Simple, Appetizing Summer Dishes

Making dinner in the summer is a unique challenge. Though it’s easy to hope that because the days are longer, you’ll want to cook more intense meals, the intense heat and humidity leads many of us to crave a simple meal that is fresh and filling. These delightful dinners are easy, delicious, and perfect for the dog days of summer.

Spicy Corn Carbonara

Because the sauce is comprised of eggs, parmesan, and pasta water, this spicy corn carbonara is silky without being heavy. The recipe is largely the same as traditional carbonara, but the addition of red onion, corn, and red pepper flakes brings a summery flair to the classic dish.

Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad

Peach season is one of the most delightful times of the year, and peaches are one of the most versatile fruits. This sweet-savory summer salad brings grilled peaches, grilled Halloumi cheese, green beans, basil, mixed greens, and several add-ins together in this light but filling satisfying summer salad. With plenty of fruit, nuts, and cheese, you can eat this salad as your main course or serve it up as a side dish alongside a meat main.

Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad

This summery twist on a cobb salad packs the heat with marinated and grilled chipotle chicken alongside a fresh cobb salad comprised of greens, bacon, strawberries, corn on the cob, avocado, and a bright cilantro vinaigrette. You’ll love how the sweet strawberries are complemented by the spicy chicken, creamy avocado, and salty bacon. The cilantro vinaigrette is perfectly zesty with a hint of heat and garlic.

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Grilled Flatbread Pizza With Artichoke, Ricotta, and Lemon

Though grilling lemons and eating them whole on a flatbread may seem a bit odd, it’s truly delicious and brings a rich flavor to the dish. Grilled lemons take on a deep flavor that’s almost sweet as the fruit’s sugars have been caramelized by the heat, but it is also uniquely savory. Combined with artichoke hearts, ricotta cheese, herbs, and spices, this flatbread is the perfect easy summer dinner on a weeknight or a slow Sunday evening.