The best summer dinner ideas are fresh and fulfilling—and are the perfect cap to a perfect summer day. There’s nothing quite like unwinding with a delicious dinner after an afternoon spent by the pool or beach, is there?
But if you’re over the usual burgers and hot dogs, we don’t blame you. There are a lot of other dishes that capture the season’s essence—just take one scroll through food TikTok for proof. The app is packed with dinner ideas for summer.
Some of the best summer recipes on there make use of all the fresh produce that a warmer season brings. Now’s the time to make healthy summer dinners starring vegetables and fruits like cucumbers, tomatoes, and strawberries. Other light dinner ideas courtesy of TikTok include couscous salad, kebabs, and fish.
No matter what your palate likes or dietary restrictions are, TikTok is packed with summer ideas for hot days. Check out our roundup of some of the best summer dinner ideas, below.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Cucumbers
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The pairing of the sweet honey garlic glaze on the chicken with the refreshing spice of the chili cucumbers makes for a mouthwatering meal.
Spicy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
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One of the best ways to enjoy fresh vegetables is with air fryer recipes. This twist on brussels sprouts includes a spicy-sweet combination of honey, balsamic glaze, and red pepper flakes.
Tomato Confit Orzo
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Truffle oil, gooey tomato confit, and burrata combine for a luxurious orzo dish. This meal is perfect for a summer date night.
Sun-Dried Tomato Mac and Cheese
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This TikTok is on a mission to turn mac and cheese into a summer food. Give the comfort food a summertime twist with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes.
Spicy Salmon and Crispy Rice
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As we’ve learned from Emily Mariko, sriracha, kewpie mayo, and salmon are a match made in heaven. Turn your kitchen into a sushi restaurant with these crispy rice bites.
Champagne Tarragon Salmon
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This salmon is topped with fresh herbs in a Champagne sauce that is the star of the show. Pair with some fresh asparagus or green beans for a light summer dinner.
Couscous Salad
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Sometimes simple is best! This easy summer dinner mixes a bunch of bite-size ingredients like mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, and corn for a salad with variety in each bite.
Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas
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Bring on the summer seafood! These tostadas are topped with a fresh shrimp ceviche, which is perfect if you like a bit of tartness in your summer dinner.
Chicken Pineapple Rice
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Up the summer presentation factor by serving this dish in a pineapple half! Considering pineapple and coconut are a match made in heaven, the coconut marinade in this dish is a perfect complement.
Strawberry Quinoa Salad
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If a fruit-forward salad is more your speed when it comes to easy summer dinners, try this strawberry quinoa salad. Walnuts and crumbled goat cheese elevate the texture of the dish.
French Onion Pork Chops
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Feed the family with this twist on French onion soup. If you don’t feel like taking those pork chops to the grill, this stovetop recipe is for you.
Sambal Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
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Sambal chili paste is the star of this spicy summer dinner. Use it to coat the filling for these refreshing lettuce wraps.
Thai Summer Rolls
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These summer rolls use shrimp, but feel free to use whatever protein is best for you! They’re a creative way to wrap up veggies, so have the kids help with prep.
Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
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Try these cheesy burgers with some tzatziki sauce for a taste of the Mediterranean. If you’re looking for summer ideas for hot days, throw this on the grill.
Cucumber Peanut Noodles
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This summer dinner is served cold, and the crunch of the cucumber cuts through the creamy peanut sauce for a satisfying texture.
Sweet Corn Basil Fusilli
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This recipe is vegan and nut-allergy-friendly! And with fresh sweet corn, it’s sure to impress.
Mango Salsa and Fish
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Looking for a way to prepare your spoils from the fish market? Pair a rich and flavorful sea bass with mango salsa.
Crispy Adobo Tofu
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Skip the trip to Chipotle and make some at-home burrito bowls with this crispy, spicy tofu recipe.
Surf and Turf
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If you’re looking for a decadent date-night meal, look no further than these individual pans of steak, mashed potatoes, and lobster tail.
Eggplant Rollatini
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These rolled bites of eggplant and ricotta are the perfect vegetarian summer dinner if you’re in the mood for Italian flavors.
Mussels
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Pair these mussels with some crusty bread and your favorite white wine, and it’s time to feast.
Pink Salad
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This pink salad could be lovely eaten on its own, or as a side salad to your grilled meat of choice.
Smoked Chicken Lollipops
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This recipe puts a twist on typical drumsticks. If you’re lucky enough to have a smoker, give it a try. Pair with some margarita cocktails and you’ve got the perfect happy hour food.
Shoyu Pork
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This slow-simmer sweet and savory pork is sure to be the hit of your summer dinner party. Pair with rice and/or vegetables.
Sausage and Kale Orzo
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It doesn’t get much simpler than this bright orzo dish. Let fresh kale be the star here.
Smothered Turkey Wings
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These jumbo smothered turkey wings are simply mouthwatering and a great centerpiece for a summer dinner. Serve on a bed of fresh greens with a side of cornbread!
Short Rib Pappardelle
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Flavors of short rib and red wine combine to create this appetizing pasta dish. Re-create a summer dinner in the Italian countryside in your kitchen.
Summer Veggie Pasta
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This pasta dish is chock-full of vegetables like zucchini and bell pepper, so it’s great as a healthier summer dinner option.
Rasta Pasta
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Get a taste of Jamaican cuisine with this Rasta pasta. The jerk seasoning adds an island kick to the creamy sauce.
Grilled Chicken Bruschetta
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When it comes to easy recipes for summer, some things are classics for a reason. You can’t go wrong with a good bruschetta. Serve on its own for dinner or on crostini if you need an appetizer option.
Flounder With White Wine and Tomato Sauce
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Like we said, sometimes simpler is better! The sauce for this flounder includes tomatoes, garlic, and white wine with some lemon and seasonings to add zest. It lets the flavor of the founder shine through.
Peach, Pesto, and Prosciutto Pizza
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Summer is a time for trying new things! As a family activity, bake this pizza with an unusual but appetizing combo of peach, pesto, and prosciutto.
Mushroom Gyros
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For a plant-based summer dinner, try this gyro filled with mushrooms for a Mediterranean vibe.
Chicken Salad
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Chicken salad is a classic summer cookout meal. Serve on a bed of lettuce, scoop with crackers, or put it on a croissant for a delicious sandwich.
Korean Fried Chicken
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If the crunch this chicken makes in the TikTok doesn’t convince you to try it, I don’t know what to tell you.
Pulled Pork
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Would it be summer without a good BBQ dinner? Let this pulled pork recipe make you the star of the cookout.
Herb-Crusted Swordfish
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Tomatoes and basil make for a perfect sauce for this fragrant, herbed swordfish.
Kebabs
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Kebabs are a crowd pleaser, and they’re fully customizable! The best combo for a DIY summer dinner that fits all dietary needs.
Stuffed Peppers
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The color in this dish alone! These filling stuffed peppers are a great choice for your summer dinner table.
Ahi Poke Bowl
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Making your own delicious poke bowl at home is easier than you might think. Once you’ve got the base, add any vegetables or extra toppings you’d like.
BBQ Pulled-Chicken Sandwich
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Summer barbecue recipes are abound on FoodTok, and this pulled-chicken sandwich looks particularly juicy.
Tomato Chickpea Gnocchi
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The texture in this dish made of chickpea, gnocchi, and corn will create some lovely bites.
Banh Mi
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This sandwich recipe combines tender chicken with a biting sauce and refreshing vegetables all on warm roll. We challenge you not to smile while eating it.
Falafel
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Bite-size falafel is a versatile pick for your dinner table. It can be an amuse-bouche or the main course all on its own.
Maryland Jumbo Crab Cakes
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These scream seaside summer dinner, so dig in!
