"When it’s north of 90 degrees outside and the AC is blasting, the last thing I want to do is crank up the oven. I spend enough money keeping my home at the not-unreasonable temperature of 74 degrees during the summer, so heating the place back up while cooking dinner does not sound appealing. However, that no-oven-required stipulation really limits my options for summer dinner recipes. Sure, salads make great no-cook dinners, but sometimes you need something a little more substantial—or perhaps you live with a partner who doesn’t believe salads count as meals (I know I’m not the only one!).
In my quest to stay cool without having to order take-out every night, I rounded up a bunch of healthy summer dinner recipes that don’t require baking, roasting, broiling, or any other form of oven cooking. You can bet I’ll be making these on repeat from June through September.
1. Cilantro Lime Rice Bowls
If you’re obsessed with Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, this recipe allows you to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. It’s super easy to make, and you won’t have to pay extra for guac.
2. Chicken Pad Thai
This recipe lets you re-create a takeout favorite even faster than it takes to get it delivered. This pad thai requires just 10 minutes on the stove, so dinner will be ready before it has a chance to heat up your kitchen.
3. Summer Grain Bowl
Grain bowls are a weeknight staple in my household, and this recipe is the crème de la crème of bowls. With fresh peaches, cucumber, corn, cherry tomatoes, and a green goddess dressing, it’s packed with in-season summer produce and flavors.
4. Cherry Tomato Pasta
This light, refreshing dish is the perfect summer pasta recipe. It won’t weigh you down with dense, heavy ingredients and makes for a quick and delish dinner.
5. 30-Minute Korean Beef and Avocado Rice Rolls
If you’re stuck in a rut of bland, boring dinner recipes, these Korean beef and avocado rice rolls are a must-try. Loaded with garlic, ginger, Korean chili paste, and a creamy sriracha sauce, they’re full of spice and flavor.
6. Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos
While we wish summer was all vacations and relaxing, it can actually be an incredibly busy season. Slow cooker recipes like this one are great for busy days because you can simply throw the ingredients in and continue to work on your to-do list while your dinner cooks. These sweet and spicy chicken tacos will become a new repeat recipe.
7. Summer Quinoa Bowls
This quinoa bowl recipe is perfect if you want a filling, healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. You can customize the toppings based on what you’re in the mood for, and it all comes together in 15 minutes.
8. Panzanella
Panzanella is a chopped salad from Italy that combines tomatoes, cucumber, onion, capers, crusty bread, and vinaigrette for a tasty salad. Add some burrata or bacon to add an incredible twist.
9. Chili Mango Summer Rolls
Tropical flavors like mango are ideal for summer weather, especially when paired with a kick like some chili sauce. These summer rolls are great for an on-the-go lunch or a light dinner all season long.
10. Burrata Caprese
Burrata is a top-tier cheese IMO, and it’s even better when paired with ripe tomatoes, herbs, oil, and vinegar. It creates a creamy, sweet summer dish that can’t be beat.
11. Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken
This air fryer recipe creates the crispiness we love from fried food without the mess of oil. The honey sesame sauce is the star of this dish and will have you craving more.
12. Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
The fresh, tangy flavors of Mediterranean cuisine taste especially good during the summertime. This grilled chicken souvlaki is no exception, and you won’t believe it only takes 10 minutes to make.
13. Egg Roll in a Bowl
If egg rolls are always on your takeout order but you’re too intimidated to try to fry them up at home, this recipe is for you. With an egg roll in a bowl, you get all the flavor of the egg roll without the hassle of rolling or frying them.
14. Italian Pressed Sandwiches
Nothing hits quite like a homemade sandwich after a long day at the pool or the beach. Next time you’re planning a day by the water, bring these Italian pressed sandwiches. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
15. Teriyaki Beef and Vegetables
With plenty of protein, veggies, and an under 30-minute cook time, this is an ideal weeknight recipe. Serve it on top of rice for a super yummy, well-rounded meal.
16. Classic Chicken Salad
Whether you need a recipe for a barbecue or picnic, or you just want an easy meal prep recipe, try this chicken salad. It only takes 10 minutes and yields four servings, so you can enjoy it all week long (or share if you’re feeling nice).
17. Antipasto Salad
This salad is essentially a charcuterie board served on a bed of lettuce, so if you’re a cheeseboard girly, you’ll love this recipe. It requires no cooking and is easily transported, making it perfect for work lunches or busy night dinners.
18. Sriracha Lime Noodles
These sriracha lime noodles are best served cold and are a great way to cool down this summer. If you want some protein, serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp.
19. Chicken Kabobs
It’s officially grilling season, so kick it off with these colorful chicken skewers. These are best enjoyed outside on a gorgeous summer evening.
20. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This recipe is made with simple ingredients, but the flavor is anything but simple. Fresh herbs like dill and parsley level up the flavor profile, and the feta cheese adds a mouth-watering creaminess. With protein from the chickpeas, this hearty salad will keep you full all afternoon.
