22 Refreshing Summer Dinner Ideas

shrimp boil foil packets — Milena Perrine

As the temperature rises we like to cool down our dinners with crunchy salads, fresh seafood, and lots and lots of grilling. From burgers and hot dogs with unexpected toppings to hearty salads and sandwiches, these dinner ideas will leave you hungry for summer.

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Creatively Topped Burgers

Milena Perrine

Nothing says summer quite like a burger hot off the grill. But don't just top them with the same old lettuce and tomato, mix it up with fun toppings like herb butter, kimchi, or tapenade.
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Classic Cobb Salad

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For a salad that transcends the category, a classic Cobb is a full-fledged meal. It's a great use of leftover or rotisserie chicken and looks lovely arranged on a plate.
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Bobby Flay's Fish Tacos

Food Network

Fish tacos are lighter than your standard tacos, but still full of flavor. Grilled, spiced fish gets a nice crunch from a fresh cabbage slaw and is topped with homemade salsa.
04 of 22

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Anita Schecter

The fact that corn and grilling are in season, at the same time, is more than just fate. They were meant for each other. Follow our tips for the very best grilled corn.

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05 of 22

Cold Soba Noodle Salad

Laurel Randolph

Cool off with chilled soba noodles, crispy veggies, and a simple sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory dressing. Pair with fish or chicken, or eat it on its own for a simple, yet tasty dinner.
06 of 22

Fried Shrimp Po' Boy Sandwiches

The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

The Po' boy, a classic New Orleans sandwich, can be filled with meat and gravy, fried oysters, or delectable fried shrimp. Don't skimp on the Cajun seasoning.
07 of 22

Shrimp Cocktail

The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney

Shrimp cocktail is an excellent appetizer and it's very easy to make. For this recipe, you'll cook shrimp in a veggie broth and make a cocktail sauce using a few kitchen staples. It can even be made up to a day in advance.
08 of 22

Crab Cakes

Joff Lee / Getty Images

When you think of summertime, you might think of the beach, and soon after, seafood. Crab cakes are always a favorite, and they're easier to make than they seem. Serve with big wedges of lemon and crab cake sauce.

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09 of 22

Grilled Shrimp and Scallop Skewers

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For a simply delicious way to grill seafood, stick shrimp and scallops on a skewer and sprinkle with spices. Grill a few veggies skewers alongside and you have a meal.
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Greek Chicken Kabobs

Anita Schecter

The Mediterranean flavors in this Greek chicken kabob are perfect for a summer dinner. Chicken cubes are marinated in lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and oregano and skewered along with bell pepper and red onion. The grilled kabobs are served with a homemade cucumber-yogurt sauce (tzatziki).
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Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

Milena Perrine

Instead of cooking a shrimp boil the old-fashioned way—all piled into a giant pot—grill or bake individual servings in foil packets. Don't forget a sprinkle of seafood boil seasoning and a pat of butter for each parcel.
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Easy Grilled Eggplant

Laurence Mouton / Getty Images

A Thai-style marinade gives eggplant lots of umami flavor, and pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the grill. It's hearty enough to be a main dish, and you can make it on a grill pan if you're grill-less.

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13 of 22

Easy Black Bean Salad

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Black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and jalapeño are tossed with a light vinaigrette for a fresh, but filling, salad. Add cubed, grilled chicken or cooked shrimp for an extra dose of protein.
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Uniquely Topped Hot Dogs

Leah Maroney

You can't go wrong with hot dogs at a summertime gathering, especially if you have some fun options for toppings. Try a BLT dog or a Frito Pie dog with chili, cheese, and chips.
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Grilled Shrimp Salad

Leah Maroney

Cook the entire dinner on the grill—including the lettuce in this delicious salad. Romaine lettuce takes on a nice nutty flavor when cooked on the grill, the perfect complement to grilled shrimp and charred corn. The homemade avocado lime dressing and a sprinkling of cotija cheese finish off this salad beautifully.
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Burrata Salad

Elaine Lemm

Made with summery produce like fresh lettuce, herbs, juicy tomatoes, and grilled nectarines, this burrata salad is centerpiece worthy. Serve with crusty bread for a light but satisfying meal.

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17 of 22

Sautéed Chayote Squash

Diana Rattray

Chayote squash is a summertime squash that's native to Mexico and is popular in Creole and Cajun cuisine. It has a firmer texture than many summer squashes, making it good for sautés.
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Turkey, Bacon, and Avocado Club

The Spruce

The key to a good club sandwich is high quality fillings: really good sliced turkey, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, fresh veggies, and toasty bread. A little mayo holds the tall sandwich together.
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Poke Bowls

Molly Watson

Keep cool with fresh, raw fish served with rice, cucumber, avocado, and a delicious sauce. Look for high quality, fresh fish, and adjust the spice level to your liking.
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Corn Cucumber Tomato Salad

Molly Watson

For a salad that tastes like summer and comes together in no time, combine sweet corn kernels, cool and crunchy cucumber, and ripe tomatoes. Add a sprinkling of feta cheese for a salty bite.

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Curried Chicken Salad With Diced Apple

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Cooked chicken gets a new life as a creamy salad with crunchy apples and celery, nuts, and a little curry spice. Serve as a sandwich or wrap, on top of a green salad, or in lettuce cups.
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Juicy Grilled Pork Chops

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The key to a juicy pork chop? A flavorful marinade and high heat followed by low heat. You'll get a nice smoky char on the meat before cooking it through slowly.