25 Easy Summer Dinners Your Family Will Love
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Summer is the perfect time for family fun, and what better way to end a busy day than with a delicious meal that everyone will love? We’re sharing our top 25 easy kid-friendly dinner recipes that will make your summer evenings stress-free and enjoyable.
From quick pasta & rice bowl dishes to tasty tacos, and burgers, these recipes are designed to make use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and keep your kids happy and well fed with healthy meals. Without you having to spend hours in a hot kitchen.
Because I know I would rather be out enjoying fun summer activities with my kids. I want that for you too!
Whether you’re cooking at home or at a campsite, these lazy summer meals are simple to prepare and packed with flavors kids adore. Get ready to discover new family favorites that will make your dinners a breeze!
Summer Dinner Ideas For Kids (Adults Will Want To Eat Too!)
When I think of summer meals of my childhood, I think of hamburgers and hot dogs and corn on the cob.
While these are still some of our favourites, I like to mix things up. Try some new flavours, while still sticking to simple sticking to simple kid-friendly dinner ideas, and delicious recipes that don’t take more than 30 minutes. Or meals I can make ahead, and just pop in the oven or on the BBQ or grill.
Perfect for family vacation dinners, picnics, BBQs, parties, or busy weeknights. Just switch out veggies for one’s your kids will eat if there’s something they won’t eat. Easy peasy.
1. Teriyaki Chicken Sushi Bowls
Build your own sushi bowls are a favourite in our household, as everyone gets to put their own favourite toppings on the rice.
This Teriyaki Chicken Sushi Bowl is absolutely delicious, and so easy to adapt for your family. The chicken cooks in about 15 minutes, and then it’s just a matter of slicing up veggies & seaweed strips, adding coleslaw and you have an amazing meal.
It works well with firm tofu too.
Get the recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Sushi Bowl
2. Cold Italian Pasta Salad
Cold Italian Pasta Salad is a dish my youngest asks for again and again. I love how easy it is to adapt for my kids preferences.
Using a premium store bought Italian dressing means it’s also a great last minute summer dinner you can whip up for BBQs, picnics, vacation meals or busy weeknights in no time.
Pasta salads are a perfect kid-friendly meal for summer days.
Get the recipe: Cold Italian Pasta Salad
3. Pizza Grilled Cheese
There’s something so satisfying about grilled cheese for dinner. Enjoy a cheesy garlic butter crust with all your favorite pepperoni pizza toppings. Add one a delicious side salad or some veggies and dip for a complete easy dinner meal.
A fun easy recipe both you and your kids will want to make throughout the summer months and beyond.
Get the recipe: Pizza Grilled Cheese
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4. Easy Pineapple Pork Chops
Pork chops are always a hit in my family, even with the picky eaters. But when you add a tangy sweet and sour sauce made with pineapple, over rice, it takes this easy summer dinner to a whole different level.
It’s a simple, quick pork recipe that’s fun for busy weeknights, or after long days, as it’s ready in about 20 minutes. Yet fancy enough for when you have guests coming, but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.
Get the recipe: Easy Pineapple Pork Chops
Check out our top 25 Chicken Casserole Recipes (even better than mom used to make)
5. Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
Taco Tuesday, here we come!
Rotisserie chicken is my family’s favourite meal hack for busy weeknights or weekends. These chicken tacos can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Just add your favorite taco toppings for a delicious, family-friendly meal.
Get the recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
6. Quick Coconut Shrimp Noodles
Coconut shrimp noodles are full of flavor from the garlic, fish sauce, spices, and my favourite, coconut milk topped with a squeeze of lime juice.
The chewy rice noodles are coated in a rich, creamy sauce and paired with juicy shrimp. This quick and easy dish can be prepared in under 20 minutes and is packed with umami flavors. It’s also a gluten-free & dairy free recipe.
Since the noodles are finished in a large pan, it’s perfect for serving family-style right at the table.
Get the recipe: Coconut Shrimp Noodles
7. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
I love having quick and flavourful pasta recipes on hand, especially in the summertime. And this Chicken Alfredo is a delight, especially as I’m not a huge fan off tomato sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
Plus my kids always dive into alfredo pasta like they haven’t eaten in days.
Get the recipe: Chicken Alfredo Pasta
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8. Walking Tacos
What could be more iconic for a picnic, birthday party or summer camping meal than walking tacos. Seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, cheese, sour cream and salsa tossed in over a bed of Doritos, eaten right out of the bag.
Get the recipe: Walking Tacos
9. Crunchy Baked Chicken Nuggets
There is something so nostalgic for me about family meals with chicken nuggets.
These crunchy baked chicken nuggets are wayyy better than store bought, or the fast food version. Pieces of chicken breast are coated in a crunchy cornflake batter, which keeps the inside nice and juicy. They work for weeknights too as they’re ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the recipe: Crunchy Baked Chicken Nuggets
10. Big Mac Sliders
Following this theme, Big Mac Sliders are another recipe that takes a classic restaurant food and makes it even better at home.
Simple to make, as the “burger” is cooked all at once in a slab. Just add some sweet potato fries, french fries, or a side salad.
A pan of sliders will feed a hungry crowd. So bring out this easy summer recipe at your next BBQ, or even a weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe: Big Mac Sliders
11. Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
Sheet pan meals are a lifesaver for families, especially when looking for easy summer meals.
Sheet Pan Fajitas combine a pop of color and textures with, seasoned steak, bell peppers, onions & avocado wrapped in tortillas.
This summer recipe makes a delicious balanced dinner, that’s easily customizable for your family’s preferences.
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
12. Rainbow Tofu Kabobs
Looking to spice up your meatless Mondays?
All the colours of these Rainbow Tofu Kabobs might just convince your kids to eat more veggies. Just adjust the veggies to one’s they’ll eat.
Marinated with a tasty umami blend of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, and grilled to perfection. They also make great party foods.
Get the recipe: Rainbow Tofu Kabobs
13. Silly Chili Macaroni
Chili And Macaroni together in one pasta dish….Yes please!
An easy kid-friendly summer dinner that uses cans of your favourite premade chili, macaroni and cheese. What could be quicker or tastier? We love Stagg’s chili in our household.
Get the recipe: Silly Chili Macaroni
You may also like these fun & kid approved casserole recipes quick to throw in the oven.
14. Salmon Patties
Grilled salmon and summer go together like two peas in a pod. But I admit sometimes I’m looking for something a little different. Which is where these gluten free salmon patties come in.
I’ve even used canned salmon in a pinch.
Get the recipe: Gluten Free Salmon Patties
15. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate in comfort food, and a great thing to make as a foil packet meal over the BBQ or when camping too.
Simple, affordable ingredients in one filling meal.
Get the recipe: Chicken And Rice Casserole
16. Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna Pasta Salad is one of my go-to summer recipes your family will want to eat time and again.
Featuring albacore tuna, al dente pasta, and a light, creamy dressing, it’s perfect for easy summer dinners, picnics, barbecues, vacation meals, easy camping meal and even road trips.
A classic tuna salad, this family favorite is hearty, satisfying, and refreshingly cool.
Get the recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad
17. Oven Baked Nachos (16+ Topping Ideas)
Nachos on Fridays is a tradition in our family over the summer months. With so many topping options it makes it easy to pick what your family likes most.
Plus the nachos only take about 10 minutes to bake in the oven. Or put in a foil pan, cover with foil ( or make it into a foil packet meal) and heat over a campfire, BBQ or grill. A quick summer dinner you can make anytime, anywhere.
Get the recipe: Oven Baked Nachos
18. Saucy Baked Chicken Legs
Looking to feed a hungry crowd affordably? These saucy baked chicken legs marinated in a honey mustard & curry sauce are your answer.
So flavourful, the sweet, salty and umami taste will make everyone wonder if you ordered takeout, it’s that good.
BBQ them up, or stick them in the oven, then serve with a simple green salad or roasted new potatoes for an easy summer dinner.
Get the recipe: Saucy Baked Chicken Legs
19. Garlic Pasta With Broccoli
One pot meals are a lifesaver in the summer, well anytime as a parent I think. Garlic Pasta with Broccoli recipe is ready in just 15 minutes, and is a no-fail, one-pot meal.
Simple and quick, this family-friendly dinner made with shell pasta, broccoli, garlic, and olive oil. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with chicken, steak, or fish for a heartier meal.
Get the recipe: Garlic Pasta with Broccoli
20. Mini Pizza Burgers
I don’t know about you, but anything “pizza” will have my kids running to the table in no time.
Mini Pizza Burgers are a fun crossover between a burger and pizza. Take an English Muffin, top with pizza sauce, ground beef and your favourite pizza toppings, and voila, an easy meal your kids will actually not complain about.
And that’s what summer is all about!
Get the recipe: Mini Pizza Burgers
21. Ground Turkey Egg Roll Bowl
I love deconstructed meals, as I often don’t have the time or patience to roll up endless amounts of tiny rolls. You don’t have to with a Ground Turkey Egg Roll Bowl.
It’s soooo good. Everything you love about egg rolls, but with less work.
Get the recipe: Ground Turkey Egg Roll Bowl
22. Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Veggies (Sheet Pan)
Whoever made sheet pan meals a thing is an absolute genius.
I love being able to throw chicken thighs on a pan, surrounded with seasonal veggies all drizzled with a balsamic dressing.
Finished with briny olives, salty feta, and a side of orzo, it’s our new summer favourite meal to make on repeat. And so easy to switch out the roasted veggies for one’s my kids will eat.
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Veggies
23. Leftover Hot Dog Fried Rice
Hot dogs and summer are like peanut butter and jelly…. You can’t have one without the other in the fun in the sun season.
While we don’t eat them very often, there’s something about grilling them up over the BBQ, especially with friends that makes me feel as though my summer is complete.
So having a leftover hot dog fried rice recipe is just the icing on the cake. Try it for your next summer meal.
Get the recipe: Leftover Hot Dog Fried Rice
24. Easy Chicken Gyros
Greek food is so good in the summertime, and Easy Chicken Gyros is no exception.
This Greek-inspired Chicken Gyro Recipe has juicy yogurt-marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki, all wrapped in soft pita flatbread. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
You can even cook the meat as chicken skewers over the grill.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this 20-minute meal offers amazing flavors that the whole family will love.
Easy to make ahead and perfect for meal prep, it’s a simple and delicious dinner that can be customized to fit your family’s tastes.
Get the recipe: Easy Chicken Gyros
25. Easy Meatballs (Dairy Free & Egg Free)
Easy meatballs make for a quick and easy delicious homemade meal, that are kid (and Adult) approved.
They go well with pasta, rice, or as a party appetizer for BBQs, picnics, or weeknight meals.
They’re so good and simple you’ll never want to buy store bought meatballs again.
Get the recipe: Easy Meatballs
Final Thoughts: Easy Summer Dinner For Kids (& Their Adults)
As summer nights roll in, having a collection of easy, fun dinner ideas can make your evenings more enjoyable and stress-free.
With these 25 family-friendly recipes, you’ll find meals that are quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for everyone at the table.
From light dinners to hearty mains, these dishes are designed to make your summer cooking effortless and fun. You just might even find a new favorite recipe.
So, fire up the grill, grab your favorite ingredients, and let these recipes inspire your next family dinner. Enjoy the time spent together over these tasty meals, and make this summer one to remember.
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