It’s officially June, which means time for lighter meals, easy barbecues and relaxing in the garden. That’s why these simple, refreshing dinners are essential for a warm summer evening. Our guide has something for everyone, including plenty of healthy, vegetarian and vegan options. Take a look at classic barbecue favourites like pulled pork burgers and whole chicken roasts. Or try our light dinner ideas including salads and fish dishes. These mains are perfect for family cooking and are sure to please any crowd.
In need of some more seasonal recipes? Check out our ultimate collection of summer dinners and summer lunches. We also have our round-up of healthy summer dinners, vegetarian summer recipes and summer dinner party recipes. Add more recipes to your rotation with our top dinners for when you don’t know what to cook.
1. Mango, lime & chilli prawn fishcakes
Hot summer days means ditching slow-cooked meats for lighter seafood alternatives. These zesty, sweet and spicy fishcakes are perfect for the warm weather, especially when paired with sticky rice, chopped carrot, cucumber and mango. They can be easily frozen, so are convenient for busy (or lazy) weeks too. Check out our larger collection of summer fish recipes for more ideas.
2. Garlic butter roast chicken with tomatoes & giant couscous
Move from the kitchen to the garden to enjoy this summery spin on a Sunday roast. This lighter roast chicken is flavoured with a basil and garlic butter for a herby boost, then served with fluffy couscous and roasted tomatoes for a seasonal twist. Need more inspiration for Sunday lunch? Check out our summer roast recipes.
3. Chorizo, orzo & sweetcorn summer stew
With more than 100 five-star ratings, this healthy, colourful summer stew is a fan-favourite midweek meal for chillier summer evenings. Our recipe fries pepper and sweetcorn with chorizo and orzo but you can add any leftovers you have in the fridge, such as grated courgette, chopped aubergine, onion or squash to reduce food waste. Discover more seasonal vegetables you can throw in.
4. Pulled pork
This barbecue staple is a classic family favourite. A pulled pork recipe simple enough for even the most amateur chef – with minimal ingredients and no tricky measurements. Try serving with our crunchy coleslaw or classic potato salad. For a vegan alternative, try our vegan pulled jackfruit.
5. Halloumi with lemony lentils, chickpeas & beets
This halloumi with lemony lentils, chickpeas & beets is a great storecupboard salad that comes together in under 30 minutes. This salad is full of bold flavours, packed with halloumi, capers and homemade picked red onion. For other salad ideas check out our summer salad collection.
6. Chicken, baguette & tomatoes with pesto
Our chicken, baguette & tomatoes with pesto is an easy, one-pan dinner to feed the whole family. This hearty chicken dish incorporates chunky pesto and roasted cherry tomatoes. Add additional pesto to taste and top with basil leaves for extra flavour. For more family-friendly, one-pan bakes try our teriyaki salmon & green beans or our sausage, sweet potato & sweetcorn bake.
7. Summer salad with pan-fried salmon
This salad with pan-fried salmon is the perfect dinner for a sweltering summer evening. Tossed with giant couscous, black beans, baby spinach, avocado and peppers, it’s both high in protein and packed with fibre. A healthy option, it takes under 30 minutes to prepare and easily serves four. We have more summer salad recipes to keep you covered all week.
8. Aubergine & chickpea curry
This aubergine & chickpea curry is a tasty vegan option for a summer main. It’s packed full of golden aubergine, fresh tomatoes and hearty chickpeas. The fragrant coconut sauce will please veggies and meat-eaters alike. For more vegan curry inspiration, check out our vegan curry collection.
9. Confit tomatoes with creamy beans
These confit tomatoes with creamy beans are a healthy, vegan option to make the most of juicy summer tomatoes. Enjoy one of summer’s best seasonal produce on a bed of garlicky cannellini beans and toasted sourdough by making this easy warming and satisfying vegan supper for two. For more in season vegan mains, try our vegan summer collection.
10. Crispy tofu summer rolls with cashew dipping sauce
Try our crispy tofu summer rolls with cashew dipping sauce when you have an extra bit of time on your hands this weekend. Vibrant, veg-packed and easy to pass around the table, these summer rolls are the perfect way to feed the family. It’s also a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen! Simple swap out the fish sauce for a vegan variety. See more family-friendly summer recipes.
Enjoyed these summer dinners? Check out even more tasty mains…
Summer chicken recipes
Summer family recipes
Quick summer recipes
Healthy summer recipes
Summer pasta recipes
Vegetarian summer recipes
