As a kid, it was an opportunity to really turn my brain off. The only math I worried about was the countdown until adults-only swim time ended at the pool and we could cannonball back to a game of Marco Polo. There were no useless facts to memorize unless they were about Beanie Babies, Pogs, or Pokémon. (Okay, that’s a generational-specific thing, but you get where I’m going with this.)
The point is that summer is a great time to turn your brain off and recharge, especially if it’s incredibly hot out. But just because your brain is hibernating doesn’t mean your stomach is. Planning dinner can feel too overwhelming. And if you’re entertaining for a crowd? That’s practically calculus.
So we’re doing the work for you. We’ve rounded up a list of easy and satisfying summer meals that are easy to scale. And for maximum convenience, there’s a little button when you’re reading each recipe to multiply the quantities so you can easily figure out how many tomatoes, ears of corn, or avocados you need to pull off the perfect meal, regardless of the size of your gathering.
Save this list using the little “heart” icon over there to the bottom right and get off your phone to go enjoy the season!
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Meghan Yager
Grilled Open-Faced Avocado Caprese Sammies Recipe
Grilled Open-Faced Avocado Caprese Sammies are my go-to option for whenever I’m craving a caprese salad, a grilled cheese sandwich, and/or avocado toast. Grilled bread is topped with bright cherry tomatoes, little balls of cheese, fresh basil, avocado, and my favorite simple balsamic glaze. Eat it as a snack, or for a light lunch or even savory breakfast!
These spicy Miso Glazed Burgers with Asian Cucumber Pickles are my twist on a thick and juicy sandwich of beefy goodness. The grilled patties are spicy and savory, with a rich miso glaze that brings out the savory flavors in the meat. Time to fire up the grill!
Carne Asada Steak Tacos with Fries have all your favorite carne asada fries flavors, in handheld form! The spicy, rich carne asada steak will blow your taste buds away with complex flavors, piled underneath avocado, red onion, and most importantly… FRIES. Can you say taco party?!
Italian Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats has a fresh tomato sauce an savory sausage. Sprinkled with a little cheese on top, you’ve got a meal where everyone will be begging for seconds!
There is nothing better to showcase the best part of summer than a peach raspberry galette. This delicious freehand pie is as simple to make as it is delicious.
These easy to make, pesto chicken pull apart sliders are the perfect quick and easy dinner. And the leftover sliders are amazing for lunch the next day!
Mango salsa. This fresh, sweet and slightly spicy fruit salsa is the perfect way to add some flavor to your chips and salsa routine. It also packs a punch when paired with fish, shrimp, or chicken tacos!
Jerk Chicken Mango Avocado Sliders are a trip to the tropics, without ever having to leave your kitchen! Shredded jerk chicken is made easily in the Instant Pot, then piled high on toasted Hawaiian buns with mango salsa and avocado. It’s a killer game day appetizer!
This easy to make roasted corn and tomato salad is bursting with fresh, bright flavors. This chilled salad is perfect for serving as a side dish during the summer with any BBQ or potluck.
Grilled Salmon with Corn Avocado Salsa brings a bunch of spice to the party, without any guilt! The bright and flavorful salsa on top of a heartily spiced fish is a simple way to make the most of fresh summer flavors. This is going to become your new favorite summertime dinner.