The best summer dinner ideas are fresh and fulfilling—and are the perfect cap to a perfect summer day. There’s nothing quite like unwinding with a delicious dinner after an afternoon spent by the pool or beach, is there?
But if you’re over the usual burgers and hot dogs, we don’t blame you. There are a lot of other dishes that capture the season’s essence—just take one scroll through food TikTok for proof. The app is packed with dinner ideas for summer.
Some of the best summer recipes on there make use of all the fresh produce that a warmer season brings. Now’s the time to make healthy summer dinners starring vegetables and fruits like cucumbers, tomatoes, and strawberries. Other light dinner ideas courtesy of TikTok include couscous salad, kebabs, and fish.
No matter what your palate likes or dietary restrictions are, TikTok is packed with summer ideas for hot days. Check out our roundup of some of the best summer dinner ideas, below.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Cucumbers
The pairing of the sweet honey garlic glaze on the chicken with the refreshing spice of the chili cucumbers makes for a mouthwatering meal.
Spicy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
One of the best ways to enjoy fresh vegetables is with air fryer recipes. This twist on brussels sprouts includes a spicy-sweet combination of honey, balsamic glaze, and red pepper flakes.
Tomato Confit Orzo
Truffle oil, gooey tomato confit, and burrata combine for a luxurious orzo dish. This meal is perfect for a summer date night.
Sun-Dried Tomato Mac and Cheese
This TikTok is on a mission to turn mac and cheese into a summer food. Give the comfort food a summertime twist with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes.
Spicy Salmon and Crispy Rice
As we’ve learned from Emily Mariko, sriracha, kewpie mayo, and salmon are a match made in heaven. Turn your kitchen into a sushi restaurant with these crispy rice bites.
Champagne Tarragon Salmon
This salmon is topped with fresh herbs in a Champagne sauce that is the star of the show. Pair with some fresh asparagus or green beans for a light summer dinner.
Couscous Salad
Sometimes simple is best! This easy summer dinner mixes a bunch of bite-size ingredients like mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, and corn for a salad with variety in each bite.
Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas
Bring on the summer seafood! These tostadas are topped with a fresh shrimp ceviche, which is perfect if you like a bit of tartness in your summer dinner.
Chicken Pineapple Rice
Up the summer presentation factor by serving this dish in a pineapple half! Considering pineapple and coconut are a match made in heaven, the coconut marinade in this dish is a perfect complement.
Strawberry Quinoa Salad
If a fruit-forward salad is more your speed when it comes to easy summer dinners, try this strawberry quinoa salad. Walnuts and crumbled goat cheese elevate the texture of the dish.
French Onion Pork Chops
Feed the family with this twist on French onion soup. If you don’t feel like taking those pork chops to the grill, this stovetop recipe is for you.
