15 light and flavorful fish recipes for summer dinners

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Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and flavorful fish dishes. With the warm weather, nobody wants to spend too long in the kitchen, and that’s where these recipes come in handy. They’re quick, easy, and packed with fresh ingredients that highlight the best of the season.

Honey lime sablefish with jalapeño corn salsa in a bowl with a fork.
Honey Lime Sablefish. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air Fryer Scallops

Air fryer scallops with green beans and rice on a plate.
Air Fryer Scallops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer scallops come out perfectly in just minutes with a slightly seared exterior and tender bite. Served with a quick chive, garlic, and lemon butter sauce, it’s a dish that brings restaurant quality to your summer table without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops

Blackened Cod

Blackened cod served with tri color quinoa.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This blackened cod recipe is made with simple pantry seasonings and a quick pan-sear. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a light and flavorful fish dinner this summer.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

Blackened Mahi Mahi

Blackened mahi mahi over white rice.
Blackened Mahi Mahi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Blackened mahi mahi comes together quickly with an easy homemade seasoning blend and a few minutes under the broiler, making it a simple and flavorful dinner option for warm evenings.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi

Lobster Mango Avocado Salad

Lobster mango salad in a hot dog bun with lettuce wraps in the background.
Lobster Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This lobster mango avocado salad is a tropical take on the classic summer lobster salad. Serve it in lettuce cups or a buttered toasted bun for a light and refreshing meal.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Mango Avocado Salad

Shrimp Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad topped with grilled shrimp, croutons, parmesan shavings, and a lemon wedge, served on a white plate with black utensils beside it.
Shrimp Caesar salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This shrimp Caesar salad adds a spicy kick with a hint of sriracha in the dressing. It’s an easy, light meal you can make from scratch in minutes, perfect for a hot summer day.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Caesar Salad

Air Fryer Cod

Air fryer cod on a plate with green beans and rice.
Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Learn how to make air fryer cod with this straightforward recipe using lemon and simple spices. Enjoy a tender and delicate fish dinner in under 20 minutes, perfect for a quick summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon

Baked sockeye salmon with herb caper crust and lemon slices on a sheet pan.
Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This wild sockeye salmon is baked with an herbed garlic caper citrus crust for a healthy meal. With a bake time of just 10-12 minutes, it’s a quick and impressive seafood dinner for summer.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon

Citrus Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled citrus shrimp skewers with lime slices.
Citrus Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These citrus grilled shrimp skewers are marinated in a tangy citrus dressing and brushed with more citrus and herbs after grilling. They’re a healthy and light summer meal packed with fresh flavors.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Baked Sablefish

Honey lime sablefish with jalapeño corn salsa in a bowl with a fork.
Baked Sablefish. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This honey lime sablefish, topped with a spicy jalapeño and corn salsa, is a flavorful and easy meal. It’s a healthy option for a light and vibrant fish dinner this summer.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sablefish

Seared Salmon with Tomato Corn Salsa

Seared salmon filets with tomato corn salsa on white plates with forks.
Seared Salmon with Tomato Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This seared salmon is quickly prepared on a hot skillet and served with a refreshing tomato corn salsa, making it a light and fresh choice for summer dinners.
Get the Recipe: Seared Salmon with Tomato Corn Salsa

Spicy Shrimp Tostadas

Spicy shrimp tostadas on a cutting board.
Spicy Shrimp Tostadas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These tostadas feature spicy shrimp paired with a refreshing jalapeño avocado sauce, offering a fun and light meal that’s perfect for warm weather dining.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Tostadas

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cod piccata is a tangy and bright seafood version of the classic piccata recipe. Dredged in almond flour and pan-fried until flaky, it’s a flavorful and easy dish to enjoy on summer evenings.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pesto salmon is an easy oven-baked dinner requiring only five ingredients. Ready in less than 25 minutes, it’s a healthy and flavorful meal, great for weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

Mango shrimp served with white rice on a white plate with spoon.
Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sweet and spicy mango shrimp dish is ready in just 20 minutes. The combination of spice and sweet mango makes it a vibrant and light choice for summer dining.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Brown butter shrimp and orzo served with burst cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This brown butter shrimp is served on top of creamy parmesan basil corn orzo and blistered cherry tomatoes, making it the perfect summer date night meal.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

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