Easy Summer Dinners for The Family
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Summer is in full swing, but you’re still running around to soccer practice, swim lessons, and of course, everyone’s pool parties. Summer doesn’t always equate to lounging around. So when it’s time to feed the family (especially when you have young kids), dinner time can feel hectic. Thankfully, this list of Easy Summer Dinners is just what you need (and totally kid-approved).
I can’t tell you how many times I find myself so exhausted at the end of the day. Especially after entertaining my kiddos and driving them around to jiu jitsu and playdates.
Sometimes us moms just need a lazy summer dinner that everyone will love, ya know.
Whether it’s a toss everything into a crockpot kind of night or a let’s whip up some burgers and fries…we’ve got so many delicious recipes that are EASY to make (and even easier to eat).
This post may contain affiliate links from which I receive a commission if you click or make a purchase. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See my full policy for more information.
25+ EASY Summer Dinners for The Whole Family
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This easy to make lemon ricotta pasta is SO simple, it’s no surprise it’s on the list. And don’t worry, despite the simplicity, it packs a bunch of flavor! Yes, even the kiddos will enjoy it.
Plus, you can easily turn this into a high protein meal by adding some thin chicken breast slices!
Honey Butter Chicken

This delicious recipe requires minimal prep time, is versatile (pair with rice, veggies, or add to a sandwich), and is full of sweet, savory flavor that’s impossible to resist. It’s the perfect weekday dinner!
Blackstone Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Sometimes, you may need a little change from the traditional dinner recipes. That’s where this tasty Philly Cheesesteak Recipe comes in handy! It is ideal to cook on a Blackstone griddle, but you can also use a traditional flat griddle pan.
Dutch Oven White Chicken Chili

This easy dutch oven white chicken chili is delicious and oh-so-simple to make! I love it because it’s perfect for meal prepping or storing away for later (hello moms of littles like me!). But the best part about this recipe isn’t that it’s easy to make; it’s that my kids absolutely love it, and they’re incredibly picky little toddlers, so I know yours will too.
Weeknight-Worthy Cheesy Bacon Chicken

Chicken smothered in cheese and bacon? Say no more! This is a great recipe during the weekday chaos when you’re unsure what to make. It’s easy to prep, cook, and even easier to eat!
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Fajitas

If you need dinner ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is the one. All you need is an air fryer, chicken, bell peppers, onions, and your favorite fajita seasoning!
20-Minute Pesto Orzo Recipe

Here’s another ultra-fast dinner recipe that can be paired with just about any protein or served up as the main dish! It’s flavorful, and cooks in only 10 minutes (every mom’s dream, right?).
Slow Cooker Chicken Sandwiches

These slow cooker sandwiches are paired with a delicious creamy Alabama white sauce, adding a hint of sweetness that’ll leave the whole family going back for seconds! And of course, they’re easy to prepare, making them great for the busiest of days.
Caesar Chicken Wrap

This recipe turns a delicious and all time favorite salad into a savory wrap. It can be eaten alone as is or paired with a yummy side dish. Bonus, add in some croutons for a little crunch if your kiddos enjoy lots of crunchy meals.
Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry

There’s nothing easier than tossing your ingredients onto a baking pan and letting them cook til they’re ready. Then just serve over some rice or noodles and you’ve got yourself a tasty dinner that took little effort to prepare.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites

You can NEVER go wrong with chicken bites for dinner. These Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites are a fun, kid-friendly twist on classic chicken parm; crispy, cheesy, and ready in about 35 minutes. The chicken gets extra-tender thanks to a kefir or yogurt marinade, then is coated in a crunchy mix of Parmesan, almond powder, panko, and thyme, making it perfect for easy dinners.
Pollo al Limone (Italian Lemon Chicken)

This Pollo al Limone is a simple yet elegant dinner that feels gourmet but takes just about 20 minutes to pull together—perfect for moms who want flavor without fuss. Trust us, the buttery lemon‑garlic broth is so good, your kids will be begging you to make this dish over and over again.
Easy Cheeseburger Bowl (With Smashburger Sauce)

Get ready to turn your favorite comfort-food combo into a simple, wholesome dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want classic burger flavors with less work and fewer dishes. Plus, it’s totally customizable for picky eaters.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

These Air Fryer BBQ Wings deliver that irresistible smoky, grilled flavor without firing up the grill and only take about 30 minutes. They’re made with simple pantry spices, a hint of liquid smoke, and a quick toss in sauce for lots of flavor.
Italian Mac and Cheese

WARNING – your kids will probably go nuts for this Mac & Cheese recipe! It’s basically creamy mac with mozzarella, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, so it tastes super cozy and cheesy, but still easy to toss together in under 30 minutes. Trust me, it’s foolproof comfort food that feels fancy, looks fancy, but is zero-stress.
Grilled Lemon Chicken

This one will have the whole house smelling amazing. The marinade is super simple—just lemon, Dijon, garlic, and honey, but it makes the chicken so juicy and flavorful.
Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Another simple recipe, tying together a classic favorite burger with a healthier option. Don’t worry, you won’t lose any flavor with this one! Cook up some beef that gets tucked into sesame buns with melted cheese, lettuce, pickles, and that famous special “Big Mac” sauce, yum!
Easy Blackened Fish Tacos

These tacos will be a total hit; you won’t be able to stop making them. If you’re looking for a fresh meal without the guilt or long days spent in the kitchen, these tacos are the way to go!
Simple Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Unlike traditional chicken parmesan, all you need is just five main ingredients and minimal prep time. You’ll have a delicious one-dish dinner from an easy recipe on the table in no time. Plus, the cheesy, saucy goodness mixed with cooked chicken is sure to be a hit with the little ones.
Creamy Boursin Lemon Pasta with Chicken and Peas

This one pot dinner takes less than 30 minutes to whip up. It’s perfect for those long school days followed by sports practice or band rehearsal. You can even prep it in advance to have your meals ready to go for the whole week!
Crispy Bean and Cheese Tacos with Chipotle Sauce

These tacos are like a cozy, cheesy hug in tortilla form. You can whip them up with some homemade refried beans, add a touch of creamy chipotle sauce, and melt on some pepper jack cheese. Trust me, they’ll be devoured and become a household favorite!
Easy Summer Sweet Corn Pasta

If you want dinner that feels effortless, this pasta is your new go-to. It’s fresh, bright, and packed with summer veggies that make you forget you’re eating dinner on a hectic Tuesday night. Plus, it’s so simple to throw together that you’ll have time leftover for a little “me” moment, because let’s be real, moms deserve that.
Don’t-Order-Pizza Weeknight Quesadillas

You know those nights when the fridge feels empty and takeout is calling your name? Make these quesadillas instead! You can use up leftover chicken, zucchini, and some frozen corn, then melt some cheese and add a dollop of Greek yogurt. They are so delicious, you’ll probably find yourself making these weekly!
Easy Grilled Salmon

Salmon is one of the few fish my kids actually enjoy, which is why I love this easy recipe! You get to enjoy a perfectly flaky salmon, lightly seasoned and seared on the grill. Leaving you with a juicy, flavorful with a hint of citrus, piece of salmon that can be added to rice, veggies, or even chopped into a salad!
Blistered Tomato Pasta

This pasta feels like summer in a bowl—sweet cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor, mixed with garlic and olive oil, all wrapped around tender noodles with a hit of cheesy pecorino and basil. It comes together in under 30 minutes. Totally easy, zero stress, and perfect for those summer weeknights.
Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos

These tacos take that classic taco flavor to a new level with ground chicken seasoned with taco spices, tucked inside tortillas with gooey cheese, then baked until the shells turn golden and crispy. They’re all about easy prep and big flavor that’ll be ready in around 30 minutes or less. They’re great for feeding hungry families with minimal hassle. Serve ’em up with crema (my favorite), guac, or salsa for a fun weeknight twist that’s still comforting and tasty.
Vegan Sloppy Joes

This meat-free twist on the classic Sloppy Joe swaps in protein-packed chickpeas, simmered with onions, bell pepper, and a sweet-tangy tomato sauce that’s reminiscent of a traditional sloppy joe, without the beef. Serve it on toasted buns or even lettuce wraps for a lighter twist. Making it an easy, budget-friendly option for busy days and late summer nights.
Easy Chicken Apple Sausage Stir Fry

This quick one-pan dish brings together sweet chicken‑apple sausages and crisp veggies in a tangy homemade sauce. This flavorful meal is gluten-free and overall a healthy, family-friendly dinner.
Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Salad

Most pasta salads require mayonnaise, but not this one! Enjoy a colorful pasta salad, packed with flavor and texture. Plus, no need to heat; you can serve it up cold or warm. It’s a light, satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy together all week long!
Easy Chicken Shawarma Wrap

This recipe brings the vibes of Middle Eastern street food right to your kitchen! The garlic sauce is a tangy, creamy sauce that’s simple to whisk up. While the chicken soaks in a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom. It’s a versatile recipe where you can add fries, toss in fresh veggies, or roll it up as a bowl—whatever your family’s flavor preference might be.
Easy Summer Dinner FAQ’s
The decision to figure out “what’s for dinner” just got way easier this summer thanks to the tasty and EASY summer dinners on this list. Which meal will you be making first?
More family meals & recipes for you:


