Skip to content

Top Navigation

Health.com Health.com
  • Health Conditions A-Z
  • News
  • Coronavirus
  • Diet & Nutrition
  • Fitness
  • Beauty
  • Mind & Body
  • Lifestyle
  • Weight Loss
  • Newsletter
  • Promo

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Health.com

Health.com Health.com
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Is Your Doctor Gaslighting You? Here's What to Do

      Is Your Doctor Gaslighting You? Here's What to Do

      How to handle a physician who doubts or dismisses your symptoms. Read More Next
    • 9 Signs It's More Serious Than the Common Cold

      9 Signs It's More Serious Than the Common Cold

      Doctors explain how to tell if you have a head cold or something more serious that requires medical attention, such as the flu, strep throat, meningitis, or mono. Read More Next
    • How Your Period Changes During Your 20s, 30s, and 40s

      How Your Period Changes During Your 20s, 30s, and 40s

      From easier cramps to a heavier flow, here's a guide on what to expect decade by decade. Read More Next
  • Health Conditions A-Z

    Health Conditions A-Z

    See All Health Conditions A-Z
    12 Anxiety Symptoms That Might Point to a Disorder

    12 Anxiety Symptoms That Might Point to a Disorder

    The symptoms of anxiety can be hard to detect. Here are the ones you need to pay attention to, and how to know if you may have an anxiety disorder.
    • Allergies
    • Anxiety
    • Birth Control
    • Breast Cancer
    • Coronavirus
    • Chronic Pain
    • Cold, Flu, and Sinus
    • Depression
    • Digestive Health
    • Diabetes (Type 2)
    • Eczema
    • Eye Health
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Heart Disease
    • Headaches and Migraines
    • Oral Health
    • Pregnancy
    • Psoriasis
    • Sexual Health
    • Skin Conditions
    • Sleep
    • Thyroid
  • News

    News

    See All News
    Shannen Doherty Reveals Stage 4 Breast Cancer Diagnosis—Here's What It Means

    Shannen Doherty Reveals Stage 4 Breast Cancer Diagnosis—Here's What It Means

    "I'm petrified," the actress said when she shared the news that her breast cancer came back. Here's why a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis can be so frightening.
    • Celebrities
  • Coronavirus
  • Diet & Nutrition

    Diet & Nutrition

    The Best (and Worst) Diets of 2020, According to Experts

    The Best (and Worst) Diets of 2020, According to Experts

    FYI: The keto diet is not number one.
    • Food
    • Nutrition
    • Vitamins and Supplements
    • Groceries
    • Restaurants
    • Diets
    • Keto Diet
    • Mediterranean Diet
    • Whole30
    • Recipes
  • Fitness

    Fitness

    See All Fitness
    10 Moves for a Cardio Workout at Home—No Equipment Required

    10 Moves for a Cardio Workout at Home—No Equipment Required

    Stay in your living room and still spike your heart rate.
    • Cardio Workouts
    • Strength Training
    • Yoga
    • Ab Workouts
    • Arm Workouts
    • Leg Workouts
    • Butt Workouts
    • Fitness Gear
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty
    These 13 Women Prove Every Body Is a Bikini Body

    These 13 Women Prove Every Body Is a Bikini Body

    We're loving their inspirational, body-positive messages.
    • Skincare
    • Makeup
    • Hair
    • Nails
  • Mind & Body

    Mind & Body

    See All Mind & Body
    Why Do People Lie? We Asked an Expert

    Why Do People Lie? We Asked an Expert

    Here's the truth about lying.
    • Body Positivity
    • Self-Care
    • Misdiagnosed
    • Invisible Illness
    • LGBTQ+ Health
    • Right to Care: Health Diversity and Inclusion
    • Resolution Reboot
    • Wellness Warriors
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    20 Things You Should Throw Away for Better Health

    20 Things You Should Throw Away for Better Health

    Clean out expired products and clutter to make way for a healthier you.
    • Healthy Home
    • Pets
    • Family
    • Relationships
    • Style
    • Holidays
    • Sex
    • Gifts
    • Money
    • Tech
    • Medicare
    • Best Life Now
    • Health Reviews
  • Weight Loss
  • Newsletter
  • Promo

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Food Chevron Right
  3. 13 Simple Summer Dinners

13 Simple Summer Dinners

Updated April 16, 2013
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
shrimp-souvlaki
These quick and tasty summer meals incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients to pack a flavorful punch in less time.
Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Quick and easy dinners

no-cook-feature-recipes
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Summertime and the living is easy—and your approach to mealtime should be, too. This year, instead of sweating it out in front of a scalding oven, try these no-cook (or minimal-cook) recipes for dinner. They're packed with good-for-you ingredients and tons of flavor, so even though you're spending less time in the kitchen, you won't be sacrificing a delicious meal. From a Mediterranean-inspired mezze plate to a fresh, light gazpacho, we've got the dishes that'll give you more of those summer days back without sacrificing your wholesome diet.

1 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sun-Dried Greek Pasta

sun-dried-greek-pasta-summer-meals
Credit: courtesy of publisher

Try this recipe: Sun-Dried Greek Pasta

With sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, this dish strikes a fresh and classic Mediterranean tone.

Ingredients: kosher salt, short-grain pasta, olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, white wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, kosher salt, baby spinach, red onion, crumbled feta

Calories: 636

2 of 18

3 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

BBQ Black Bean and Quick Slaw Tacos

bbq-black-bean-quick-slaw-tacos-summer-meals
Credit: courtesy of publisher

Try this recipe: BBQ Black Bean and Quick Slaw Tacos

These vegetarian tacos may be meatless but they sure don't lack for flavor. BBQ beans serve as the protein while cabbage lends a refreshing crunch, along side classic Mexican flavors like jalapeño and cotija cheese.

Ingredients: lime juice, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, red cabbage, green apple, green onions, fresh cilantro, black beans, barbecue sauce, kosher salt, corn tortillas, avocados, jalapeño, cotija cheese

Calories: 728

3 of 18

Advertisement

4 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Salad Remix

chicken-salad-summer-meals
Credit: courtesy of publisher

Try this recipe: Chicken Salad Remix

When it comes to fresh-tasting dinners, it's tough to beat a spinach salad tossed with grapes and fresh dill. Extra tip: Extend the life of fresh dill by adding a paper towel to the produce bag to catch excess moisture.

Ingredients: mayonnaise, soy sauce, fresh dill, garlic, pepper, pulled rotisserie chicken, seedless red grapes, chopped pecans

Calories: 301

4 of 18

5 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Smoked Trout Succotash Salad

july-no-cook-supper-salmon-salad
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Try this recipe: Smoked Trout Succotash Salad

A salad filled with refreshing summer produce like heirloom tomatoes and corn is elevated with smoked trout, a fish high in protein, B vitamins, magnesium, and phosphorus. Fresh herbs are the perfect garnish for this crunchy-meets-juicy summer salad.

Ingredients: Olive oil mayonnaise, dill, honey, cider vinegar, buttermilk, corn kernels, cucumber, smoked trout, basil, butterhead lettuce, heirloom tomatoes

Calories: 269

5 of 18

6 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegetable Pad Thai

july-no-cook-supper-toast
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Try this recipe: Vegetable Pad Thai

Give Pad Thai a healthy makeover with spiralized veggie noodles made from yellow squash. This lighter version of the classic meal still includes ingredients like lime, peanut butter, ginger, and bean sprouts, so you get the dish's same flavorful staples. Plus, with 20 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, you're treating your body to a great takeout alternative.

Ingredients: Peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, ketchup, ginger, crushed red pepper, yellow squash, carrots, peanuts, bean sprouts

Calories: 359

6 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mashed White Bean-Pesto Tartines

july-no-cook-supper-toast
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Try this recipe: Mashed White Bean-Pesto Tartines

Mix up your usual avocado toast habit with this new savory toast recipe. It's topped with a homemade bean-based pesto, fresh herbs, and tangy cheese and might just give your avo toast a run for its money. With 13 grams of fiber and 17 grams of protein, this toast is sure to satisfy you during dinnertime.

Ingredients: Cannellini beans, garlic, lemon zest, salt, pistachios, parsley, mint, olive oil, sprouted-grain bread, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Calories: 450

7 of 18

8 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Meze Plates With Homemade Tabbouleh

july-no-cook-supper-hummus
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Try this recipe: Meze Plates with Homemade Tabbouleh

Make your own vegetable-based tabbouleh and tomato salad in 20 minutes flat for a dinner that's brimming with Middle Eastern-inspired flavors and fresh vegies. Cauliflower acts as the base in this grain-free tabbouleh, so this dinner has only 4 grams of saturated fat and 5 mg of cholesterol.

Ingredients: Cauliflower, parsley, mint, olive oil, chickpeas, red onion, olives, baba ghanoush, artichokes, red bell pepper, pita

Calories: 333

8 of 18

9 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Avocado Gazpacho With Shrimp

july-no-cook-supper-shrimp-soup
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Try this recipe: Avocado Gazpacho with Shrimp

Soup isn't usually the most summer-y dinner option, but a chilled version, like this avocado gazpacho, is sure to satiate your soup craving without making you break a sweat. To make this simple recipe, blend light, fresh ingredients like cucumber and avocado in a blender and then chill. Shrimp adds protein to this dish and the avocado delivers your daily dose of healthy fats.

Ingredients: Club soda, rice vinegar, tarragon, tomatillos, salt, avocados, jalapeno, shrimp, olive oil, grape tomatoes, orange bell pepper, cilantro, cucumber

Calories: 251

9 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Layered Mexican Chicken Salad

july-no-cook-supper-salad-cup

Try this recipe: Layered Mexican Chicken Salad

Have your tacos in salad form with this crunchy and savory meal. With mix-ins like black beans and guacamole, this dish delivers plenty of calcium, iron, and protein and will keep you feeling full.

Ingredients: Plum tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, cayenne pepper, lime juice, olive oil, black beans, romaine lettuce, rotisserie chicken, corn, tortilla chips, guacamole, sour cream, cumin

Calories: 512

10 of 18

11 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ponzu Grilled Salmon With Golden Beet Couscous

ponzu-salmon

Try this recipe: Ponzu Grilled Salmon With Golden Beet Couscous

Salmon is rich in heart-healthy fats and protein, plus it tastes divine with this tangy, Asian-influenced sauce. Couscous adds fiber, and this recipe even sneaks in a little vitamin A-rich spinach.

Ingredients: Olive oil, shallots, golden beets, Israeli couscous, salt, spinach, oranges, brown sugar, soy sauce, sake, limes, cornstarch, crushed red pepper, salmon, cooking spray

Calories: 500

11 of 18

12 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Filet Mignon With Roquefort and Red Leaf

filet-mignon-red-leaf

Try this recipe: Filet Mignon With Roquefort and Red Leaf

This salad provides a rich flavor with the deliciously pungent cheese and filet mignon. You’ll also get iron, protein, and plenty of veggies in each bite.

Ingredients: Yukon Gold potatoes, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, shallot, honey, sugar, canola oil, sea salt, black pepper, yellow onion, filet mignon steaks, red leaf lettuce, tomatoes, Roquefort blue cheese

Calories: 441

12 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beef, Okra, and Potato Kebabs

beef-kebabs

Try this recipe: Beef, Okra, and Potato Kebabs

Throw these on the grill for a smoky, low-cal meal. Okra may seem like an odd veggie to put on a kebab, but it is rich in vitamin A and absorbs the savory grilled flavor perfectly.

Ingredients: Fingerling potatoes, parsley, horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, olive oil, black pepper, salt, red bell pepper, okra, shallots, sirloin steak, yellow squash, cooking spray

Calories: 338

13 of 18

14 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Jamie Oliver’s Summertime Tagliarini

summertime-tagliarini

Try this recipe: Jamie Oliver’s Summertime Tagliarini

The blend of pine nuts, lemons, and cheese creates the perfect savory sauce in this divine pasta. You’ll get nutty and tangy flavors in each bite, plus plenty of calcium. Try adding roasted zucchini for a boost of veggies.

Ingredients: Pine nuts, lemons, parsley, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pecorino cheese, black pepper, sea salt, tagliarini

Calories: 444

14 of 18

15 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sesame Seed-Crusted Salmon Burger With Yogurt Sauce

sesame-salmon-burger

Try this recipe: Sesame Seed-Crusted Salmon Burger With Yogurt Sauce

This Asian-inspired recipe takes a step away from traditional burgers. Heart-healthy salmon is combined with Japanese breadcrumbs, ginger, sesame seeds, and soy sauce for a flavor-packed burger under 500 calories.

Ingredients: Salmon, baby spinach, panko, lemons, ginger, soy sauce, sesame seeds, salt, black pepper, Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, olive oil cooking spray, whole-wheat hamburger buns

Calories: 463

15 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Heirloom Gazpacho

heirloom-gazpacho

Try this recipe: Heirloom Gazpacho

This tangy soup is delicious and packed with vitamin C. It works great as an appetizer, but you can also combine it with some Hearty Multigrain Bread and a summer salad like this Strawberry and Arugula Salad With Crispy Prosciutto for a complete meal.

Ingredients: Heirloom tomatoes, garlic, sugar, sherry vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, yellow and orange bell peppers, basil, large shrimp

Calories: 142

16 of 18

17 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Soft Tacos With Spicy Chicken

soft-tacos-spicy-chicken

Try this recipe: Soft Tacos With Spicy Chicken

These spicy, tender tacos will satisfy your craving for South of the Border flavors. And because oregano, cilantro, and chiles add big flavor, not big calorie counts, you can enjoy them with chips and guacamole.

Ingredients: Chicken breasts, salt, black pepper, bay leaf, oregano, chipotle chiles, red onion, white wine vinegar, olive oil, dark beer, corn tortillas, cilantro, salsa

Calories: 225

17 of 18

18 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grilled Shrimp "Souvlaki"

shrimp-souvlaki

Try this recipe: Grilled Shrimp "Souvlaki"

This Greek dish combines seafood, veggies, and plenty of fresh herbs for a delicious, fiber-packed Mediterranean meal.

Ingredients: Large shrimp, lemons, olive oil, dill, oregano, Greek yogurt, garlic, cucumber, pepper, cherry tomatoes, whole-grain flatbreads, red onion, romaine lettuce

Calories: 353

18 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 18 Quick and easy dinners
2 of 18 Sun-Dried Greek Pasta
3 of 18 BBQ Black Bean and Quick Slaw Tacos
4 of 18 Chicken Salad Remix
5 of 18 Smoked Trout Succotash Salad
6 of 18 Vegetable Pad Thai
7 of 18 Mashed White Bean-Pesto Tartines
8 of 18 Meze Plates With Homemade Tabbouleh
9 of 18 Avocado Gazpacho With Shrimp
10 of 18 Layered Mexican Chicken Salad
11 of 18 Ponzu Grilled Salmon With Golden Beet Couscous
12 of 18 Filet Mignon With Roquefort and Red Leaf
13 of 18 Beef, Okra, and Potato Kebabs
14 of 18 Jamie Oliver’s Summertime Tagliarini
15 of 18 Sesame Seed-Crusted Salmon Burger With Yogurt Sauce
16 of 18 Heirloom Gazpacho
17 of 18 Soft Tacos With Spicy Chicken
18 of 18 Grilled Shrimp "Souvlaki"

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Health.com

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact us
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Meredith Health.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. All products and services featured are selected by our editors. Health.com may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.health.com

View image

13 Simple Summer Dinners
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.