When it’s heating up outside, the last thing on the menu is a complicated meal. Dinner still needs to be served, but it shouldn’t require much cooking or having the oven on for long periods. It’s time to fire up the grill or put a slow cooker to good use. These hot weather dinner ideas will help you get a great family meal on the table without turning the air conditioning to the max.
Italian Chicken Packages
“Remember hobo packs from your growing-up years? This is the same idea, only with chicken instead of hamburger meat, and the basil and olive oil give these packs a distinctive Italian flair!” – Lynn
Salmon With Red Wine Braised Cherry Tomatoes
“I made this up when I wanted to find a way to get some cherry tomatoes into my mother-in-law who refused to eat them raw. The description may seem lengthy, but, the dish was ready within twenty minutes. This was a huge hit with my extremely picky mother-in-law, so I thought I’d save the recipe.” – Marion
Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
“Sour cream and guacamole also make tasty toppings for these steak tacos.” – Elisabeth
Pesto Grilled Shrimp Recipe
“Light fresh and summery basil pesto marinated grilled shrimp.” – Kevin
Grilled Chicken with Wilted Garlic Spinach
“I love spinach and chicken together. This recipe is good for summer and a great way to convince the little ones to eat their veggies.” – Heather
Rainbow Grilled Vegetable Medley Pilaf
“This colorful dish can be served as a main dish or a side and is great hot or cold!” – Crystal
Shrimp and Spaghetti Squash
“Perfect dinner for two served with fresh-cut watermelon, sprinkled with mint flakes.” – Linda
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
“These Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita have all the wonderful flavor but the slow cooker does all of the work. So easy and delicious this is a must try.” – Debbie
Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
“One of my favorite salads for entertaining with family and friends at the lake. Even though it’s healthy, everyone loves it! Serve it tossed in a bowl or layered on a platter. Choice of two dressings will spice it up to your liking!” – Sharyn
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
Chicken Pasta Salad
“Bacon adds even more flavor to this recipe I came up with to use up the veggies we had on hand. Serving it crumbled in a bowl alongside the salad gives people a chance to top their individual salad to taste.” – Dana
Amazing BLT Appetizer Pizza
“My husband’s favorite appetizer and a wonderful, light spring and summer meal. The sauce can be prepared the day before to allow flavors to blend. Just let it come up to room temp before trying to spread.” – Family
Greek-Inspired Chicken Pitas
“This is great on a busy evening. Serve this by heaping the chicken on top of warm pita bread, over hot cooked rice, or you could even serve it with your favorite salad greens. Place bowls containing all the topping options for your family to dress their chicken how they individually prefer. Super yummy!” – Amy
Orange Chicken Salad
“This is lovely for a light supper at the end of a summer’s day as you sit on your veranda surveying the gardens on your estate. Okay, I suffer from delusions of grandeur, but you get the idea.” – CC
Crock Pot Chicken Salsa
“Another easy meal and delicious meal for people who are on the go. Not to mention, healthy too! My children love it.” – Shanon