38 Easy and Light Dinners for Hot Summer Nights
38 Easy and Light Dinners for Hot Summer Nights
Discover our favourite simple, healthy summer recipes perfect for summer dining.
We've been getting hit with heat waves since springtime, so I'm so happy to be rounding up some of our favourite light summer Rily Good recipes perfect for those sticky nights.
The last thing I want to do after a long day of work in these temperatures and humidity is spend time in the kitchen slaving over the stove. These simple dishes require minimal to no cooking or can easily be cooked outside on the grill while enjoying the weather.
Chipotle Chicken Salad
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This loaded chicken salad is inspired by the ones served at Chipotle but with a homemade twist. It's customizable, so feel free to use what you have on hand. Using leftover cooked chicken and rice saves time, making this a quick and flavourful meal perfect for summer evenings.
Grilled Romaine with Vegan Caesar Dressing
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Grill your romaine lettuce and turn the pickiest of salad eaters into salad lovers with this fun take on the classic Caesar salad. This vegan version uses a creamy cashew-based dressing packed with healthy fats and protein. It's a perfect dish to enjoy on a warm evening, offering a light yet satisfying meal with minimal cooking required.
Snapper Fish Tacos
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Blackened fish tacos made with snapper and served with a tasty and easy slaw are perfect for a light and fresh dinner. The fish cooks quickly, making this an ideal weeknight meal. The tacos are bursting with flavour and nutrients from the fresh veggies, making them a healthy and refreshing summer dish.
Quinoa Salad with Peas, Radish & Strawberries
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This fresh quinoa salad is perfect for early summer when strawberries are in season. It becomes a more complete dish with peas and radishes. Toasted walnuts, a lemony vinaigrette, and goat cheese add flavour and texture. Quinoa provides a protein boost, making this salad a nutritious and light option for hot days.
Aguachile
Recipe by Fran Allen
Aguachile is a fresh take on ceviche, perfect for sharing with friends or making ahead for a quick, protein-rich dinner. It's a spicier version of ceviche with shrimp, lime juice, and bright flavours. The dish requires no cooking, making it ideal for those scorching summer nights when you want something refreshing and light.
Burrata Salad with Melon & Hot Honey
Recipe by Fran Allen
This showstopper recipe combines creamy burrata with sweet melon and spicy hot honey. The salad comes together in minutes and is perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings. The combination of flavours and textures makes it a delightful and refreshing dish for summer evenings.
Shrimp Fresh Rolls
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These fresh rolls with shrimp are perfect as a light appetizer or side dish. The crunchy, quick-pickled veggies add flavour and tang. Serve them with a creamy peanut butter sauce on the side. The rolls are refreshing and require minimal cooking, making them ideal for hot summer days.
Spring Pea Salad
Recipe by Carley Nadine
This spring salad is fresh, seasonal, and delicious. Featuring green peas, rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin K, C, and folate, the salad also includes fresh snap peas, feta, and a variety of herbs. It's a nutritious and refreshing light meal on warm days.
Grilled Shrimp, Corn & Avocado Salad
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This romaine salad is loaded with grilled shrimp, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and some tortilla chips for crunch. It's a great summer dish as most of the cooking can be done on the BBQ. The fresh ingredients make it a nutritious and satisfying meal for hot days.
One Pan Crispy Chicken & Artichokes
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
One pan means less to clean up, but it doesn't mean it's short on flavour! This dinner recipe is simple to prepare and cook, featuring bone-in chicken thighs, artichoke hearts, and fresh herbs. It's a flavourful, grain-free, and dairy-free dinner that's great for many health conditions.
Summer Cold Noodle Bowls
Recipe by Fran Allen
These are the perfect warm-weather meals. Easy to make quickly or in advance, they are loaded with satisfying colour and crunch. Inspired by Vietnamese Bun (Rice Vermicelli) bowls, these noodle bowls are perfect for packed lunches, quick dinners, or picnics. The bright, fresh ingredients make them ideal for hot summer days.
Halloumi Caprese Salad
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Try this twist on a traditional Caprese salad, swapping out the mozzarella for halloumi. Dollop on your favourite pesto for an extra special touch. This salad is great for gluten-free, grain-free, and low-sugar diets. It's a refreshing and light option for summer meals.
Burst Tomato Pasta with Spinach
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This roasted tomato pasta sauce is made with fresh, in-season tomatoes that burst in the oven. It's then tossed with cooked bucatini for a one-pan dinner that tastes fresh and delicious. Add in fresh spinach and top with basil and ricotta. It's a simple yet flavourful meal perfect for summer evenings.
Chimichurri Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Chimichurri is a delicious Argentinian parsley and cilantro sauce that pairs well with grilled shrimp. These lettuce wraps are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for a barbecue. The Boston lettuce offers a light vehicle for the saucy grilled shrimp, perfect for a hot summer night.
Panzanella Salad with Salami
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
One of the ultimate salads to incorporate the abundance of tomatoes in the summertime, this Panzanella salad includes sourdough bread, heirloom tomatoes, and Genoa salami. Fresh basil and parsley add flavour, making this a refreshing and hearty salad for warm evenings.
Easy Shrimp Tostadas
Recipe by Fran Allen
These shrimp tostadas are a quick meal, perfect for a summer weeknight. Crispy tortillas are loaded with spicy shrimp, creamy black beans, and a bright, herby salsa. These are a great addition to your weekly meal rotation and are fast, easy, and satisfying.
Grilled Halloumi & Veggie Skewers
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
These grilled skewers are perfect for BBQ season and a fun way to cook your favourite veggies. Featuring halloumi and marinated artichokes, they offer a delicious source of fibre. These skewers are easy to prepare and make for a light and tasty summer meal.
Arctic Char Protein Power Bowl
Recipe by Carley Nadine
This simple bowl is packed with goodness. From the Arctic char, which is a milder fish than salmon, to the spicy arugula, it has everything you need in one dish. The best part is you can use it as a template—swap quinoa for rice or your protein source. No matter how you make it, the Protein Power Bowl is a versatile and nutritious option for summer.
White Wine Linguine with Clams
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This light pasta is perfect for spring and summer dining. Spelt linguine offers more nutritional value than traditional white pasta, with more fibre and protein. If you need it to be gluten-free, swap for another type of gluten-free pasta and panko. It's a delightful dish for summer evenings.
Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
These turkey-stuffed boats are a great way to make zucchini fun and exciting to eat. Zucchinis are a great source of phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress. This dish is healthy and flavourful, making it a great summer meal.
Peach, Tomato & Burrata Salad
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
The ultimate late summer salad is here! Grilled peaches, local in-season tomatoes, creamy burrata, and crispy prosciutto all combine for this delicious dish. This recipe is great for gluten-free, diabetes, grain-free, and low-sugar diets. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish for warm evenings.
Lemon Tarragon Halibut & Leeks
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
If you feel like splurging on fish, halibut is a good bet. This meaty fish is rich in omega-3s and has a delicate flavour and soft texture when cooked. Served with minimal prep and ingredients, you can really taste the flavour of the fish. It's great for gluten-free, grain-free, and low-sugar diets.
Beet & Arugula Salad
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Roasted beets tossed with spicy arugula, toasted walnuts, a simple lemon vinaigrette, and goat cheese create a vibrant and hearty winter salad. Despite its seasonal roots, the earthy sweetness of beets and the peppery arugula make this dish a refreshing and nutritious choice year-round.
Mussels in a Spicy Tomato Sauce
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Don't be intimidated to cook mussels—they're actually quite easy to prepare. These mussels are tossed in a thick, spicy white wine tomato sauce. Easily prep the sauce in advance to save time. This dish is light and flavourful, perfect for a summer evening.
Portobello Steak with Vegetables
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Celebrate BBQ season with these juicy Portobello mushroom steaks. Whether grilled indoors or outdoors, they embody the essence of summer. Packed with B vitamins and minerals like selenium and copper, these veggie steaks offer a satisfying and nutrient-rich alternative to traditional meats.
Apple & White Cheddar Chicken Salad
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
This salad is perfect for meal prep, offering a balanced combination of healthy fats, protein, and greens. With grilled chicken, crisp apple slices, tangy white cheddar, and a maple syrup vinaigrette, it's a deliciously satisfying meal that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, ideal for staying nourished and full throughout the day.
Seafood Paella
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This meat and seafood paella is a flavourful and comforting dish ideal for serving a crowd. With chicken, chorizo, shrimp, mussels, and calamari cooked in fragrant saffron-infused rice, it's a hearty, but not heavy, communal meal perfect for sharing during summer gatherings.
Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Quick and fiery, these chili garlic noodles make a perfect lunch or dinner option. Packed with immune-boosting ingredients like ginger and garlic, they offer a spicy and satisfying meal in just minutes. Add your favourite greens like bokchoy or spinach for extra flavour and nutrients.
[Get the recipe.](https://www.rily.co/recipes/spicy-chili-garlic-noodles-111_
Grilled Calamari
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Grilled calamari is easier to make at home than you might think, taking less than 10 minutes on the grill. Whether served as an appetizer or tossed in a salad, it brings Mediterranean flavours to your table while providing a good source of protein and other essential nutrients.
Tuna Niçoise Salad
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This fresh take on the classic Niçoise salad features a vibrant basil dressing that enhances the flavours of mini potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, radishes, and oil-packed tuna. Light and summery, it offers a satisfying depth of flavour that keeps you feeling full and refreshed.
Viral Salmon Bowl with Crispy Rice
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Inspired by a viral trend, this salmon bowl is versatile and easily customized. Perfect for using up leftover salmon and rice, it's a filling and delicious lunch or dinner option. Topped with avocado, spinach, nori, and a tangy sriracha mayo, it's a balanced meal that's both satisfying and quick to prepare.
Arugula Salad with Shrimp
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Fresh strawberries and radishes add a springtime twist to this arugula salad, which is complemented by a spicy lime dressing. Packed with shrimp, English peas, and a variety of vibrant vegetables, it's a light and refreshing choice that's perfect for warm-weather meals.
Grilled Mushroom & Asparagus Wrap
Recipe by Megan Horsley
These grilled veggie wraps are simple and nutritious. They feature hearty Portobello mushrooms, fibre-rich asparagus, and a creamy sauce. Whether for lunch or a light dinner, they offer a delightful combination of flavours ideal for summer enjoyment.
Spiralized Carrot and Zucchini Salad
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This spiralized salad, colourful and crunchy, showcases the nutritional benefits of carrots and zucchini. Tossed in a creamy miso tahini dressing and topped with avocado and nigella seeds, it's a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish perfect for showcasing your skills in the art of salad-making.
Grilled Halloumi, Corn & Nectarine Salad
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
This salad is a delightful addition to any summer BBQ. It features grilled halloumi cheese, sweet nectarines, and savoury corn. Tossed in a garlic-infused olive oil dressing with basil, it perfectly balances sweet and savoury flavours that complement grilled meats or fish.
Veggie Wraps with Jalapeño Dill Sauce
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These grilled veggie wraps are a healthy and delicious choice, filled with Portobello mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and a creamy jalapeño dill sauce. Packed with fresh flavours and nutrients, they're perfect for a quick summer meal and can easily be customized with additional protein sources like tofu or chickpeas.
Feta & Artichoke Chickpea Flatbread
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Adhering to the principles of the Mediterranean diet, this chickpea flatbread features marinated artichoke hearts, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and olives. A versatile base for appetizers or main dishes, it's a fibre and protein-packed option that celebrates the flavours of the Mediterranean.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Shredded Brussels sprouts form the base of this vibrant salad, topped with crispy pancetta, crunchy pecans, and sweet apple slices. Tossed in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette, it's a refreshing and nutritious dish that's perfect for any season, offering a satisfying crunch and depth of flavours.
