20 Lighter Dinners For Hot Summer Nights
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on this site, I may earn a commission.
Read my Privacy Policy.
Summer is here and temperatures around the globe are soaring. We are talking record-high heat. Chances are the last thing you want to do when temperatures are this high is make your home even hotter by eating a heavy meal. Instead, serve up some of these lighter dinners, that will keep you satisfied without weighing you down. Here are twenty light dinners that are perfect for serving all summer long.
1. Taco Lettuce Wraps
These taco lettuce wraps are a fun family-friendly meal that is perfect for a summertime dinner. The lettuce makes a crisp and refreshing taco “shell” and you can add all of your favorite taco toppings inside. Let everyone customize their own meal.
2. Shrimp and Avocado Salad
When you are looking for a light and easy summer dinner, this shrimp and avocado salad is sure to hit the spot. It’s filling but light and so full of flavor. Shrimp, avocados, tomatoes, onions, and kale are all you need to make this tasty salad.
3. Tuna Pasta Salad
This healthy tuna pasta salad is the perfect quick and easy dinner for warmer evenings. It will fill you up without sitting heavy in your stomach after dinner. The tuna, pasta, peas, and red onions add tons of flavor, making this a meal that is sure to be a hit with the family.
4. Ranch Chicken Wraps
These ranch chicken wraps are delicious enough to enjoy year-round for lunch or a light and tasty dinner during the warmer months. Bacon, chicken, ranch, and anything else you might like to add, like avocados or cheese. What’s not to love?
5. Rainbow Orzo Salad
This rainbow orzo salad is the perfect dinner for a warm summer night. It’s got veggies galore and lots of fresh flavor. You can add even more veggies, herbs, and even your favorite protein to it. This is a delicious meal that everyone will love. Round out the meal with a side salad and some grilled meats.
6. Teriyaki Salmon
This delicious teriyaki salmon cooks quickly and easily and is a delicious meal when you want something on the lighter side. Serve this salmon with rice and veggies or a salad for a light dinner you can enjoy again and again all summer long.
7. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Buffalo chicken wings are amazing but may not be what you are craving when the temperatures are soaring. If you are still looking for delicious buffalo chicken flavor, try this buffalo chicken pasta salad instead. It’s a summer favorite you’re going to love.
8. Tuna Melt
A tuna melt is a delicious comfort food dinner when you want something hot but not too heavy. This sandwich is a cross between a tuna salad and a grilled cheese sandwich, and it’s a mashup that really works. You’ll be making these tasty sandwiches all summer long.
9. Best Greek Chicken Salad
If you like Mediterranean flavors, you are going to fall in love with this Greek chicken salad recipe. This hearty and filling salad includes chicken, olives, feta cheese, onions, and more, creating an unforgettable flavor you’ll adore.
10. Mango Chicken Wraps
When you are looking for a delicious dinner that you don’t need to cook, one that will fill you up and satisfy the whole family, you need these mango chicken wraps. They are so easy to make and versatile, too. Don’t have chicken? Use turkey or ham, and they will still taste amazing.
11. BLT Pasta Salad
Everyone knows that bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes are a winning flavor combination, but you can enjoy them in more than just sandwiches. They also create a delicious BLT pasta salad. It’s delicious, easy to make, and perfect for summertime dinners.
12. Cauliflower Salad
Cauliflower salad is crunchy, colorful, and delicious. You can add any fresh raw vegetables to it that you want and then toss it with a tangy dressing. This is a light, filling, and highly nutritious summer dinner. Want more protein? Try adding some shredded chicken or even some bacon bits.
13. Mediterranean Sandwich
When you are looking for a light and delicious dinner give this Mediterranean sandwich recipe a try. Toasty grilled bread with pesto, cheese, olives, dried fruit, basil, and balsamic vinegar. Serve it with a salad or a simple soup and dinner is done.
14. Chicken and Cucumber Salad
You are going to love this simple and delicious chicken and cucumber salad. You can make this tasty meal even when you haven’t been to the store with just basic ingredients you have on hand. Once you have your salad made you can eat it as is, or put it in a wrap, or on a sandwich. You can even enjoy it with crackers.
15. Southwest Salad
When you need a light and tasty dinner, try this southwest salad. Tasty chicken, corn, red bell pepper, avocado, black beans, and cherry tomatoes will make sure that no one leaves the table hungry. These tasty ingredients are topped with a homemade dressing made with maple syrup and lime juice that you are going to love.
16. Orzo Salad with Pesto
This orzo salad with pesto is the perfect dinner for hot summer nights. It’s a delicious main dish with so much flavor thanks to the orzo, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, red onion, and, of course, pesto. You can feel free to add even more fresh veggies and your favorite salad toppings.
17. Loaded Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Loaded sheet pan quesadillas are a simple and delicious recipe that can be on the table in minutes. It’s not a heavy meal, and it’s as versatile as you want it to be. Add more veggies, change the cheese, and even add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken if you want to add more protein.
18. Cobb Salad Wraps
These Cobb salad wraps are a delicious, light, and easy summer dinner that is also portable. Take them with you to the game or to sit out and watch the sunset. They are good for you and filled with all of the fresh flavors of your favorite Cobb salad.
19. Easy Hummus Wraps
You will love this light and tasty recipe that lets everyone make dinner themselves to suit their tastes. Creamy hummus, crisp lettuce or kale, and whichever fresh veggies you prefer are all you need to make easy hummus wraps.
20. Strawberry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This strawberry chicken salad with poppy seed dressing is delicious and filling. It’s got strawberries, pineapple, avocado, tender chicken, crunchy pistachios, and feta cheese crumbles. On top of it all is a homemade poppy seed dressing that’s so good you’ll want to drink it by the cup…but put it on this amazing salad instead.
More From The Gracious Pantry
Need more dinner ideas? These can help. Chicken and turkey are very versatile foods that can be used to create an unlimited number of dinners. Here are 118 ideas to get you started.
