Summer dinners can be tricky to plan, especially when you want something light and healthy that doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. The Mediterranean diet is perfect for this, offering a variety of fresh and flavorful options that are both satisfying and nutritious. We’ve gathered some great recipes that highlight the best of summer produce and Mediterranean flavors. From quick pasta dishes to hearty salads and simple grilled meals, these recipes will help you enjoy delicious dinners with a light and healthy vibe.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
This quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired pasta features lemon, spinach, and feta. Enjoy it as a vegetarian meal or add your favorite protein. Perfect for a light and healthy summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad
This carrot salad is filled with chickpeas, royal raisins, feta, and parsley, tossed with a creamy yogurt tahini dressing. It’s a refreshing and healthy side salad for summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad
Grilled Halloumi Burgers
These grilled halloumi lamb burgers are packed with fresh herbs and topped with grilled caramelized red onions and sun-dried tomato pesto. Each bite is filled with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, making it a great summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Burgers
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
This sheet pan roasted lamb is ready in just 20 minutes and loaded with Mediterranean flavors. A simple yet impressive dinner with only one pan to clean up, perfect for a healthy summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
Italian Black Bean Meatballs
These black bean meatballs are a hearty plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs. Serve with marinara sauce over pasta or zoodles for a comforting and healthful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs
Parmesan Tomato Gratin
Celebrate summer with this simple tomato gratin topped with parmesan cheese and rosemary. It’s a light and healthy dish, perfect for showcasing fresh tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Tomato Gratin
Zucchini Ricotta Bake
This easy zucchini ricotta bake is reminiscent of lasagna but without the noodles. A hearty and healthy dinner that requires minimal effort, perfect for summer evenings.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Ricotta Bake
Ciambotta
Ciambotta is an Italian vegetable stew celebrating summer produce. Customize it with beans, crusty bread, or pancetta. It’s a flexible, hearty vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta
Eggplant Feta Pizza
This roasted eggplant fennel
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Feta Pizza
Escarole and Beans
Escarole and beans is a classic Italian dish using simple vegetarian ingredients to create a hearty meal. Perfect for a light and cozy summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This lemon ricotta pasta is a light and quick meal. Creamy ricotta adds richness, while basil and tomatoes keep it fresh, making it ideal for a healthy summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Pasta Checca with Burrata
This pasta checca features heirloom tomatoes and burrata for a fresh take on a traditional Italian family meal. A light and refreshing dinner perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Checca with Burrata
Tomato Basil Eggplant Noodles
These eggplant noodles are tossed with a quick tomato basil sauce and parmesan cheese. A fresh and light meatless meal, perfect for summer nights.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Eggplant Noodles
Cod Piccata
Cod piccata is a bright seafood dish with tender cod filets, capers, lemon juice, and shallots. Pan-fried and full of flavor, it makes for a healthy summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata
Escarole Soup
This hearty escarole soup features escarole greens, white beans, sausage, and pasta in a garlicky broth. A healthy and satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Escarole Soup
Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
Trapanese pesto is made with fresh tomatoes, nuts, and basil, quickly processed into a refreshing summer sauce. Tossed with pasta for a light and healthy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
Pesto Salmon
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 perfect for weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This sun-dried tomato pasta combines rigatoni, a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting midweek dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta