Skip to content

Top Navigation

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Home
  • Garden
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • Videos
  • Spring Getaways Sweepstakes

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Midwest Living

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Midwest Living's Best of the Midwest Winners 2021

      Midwest Living's Best of the Midwest Winners 2021

      Read More Next
    • Best Midwest Family Vacations

      Best Midwest Family Vacations

      Read More Next
    • 25 Top Easy-Care Plants for Midwest Gardens

      25 Top Easy-Care Plants for Midwest Gardens

      Plant these low-maintenance perennials and shrubs—including hostas, peonies, yarrow, daylilies, catmint and switchgrass—for a carefree Midwest garden. Read More Next
  • Travel

    Travel

    See All Travel
    50 Midwest Resorts We Love

    50 Midwest Resorts We Love

    Our favorite Midwest resort destinations range from cozy lakeside lodges to indoor water park behemoths. Dive in to check out our top picks for a fabulous Midwest getaway.
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Nebraska
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • South Dakota
    • Wisconsin
    • Around the Region
    • Free Travel Info
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    Midwest Living March/April 2021 Recipes

    Midwest Living March/April 2021 Recipes

    • Comfort Foods
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Breakfast
    • Quick & Easy
    • Chicken
    • Soups & Stews
    • Midwest Favorites
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Fish
    • Grilling
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    30 Ideas to Dress Up Your Deck

    30 Ideas to Dress Up Your Deck

    Furnish your deck or patio with accessories and designs that add comfort and style to outdoor living. Here are 30 suggestions to get you started.
    • Quick Decorating
    • Featured Homes
    • Organizing & Storage
    • Outdoor Living
    • Seasonal Decorating
    • Room Decorating
  • Garden

    Garden

    See All Garden
    10 Trendy Plants for Midwest Gardens in 2021

    10 Trendy Plants for Midwest Gardens in 2021

    • Container Gardens
    • Flowers
    • Featured Gardens
    • Midwest Gardening Calendar
    • Garden Ideas & Inspiration
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    50 Easy Spring Decorating Ideas

    50 Easy Spring Decorating Ideas

    Add pretty spring flair to your home with our ideas for centerpieces, table settings, door decorations, Easter egg displays and more.
    • Easter
    • July 4th
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine's Day
    • Christmas
  • Videos

    Videos

    See All Videos
    • How to Make an All-Butter Pie Crust
    • How to Make Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake
  • Spring Getaways Sweepstakes

    Spring Getaways Sweepstakes

    See All Spring Getaways Sweepstakes
    • Best Vacation Sweepstakes
    • Spring Getaways Sweepstakes

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Midwest Living
  2. Food
  3. Quick & Easy
  4. 45 Easy Summer Dinner Recipes

45 Easy Summer Dinner Recipes

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com
June 01, 2012
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Chipotle Shrimp Scampi
Credit: Jay Wilde

Relax and enjoy the taste of summer in these easy recipes, including shrimp scampi, chicken stir-fry, fish tacos, barbecue chicken, pasta, homemade pizza and main-dish salads.

Start Slideshow

1 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chipotle Shrimp Scampi

Chipotle Shrimp Scampi
Credit: Jay Wilde
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This south-of-the-border variation on a classic Italian-American dish has a little smoky heat. It's a quick weeknight dinner, served over hot rice.

1 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chipotle-Maple Chicken Thighs

Chipotle-Maple Chicken Thighs
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We won't mince words: This is juicy, spicy, sticky, glorious barbecued chicken. One of the secrets? Chicken thighs. They cook fast, like breasts, but they have richer flavor and don't dry out. And nutritionally speaking, the two are more similar than you'd think.

2 of 44

3 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pesto Veggie Gyros

Pesto Veggie Gyros on wooden platter with grilled chicken and kabobs
Credit: Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Halloumi, veggie kabobs and flatbreads all get a turn on the grill and are paired with tangy pesto vinaigrette for a fast, warm-weather supper.

3 of 44

Advertisement

4 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sausage with Skillet Potatoes and Buttered Cabbage

square white plate of Sausage with Skillet Potatoes and Buttered Cabbage
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Chicken-apple sausage links, Yukon gold potatoes and cabbage combine with a simple dressing for an easy and nutritious skillet meal.

4 of 44

5 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Jamaican Pork Tenderloin with Broccoli-Peach Slaw

Jamaican Pork Tenderloin with Broccoli-Peach Slaw
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Broccoli slaw mix is the quick cheat in this colorful, weeknight-simple recipe that's festive enough to serve to friends.

5 of 44

6 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Garden-fresh veggies and juicy pineapple give classic stir-fry a seasonal refresh. For an easy substitute, switch the chicken for thinly sliced boneless pork or peeled, deveined medium shrimp.

6 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Skip the canned stuff and make this childhood favorite from scratch. Our simple recipe is just a starting point; try one of our variations or experiment with seasonings.

7 of 44

8 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Paella-Style Rice with Ham and Shrimp

Paella-Style Rice with Ham and Shrimp
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Ham stands in for sausage in this one-skillet dinner inspired by traditional Spanish paella. Sop up the juices with warm crusty bread.

8 of 44

9 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cajun Pizza

Cajun Pizza
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy pizza from Alex and Sonja Overhiser of the blog A Couple Cooks isn't overly spicy, but has enough flavor and kick to stand out from a standard pizza. We love how it relies on basic pantry ingredients.

9 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mustardy Grilled Corn and Sausage Kabobs

Mustardy Grilled Corn and Sausage Kabobs
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With just 5 ingredients and ready in less than 30 minutes, this colorful, family-friendly meal is sure to earn a spot in your summer weeknight dinner rotation.

10 of 44

11 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grilled Eggplant and Mozzarella Hero with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Basil Pesto

Grilled Eggplant and Mozzarella Hero with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Basil Pesto
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This scrumptious mess of a sandwich is every bit as satisfying as a classic Italian sub--and if you prepare the tomato sauce and pesto in advance (or use purchased pesto), the sandwiches come together super fast. The recipe comes from Cara Mangini, of Little Eater in Columbus, Ohio.

11 of 44

12 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lemon Caper Chicken

Lemon Caper Chicken
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Zesty lemon, salty capers and an array of spices flavor these easy chicken breasts.

12 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tortellini, Spinach and Mushrooms in Wine-Butter Sauce

Tortellini, Spinach and Mushrooms in Wine-Butter Sauce
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A simple pan sauce and fresh vegetables dress up family-favorite cheese tortellini for a meal that's ready in 25 minutes.

13 of 44

14 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Caribbean White Fish with Mango-Orange Relish

Caribbean White Fish with Mango-Orange Relish
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lightly pan-fried white fish gets a refreshing lift from a sweet confetti of oranges and chopped mango. Pair with rice or couscous for an easy meal.

14 of 44

15 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Coconut Chicken Noodle Bowl

Coconut Chicken Noodle Bowl
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Ready in 30 minutes, this restaurant-style noodle bowl is a breeze to throw together. Coconut milk and fish sauce-Thai staples available at the supermarket-impart authentic flavor.

15 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Sausage and Peppers

Chicken Sausage and Peppers
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pair this hearty meat-lovers' dish with quinoa or whole wheat couscous and a crisp lettuce salad for a well-rounded meal. Chicken-apple sausage lends a pleasant sweetness to this dish, but you can take it in a kickier, more savory direction with hot Italian or roasted garlic sausage.

16 of 44

17 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dilled Shrimp and Orzo Bowl

Dilled Shrimp and Orzo Bowl
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dill, shrimp and a hint of vinegar shine in this light, veggie-filled dish.

17 of 44

18 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Three-in-One Primavera

Three-in-One Primavera
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Our ready-in-minutes recipe starts with pasta and mixed vegetables-then just pick the sauce that suits your mood. Choose among light lemon-basil, creamy Parmesan or peppercorn-ranch dressing for a pasta salad.

18 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mango-Barbecue Fish Tacos

Mango-Barbecue Fish Tacos
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fresh fruit and bottled barbecue sauce lend sassy sweetness to low-cal, vitamin-rich grilled fish tacos.

19 of 44

20 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vietnamese Shrimp and Noodle Bowls

Vietnamese Shrimp and Noodle Bowls
Credit: Jay Wilde
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These bowls check all the boxes with layers of flavors, textures and temperatures. Grab your chopsticks and dig in!

20 of 44

21 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chimichurri

Chimichurri
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This classic Argentinian sauce with fresh parsley and cilantro is made for spooning over grilled meats (especially steak), but we also love it with scrambled eggs or roasted potatoes. The recipe comes from chef Michael Ollier of Certified Angus Beef in Wooster, Ohio.

21 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Sausage Sandwiches with Watermelon Salsa

Chicken Sausage Sandwiches with Watermelon Salsa
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Basil and lime juice flavor the fruity salsa on this ready-in-minutes, low-cal grilled sausage sandwich.

22 of 44

23 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bean-and-Rice-Stuffed Peppers

Bean-and-Rice-Stuffed Peppers
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With only five ingredients, these hearty stuffed peppers assemble in a snap. Team them with corn bread or whole wheat rolls, and dinner's done.

23 of 44

24 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa and Ranch Taco Sauce

Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa and Ranch Taco Sauce
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fresh tomatillos and jicama add authentic tartness and crunch to this made-in-minutes dinner. You can find both veggies at large supermarkets or Latin groceries.

24 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Super Simple Peachy Barbecue Chicken

Chicken slow cooker Super Simple Peachy Barbecue Chicken
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Just three ingredients produce a rich-flavored, sweet-tangy barbecue sauce for drumsticks in this easy chicken slow-cooker recipe.

25 of 44

26 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Garden Veggie Linguine with Cilantro Pesto

Garden Veggie Linguine with Cilantro Pesto
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You can customize this linguine recipe by substituting other in-season vegetables and herbs, such as asparagus, snap peas, spinach or mustard greens, tarragon and basil.

26 of 44

27 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Bottled black bean and corn salsa spices up these quesadillas, ready in just 20 minutes. 

27 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chilled Tomato Soup with Corn Bread Croutons

Chilled Tomato Soup with Corn Bread Croutons
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Creamy avocado slices give depth to this summer soup, while crumbly corn bread croutons add a nice contrast in texture. For a lighter-colored soup, peel the cucumber.

28 of 44

29 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Loaded Greek Chicken Pizza

Loaded Greek Chicken Pizza
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Frozen spinach-artichoke dip is the secret ingredient in this fabulous pizza that delivers an authentically salty punch of kalamata olives and feta cheese.

29 of 44

30 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken

Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Herbed lemon marinade cooks down with honey to a glossy, gorgeous glaze in our Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken recipe.

30 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ham Florentine Soup

Ham Florentine Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Florentine-style dishes have one thing in common: heart-healthy spinach. In this case, the leafy greens combine with chunks of ham in a chowderlike soup. For best results, remove spinach stems before cooking.

31 of 44

32 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Simple Salsa Skillet

Simple Salsa Skillet
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For a change in routine, substitute green salsa for red in this easy Mexican-inspired meal.

32 of 44

33 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Cobb Salad

Chicken Cobb Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Why save this classic for when you're dining out? Rotisserie chicken makes it easy to enjoy a Cobb at home. Just add a whole-grain roll, and you've got a well-rounded meal.

33 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Zucchini and Tomato Frittata

Zucchini and Tomato Frittata
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Zucchini gets a flavor boost from mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and chopped walnuts in a colorful frittata. 

34 of 44

35 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spicy Chicken-Peanut Thai Pizza

Spicy Chicken-Peanut Thai Pizza
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you love Thai peanut sauce, you'll go nuts for this simple pizza. We especially love how the veggies go on after the pizza bakes, so they stay fresh, crispy and colorful.

35 of 44

36 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fresh Herb Tuna Salad

Fresh Herb Tuna Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Showers of fresh herbs and the teeniest smidgen of curry powder wake up classic tuna salad.

36 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Potato Chips Meet Fish