When I think about Summer dinner ideas, the first thing that comes to my mind is a picture of me in a coastal city in Europe, maybe Positano, Italy, wearing a light linen dress, feeling the warm kiss of the 8 pm European summer sunset on my tanned skin and enjoying a healthy, fresh, homemade and aesthetically pleasing dinner while having a glass of white whine after a hot day by the beach.
Maybe you are looking for an easy and quick summer dinner recipe and don’t really care about its aesthetics.
But if this is your first time on The Mood Guide, I will quickly explain to you that on this blog we always think about the senses before writing anything.
We believe that when buying clothes or choosing what to cook, most of the time we first look and feel if it will suit our taste or not.
The Best Linen Aprons for Men & Women Who Love Cooking
So, below I will list the most amazing and aesthetic summer dinner ideas that I have found after long research on the best recipe blogs on the internet.
Summer dinners must be thought of for hot days, so the lighter, healthier and away from the oven, the more pleasing the dinner experience (and how your body will react after dinner).
Tip: Salad, avocado and fresh herbs are the top ingredients for summertime dinner recipes.
Summer Dinner Ideas
Some of the options below are vegetarian and vegan. some are not. I will create a delicious summer dinner menu with my favorite recipes. From easy and quick for lazy ones to most sophisticated for the passioned slow cook.
Sides and Appetizers
If you are hosting a dinner for family or friends, is likely that sides and appetizers are part of the sinner plan. If you will cook only for yourself, you can skip to the items below.
15 minute greek feta salad l By The Curious Plate
Feta cheese is a greek type of cheese that usually is a notable ingredient in light and healthy recipes.
Easy Salted Zuccini l By Healhy Seasonal Recipes
Want to serve an apperitive but are running out of time and creativity? This 12-minute recipe may be the perfect choice.
Salads
Salads are great as appetizers or main curses. There are so many types of salads for inspiration on the internet, and the pictures are so stunning that some are much more appealing to me than a burger.
Grilled Romaine Salad l By How Sweet Eats
If you think dinner recipes on the grill cannot be meat-free, you are wrong. This crunchy yet juice romaine grilled salad is a delicious proof.
White Bean Salad with Herb Dressing l By Occasionally Eggs
Vegan salad with lemon herb dressing. Chickpeas in place of the white beans are an alternative.
Pasta
It is hard to find someone who does not like pasta! There are so many options, shapes, spices and dressings to play with and create the perfect pasta for a summer dinner. Check out some of my favorite ideas below.
Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta l By Salt & Lavender
Lemon and summer are a match made in heaven. Add pasta to it and you will have a simple and creative dinner recipe.
Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto l By Pinch of Yum
A simple, easy, and delicious recipe for pesto and mushroom lovers.
Pasta Salad
Not so light, not so heavy. A perfect match for a good wine and a hot night.
Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet l By EatWell101
Chicken Recipes
Chicken is the right choice for a summer dinner because it is a slightly lighter meat to digest than red meat. Besides, it is super versatile.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken l By Salt & Lavender
Easy, creamy and mouthwatering. This one is a delight for mushroom lovers.
Crispy Italian Chicken and Bacon Salad with Tahini Pesto Dressing and Sourdough Croutons l By Half Baked Harvest
I am obsessed with Half Baked Harvest’s wonderful and colorful recipes. I think I would cook everything she does, but for this post, I had to choose some favorites. There are so many textures, colors, and scents in this dish that I can almost taste it.
Other Summer Dinner Ideas
Although salad and pasta are the most popular dinner recipes, if you want something a bit more refined, you may find it in the options below.
Cauliflower Gnocchi with Crispy Zucchini and Whipped Goat Cheese l By Half Baked Harvest
Soft, creamy and crispy. That mix of sensations makes us instantly happier at the first bite.
Asiago Lemon Ristto with Grilled Garlic Asparcus l By How Sweet Eats
Risotto is a perfect choice for a romantic summer dinner.
Extra tip: Unfortunately, when I wrote this post, I had no way of knowing if you are looking for summer dinner ideas for a dinner alone, with family or for a romantic dinner date. But as The Mood Guide is a blog about sensations and emotions that go beyond the product or the idea itself, I thought it would be useful to give a suggestion besides the recipe to create a summer dinner atmosphere in Positano even if you are having dinner alone at your house.
1- make the table with natural elements that provide a feeling of freshness and earthy vibes, such as linen tablecloths and ceramic dinnerware
Visit our Slow & Simple Aesthetic Home Decor Guides
2- flavored water with lots of ice is a great option to serve and refresh as well
3- wear light, linen clothes.
