10+ Summer Recipes for Delicious Outdoor Dining

Summer is a perfect time to enjoy fresh and vibrant flavors. As the weather warms up, you may find yourself craving dishes that are light, easy to prepare, and full of seasonal ingredients.

You can brighten your meals with a variety of refreshing summer recipes that are sure to please everyone.

From grilled vegetables to fruity desserts, there are endless possibilities for summer cooking. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a simple family dinner, these recipes can help you make the most of the season’s bounty.

Get ready to explore delightful options that will keep you satisfied through the warm months.

1) Grilled Chimichurri Chicken and Couscous Salad

Grilled chimichurri chicken is a tasty and simple dish perfect for summer. It features smoky, juicy chicken paired with a fresh couscous salad. This meal is bright and flavorful.

To make this dish, you first marinate the chicken in chimichurri sauce. Grill it until it’s cooked through. The salad includes couscous, cherry tomatoes, and feta, creating a perfect side that balances the meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken thighs
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 2/3 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh oregano
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups cooked couscous
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in chimichurri sauce for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 375°F or 190°C).
3. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked.
4. While chicken grills, mix couscous, tomatoes, feta, and seasonings.
5. Serve chicken alongside the couscous salad. Enjoy!

2) Slow Roasted Tomato Farro Salad

This Slow Roasted Tomato Farro Salad is a perfect refreshing dish for summer. The juicy cherry tomatoes, roasted until sweet, pair wonderfully with nutty farro. You can add herbs for extra taste and a splash of olive oil for richness.

To make it, start by roasting the tomatoes until they burst with flavor. Cook the farro in boiling water, then combine everything together. This salad is great as a main dish or a side.

It’s healthy and satisfying, making it a great choice for warm-weather meals.

Ingredients

• 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup cooked farro
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss tomatoes with olive oil, sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread tomatoes on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes.
4. Cook farro according to package directions.
5. Combine roasted tomatoes and farro in a bowl.
6. Add fresh herbs and mix well before serving.

3) 20-Minute Summer Squash Pasta

This 20-minute summer squash pasta is a quick and tasty dish perfect for warm days. You can enjoy fresh flavors and tender squash with minimal effort.

Start by sautéing fresh summer squash in butter until it’s tender. Combine it with your favorite pasta and add goat cheese for creaminess. A sprinkle of garlic enhances the taste, making it even better.

This meal is great for busy weeknights or when you want something light and delicious. It’s easy to adjust based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh summer squash, sliced
• 8 oz pasta (like spaghetti or linguine)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup goat cheese
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add summer squash; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine pasta and squash in the skillet; mix well.
6. Stir in goat cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

4) Rotisserie Chicken with Corn Salad

This rotisserie chicken with corn salad is a perfect summer dish. It’s quick, healthy, and full of flavor. You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.

Start with fresh corn, either grilled or boiled. Mix it with your chicken and some crunchy veggies. Adding avocado gives it a creamy texture that everyone will love.

A squeeze of lime and some cilantro will brighten up the flavors. This dish is colorful and looks great on any table. It’s also a fantastic way to use leftover chicken!

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 ears of corn, grilled or boiled
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Husk and grill or boil the corn until tender.
2. Let the corn cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and onion.
4. Add lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss gently and serve fresh.

5) Grilled Burgers with Homemade Pickles

Grilled burgers are a classic summer dish. They are easy to make and can be customized to fit your taste. Adding homemade pickles takes them to the next level.

For your burgers, you will need ground beef, seasoning, and toppings. Grill them on medium heat, around 375°F (190°C), until they reach your desired doneness.

To make your pickles, combine sliced cucumbers with vinegar, water, and spices. Let them sit for a while to absorb the flavors.

You can serve your burgers with your fresh pickles on top or on the side. Enjoy a delicious meal that captures the essence of summer!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons steak seasoning
• Sliced cucumbers
• 1 cup vinegar
• Water
• Spices (salt, pepper, dill)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium heat (375°F / 190°C).
2. Mix ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning.
3. Form patties and grill until cooked through.
4. For pickles, mix cucumbers with vinegar, water, and spices.
5. Let pickles sit for at least one hour before serving.
6. Serve burgers with pickles on top or as a side.

6) Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil

Caprese salad is a refreshing dish perfect for summer. It combines ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. The flavors come together beautifully with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Start by slicing fresh tomatoes and mozzarella into thick rounds. Alternate the layers on a plate.

Add whole basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze for that extra touch.

This salad is simple, fresh, and delicious. It’s a great side dish for any summer meal!

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe tomatoes
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into thick rounds.
2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, alternating them.
3. Add fresh basil leaves on top.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

7) Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli

Crab cakes with lemon aioli are a tasty dish perfect for summer gatherings. They are light, flavorful, and easy to make. You can impress your friends and family with this delightful seafood treat.

To make the crab cakes, mix fresh crab meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Old Bay seasoning adds a special touch. Form patties and pan-fry them until golden brown.

For the lemon aioli, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic. This creamy dip pairs wonderfully with the crispy crab cakes. Serve them together for a refreshing meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh crab meat
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Lemon zest for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Old Bay, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into patties.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Cook patties until golden brown on both sides.
5. For the aioli, mix mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl.
6. Serve crab cakes with the lemon aioli on the side.

8) Zesty Taco Salad

This Zesty Taco Salad is perfect for summer gatherings. It’s light, colorful, and packed with flavor. You can whip it up in no time!

Start by using seasoned ground beef or turkey for a tasty base. Then, toss in fresh lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and black beans for added nutrients.

To make it zesty, add a delicious taco dressing. It balances the flavors and gives a nice kick. Top everything with crushed tortilla chips for that satisfying crunch!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) seasoned ground beef or turkey
• 4 cups (about 240 g) chopped lettuce
• 1 cup (about 150 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (about 100 g) crushed tortilla chips
• Zesty taco dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the lettuce, tomatoes, and black beans.
3. Add the cooked meat to the bowl.
4. Drizzle with zesty taco dressing and toss to combine.
5. Top with crushed tortilla chips before serving. Enjoy!

9) Refreshing Watermelon Mint Salad

Watermelon mint salad is a perfect dish for hot summer days. This salad combines sweet watermelon with fresh mint for a refreshing taste. You can also add feta cheese for a creamy, salty contrast.

To make it even more vibrant, try adding cucumber. The crunch of cucumber pairs nicely with the juicy watermelon. A splash of lime juice enhances the flavors and adds a zesty kick.

This salad is easy to prepare and looks great on any table. It’s an ideal side dish for summer barbecues or picnics.

Ingredients

• 4 cups diced watermelon
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and cucumber.
2. Add chopped mint leaves and feta cheese.
3. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently to mix.
5. Serve chilled.

10) Homemade Popsicles with Fresh Fruit

Making homemade popsicles with fresh fruit is a fun and healthy way to stay cool in the summer. You can use any fruit you like, such as strawberries, mangoes, or oranges.

Start by blending your chosen fruit with a little juice or water. Then, pour the mixture into molds and freeze them for a few hours.

These popsicles are a great treat for kids and adults alike. You can customize them by mixing different fruits or adding a bit of yogurt for creaminess. Enjoy the taste of summer with every bite!

Ingredients

• Fresh fruit (strawberries, mangoes, oranges, etc.)
• Juice or water (any flavor)
• Optional: yogurt

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and chop the fresh fruit.

2. Blend the fruit with juice or water until smooth.

3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.

4. Insert sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours.

5. Remove from molds and enjoy!