches or as a side with pasta.” – Colleen
Grilled Shrimp and Sausage With Peppers and Onions
“This is my hubby’s favorite grilled dinner. Lots of butter and yumminess. Paula Dean would be so proud of us!! LOL. This morning I took the leftovers and warmed them up in the microwave and added a fried egg for breakfast. Very tasty!!” – Ashley
Michigan Hot Dog Sauce
“My Mother’s recipe for a spicy, tangy sauce for hot dogs, french fries, or hamburgers.” – Jen
Chicken and Pasta With Summer Vegetables
“I had a recipe similar to this and lost it. So, I created this one which I think is even better! My husband and friends love it.” – Marcia
Blue Ribbon Garlic Shrimp Scampi and Pasta
“This amazing shrimp scampi with pasta recipe has won me 3 Blue Ribbons in 3 different contests. It took me 6 months to perfect this recipe. Everyone loves the depth of flavor and says, “This is the best shrimp scampi and pasta I have ever had, I can’t stop eating it.” I consistently have to make a double batch because everyone always gets a second big helping. Garlic bread is a must-have with this recipe, don’t leave it out. Enjoy!” – Jim
Easy Fish Tacos
“These Easy Fish Tacos are packed full of seasoned flaky fish in a hearty warm tortilla. Topped with crema these are a taco lovers dream.” – Debbie
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Zucchini
“Tender zucchini boats stuffed with all of the flavours of Philly cheesesteaks!” – Kevin
Chicken Parmesan & Creamy Tomato & Basil Spaghetti
“This is a fresh new take on an old recipe. It’s loaded with fresh ingredients and my family loves it and so do my friends now. I made this for dinner with friends and they love the fresh taste of this Parmesan and spaghetti!” – Josee