In the lazy, hazy days of summer, elaborate preparations involving lots of pots and pans is the furthest thing from most people’s minds. That’s no reason to order takeout, however – these easy 30-minute recipes will have summer dinners on the table in no time at all. From oven-fried chicken to viral TikTok recipes, you’ll be the hoste with the most at any summer gathering.
Related: Time-Saving Tips to Get Dinner on the Table in Under 30 Minutes
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Cottage Cheese Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Fresh, fragrant and packed with a ton of protein, this take on a classic Rigatoni alla vodka is absolutely delicious. Whether you classify this as a main or side, this dish is perfectly complimentary to any summer salad.
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Tuscan White Bean Skillet
If you’re looking for something vegetarian to sink your teeth into, this Tuscan white bean skillet is just the ticket. Packed with tons of zesty herbaceous flavour, this will surely be a crowd favourite at any BBQ.
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Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms With Sweet Potato and Black Beans
Grilled portobello mushrooms are one of the best things about summer. This deliciously savoury bundle is a quick and easy way to integrate some plant-based goodness into your summer grill game.
4/12
llapingachos (Ecuadorian Potato Pancakes)
Breakfast for dinner? Yes please! These cheesy and zesty Ecuadorian style pancakes are a great way to enjoy potatoes any time of day. Stuffed with fresh cheese and topped with a tomatoey curtido, this is peak summer comfort food.
5/12
Pork Belly Bites
Pork belly cooks quickly, especially in the air fryer — a great choice for speedy summer meals. Pair with any herbaceous greens salad to make for the the ultimate summer plate.
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Hoisin Glazed Chicken Thighs
Sweet, savoury and packed with tons of flavour this easy-made chicken thigh recipe is the perfection addition to a summer soiree.
7/12
Spinach Pakora Chaat
This summer, spice up your dinner spread with this tangy pakora chaat. Loaded with tons of fresh aromatics, this is the ideal dish to freshen up any carb or protein heavy dinner party.
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Seared Salmon And Crispy Tofu Poke Bowls
Poke bowls continue to be popular, and one of the reasons is their ease and speed of assembly. Skip the pricey ahi or sushi grade salmon and sear wild salmon instead… or load up on the vegetables — the ingredients for this customizable dinner in a bowl are up to you.
9/12
Whipped Brie With Roasted Balsamic Strawberries
Whoever said cheese can’t be the main character for dinner was obviously wrong. This trendy recipe is a delicious dip into fresh summer flavours with the addition of jammy balsamic strawberries. Pair with any side toast or grilled protein.
10/12
Sriracha-Honey Oven-Fried Chicken
This oven-fried chicken recipe is one of our reader’s favourites. Packed with tons of flavour, we love this recipe as an alternative to any grilled or traditionally fried chicken. Pair with a fresh coleslaw or panzanella salad.
11/12
Watermelon Gazpacho
Have you ever had watermelon soup? Now’s your chance! Fresh and cool, we love how sweet and tangy this watermelon gazpacho is. We’re in our cold soup era, and we’re not mad about.
12/12
Upside Down Puff Pastry Tarts
Looking to make a viral recipe? This is one of the best. We love the freedom to play around with flavours from shallots and cheese to bananas and honey, this puff pastry recipe is a fun way to add some variety to your summer dinner party.
