19 Summer Dishes That Are Perfect for Last-Minute Dinners

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Summer recipes are all about keeping it easy, fresh, and fun. With the sun shining and the days longer, who wants to spend hours in a hot kitchen? These great recipes are perfect for summer, making the most of fresh ingredients and quick prep times. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a picnic, or just need a fast dinner after a busy day, these recipes will have you covered.

A glass of mango lassi topped with saffron strands, with diced mangoes and another glass of lassi in the background.
Mango Salsa. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Top view of bowl of spring pasta with peas and oyster mushrooms with garnishes on the side.
Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ready in 30 minutes, this vegan spring pasta with pea shoot pesto and roasted oyster mushrooms makes a cool and refreshing summer meal. Perfect for when you need a quick and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Roasted Vegetable Salad

An overhead image of roasted vegetable salad on a serving dish. with the dressing on the side.
Roasted Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Enjoy a roasted vegetable salad with a light vinaigrette, perfect served hot or cold and ready quickly for easy summer meals. This versatile salad works well for school lunches or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Mango Lassi

A glass of mango lassi topped with saffron strands, with diced mangoes and another glass of lassi in the background.
Mango Salsa. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This mango-yogurt drink is an Indian staple for hot summers, light and refreshing, perfect for cooling down. It’s a great way to beat the heat and enjoy a simple, refreshing beverage.
Get the Recipe: Mango Lassi

Daikon Salad

Overhead image of daikon salad served in a plate.
Daikon Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Daikon and carrot salad with a sweet and sour dressing is ready in under 10 minutes, great for a quick, chilled summer lunch or side dish. Its crisp texture and tangy flavor make it a delightful addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Daikon Salad

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl.
Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Simple and quick, this mango avocado salad with a lemony vinaigrette is perfect for summertime cookouts, ready in just 15 minutes. The bright flavors and creamy avocado make it a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

No Mayo Coleslaw

Close up of no mayo coleslaw.
No Mayo Coleslaw. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Asian summer slaw with a creamy peanut dressing is a refreshing potluck side that pairs well with most main dishes. Its crunchy texture and nutty flavor bring a fresh twist to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw

Spinach Avocado Salad

An overhead image of spinach avocado salad in a wooden bowl with lemon in the background.
Spinach Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Light and refreshing, this spinach and avocado summer salad with cherry tomatoes, radishes, cotija cheese, and a lemony vinaigrette is perfect for summer cookouts. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl.
Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This quick and easy tortellini pasta salad, made with fewer than 10 ingredients, is ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect summertime side. Its rich flavors and simple preparation make it a favorite for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Heirloom Caprese Salad

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl.
Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Using six simple, fresh ingredients, this authentic Caprese salad bursts with flavor, perfect for using garden tomatoes in a summer salad. The classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with this berry salad, combining blueberries and strawberries with a sweet and tangy dressing. It’s a refreshing and colorful addition to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Avocado Tomato Salad

Image shows a wooden bowl containing avocado tomato salad shown from overhead and sitting on a picnnic table.
Avocado Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This avocado tomato salad is a fresh mix of veggies tossed with romaine and a zesty dressing, embodying summer on a fork. The crisp greens and ripe tomatoes make it a refreshing choice for warm days.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad

Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Grilled scallops with a lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio sauce.
Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grilled scallops with a sauce of lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio make an elegant dish for a sophisticated summer feast. The light and refreshing flavors perfectly complement the tender scallops.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This refreshing seafood pasta salad combines shrimp, crab, and pasta in a creamy dressing, perfect for summer meals. It’s a satisfying and easy dish to prepare, ideal for hot days.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains.
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Packed with fresh summer flavors and topped with a homemade herb citrus vinaigrette, this grilled shrimp grain bowl is a summer meal you’ll love. The combination of grains, veggies, and shrimp makes it a wholesome and tasty option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Low angle shot of a bowl of watermelon salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Watermelon and Feta Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Watermelon Feta Salad with Kalamata Olives is a refreshing summer side dish, quick and easy to make with only five ingredients. The sweet watermelon and salty feta create a delightful contrast of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

burrata salad with balsamic glaze including spring mix, basil leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze features spring mix, basil, cherry tomatoes, burrata, olive oil, and balsamic reduction, perfect for a summer salad. The creamy burrata and tangy balsamic make it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Close up on beet cucumber salad with dill.
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Cool down with the Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Tangy pickled beets, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty dressing make it a great summer salad. Its bright colors and bold flavors are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes

Penne pasta with burst cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and parsley on white plate next to a pan filled with pasta.
Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Penne al Salmone, a salmon pasta without cream, highlights burst cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauce with thyme, perfect for summer. The light sauce and fresh ingredients make it a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Salad with Bacon inside wooden bowl.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Our hearty classic Broccoli Salad with bacon and blueberries is a simple cold salad, perfect for summer days and potluck parties. The combination of sweet blueberries and savory bacon makes it a standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

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