The summer months call for dishes packed with lots of lovely fresh ingredients and our summer dinner ideas do just that. Whether you're barbecuing, dining alfresco or entertaining, our summer recipes for dinner have you got covered.
'Wings are one of the easiest cuts of chicken to cook. Slash them before marinating so the flavours can really permeate the meat,' says food writer Riaz Phillips. Don't skip making his jerk marinade, it's the real deal!
Halloumi is a staple of summer lunches – try something different with this super-easy one-tra bake. The halloumi turns wonderfully golden when grilled with chickpeas, kale and tomatoes. Finish with a drizzle of fresh pesto and serve with crusty bread.
This anchovy linguine makes a simple, yet sophisticated, dish that's perfect for stress-free summer entertaining. Top with garlic and herb breadcrumbs for a little crunch and don't forget a generous helping of Parmigiano Reggiano.
Top puff pastry with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired tart. Serve the tart with crispy pesto potatoes or a leafy green salad, if you fancy.
Blend the classic flavours of a Greek spanakopita together for a rich warm dip that's filling enough for dinner. Top with cheese and serve with crudités, crusty bread or a side of your choice.
This clever recipe uses frozen veg and tinned new potatoes to make a hearty yet full-of-flavour dinner. Top with feta and parsley, and serve alongside garlic bread for a delicious midweek meal.
Upgrade your beans on toast with this delicious Greek-inspired dish. Packing in three of your 5-a-day, this healthy dish makes a lovely lunch, light dinner or even a weekend brunch.
Can you believe these homemade pizzas are ready in just 35 minutes? The pizza base has a not-so-secret ingredient – cauliflower – for a creamy texture. The sauce is made from lemon, parsley and cottage cheese, then topped with sweetcorn and feta for a deliciously different and healthier pizza. All the family will tuck in and you'll grab 2 of your 5-a-day in each serving too!
Looking for a healthy yet creamy salmon pasta recipe? This high-protein spaghetti dish is vibrant, light and zesty, perfect for warmer weather. You can happily swap broad beans for peas and the tinned salmon for tuna or mackerel, if you like!
Transform your barbecue leftovers into something delicious! Pile coleslaw and barbecued chicken into a hot dog roll with loads of fresh herbs and lime, and enjoy this bánh mì-inspired dish for a quick and easy lunch.
These Japanese-inspired pancakes are a nifty way of using up any leftover coleslaw you might have kicking about in the fridge. Japanese pancakes tend to be lighter and fluffier than regular pancakes – they're sometimes called soufflé pancakes. This quick and easy recipe makes a great lunch or light dinner.
A pide is a Turkish 'pizza' topped with meat, veggies and feta. Our quick and easy version is a great way to use up leftover burgers or sausages from your BBQ. This one is topped with spinach, but you can use whatever you've got in the fridge - try peppers or mushrooms!
This braaibroodjie is the ultimate cheese toastie. Inspired by South African cuisine, our sharing version is filled with tomatoes, onions and apple chutney then barbecued over hot coals until slightly charred and melty. It's great for a casual barbecue and kids will love all the cheese pulls!
Sosatie is a South African dish of meat or veg cooked on a skewers. This version pairs juicy lamb leg steaks with apricots and peppers. The glaze is made with apricot jam, which is a vital ingredient in Afrikaans cooking to add sweetness. Serve alongside flatbreads and a dollop of minty yogurt for your next barbecue.
Chef and food writer Omar Foster uses his Pakistan heritage to create his signature fusion cooking style. 'Chapli kababs conjure up such fond memories from childhood. I could – and still can – eat platefuls! Typically, these kababs wouldn’t be eaten as a burger but these feel like a more flavourful version of a classic patty', explains Omar. These mini sliders would make epic summer party food.
Top crispy fried tortillas with slow-cooked, Mexican-spiced beef and a pineapple salsa in this street food classic from chef Omar Foster. Making 10 tostada, this is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your summer gatherings, and you can even freeze leftovers.
Chicken mince makes fantastic meatballs and this easy, healthy recipe also features grated courgette, which keeps the meatballs extra-juicy. If you don't have chicken mince, however, any other mince would work. A hearty yet summery family meal to add to your list!
Full of fresh summer flavours, these simple fritters make an interesting appetizer or side. The cherry vine tomatoes give a burst of sweetness that balances well with the zesty lemon and tangy salad cheese. Serve with new potatoes and tzatziki for a filling lunch or dinner.
We've combined the best of both worlds in this creamy risotto-style orzo dish that stars garlicky, thyme-infused roasted tomatoes for a bold taste of the Med. This is a simple but deliciously different dinner you'll be making on repeat!
Baked fish makes such a lovely quick dinner – it's easier than you think to cook too, you just need to pack in the flavour when using white fish fillets. Step in our punchy seed and courgette pesto that creates a tasty and crunchy topping. Serve with a dressed salad of potatoes, tomatoes and rocket for a light and healthy summery meal.
Homemade pesto always looks impressive and can really elevate a simple pasta dish, yet it's so easy to make. This recipe features toasted pumpkin seeds and garlicky fried courgettes, alongside pecorino, lemon and fresh herbs. Try it with any pasta for a quick summery meal.
Swap out your beef burger with this tasty vegetarian halloumi burger. Topped with crunchy vegetables and rich houmous, it's colourful and satisfying. Serve with skinny sweet potato fries for the ultimate treat.
Bánh mì is a delicious Vietnamese baguette sandwich, stuffed with quick-pickled veg and juicy chunks of meat. Start by making the pickles: mix the carrot, spring onion and cucumber with sugar, vinegar and fish sauce. Next, grill the meat after rubbing it in delicious spices. This could fast become your new favourite lunch!
If you're looking for an extra-special steak dish, this chimichurri recipe delivers big on flavour without demanding hours in the kitchen. Tender and richly flavoured sirloin steaks are perfectly complemented by the herby chimichurri sauce and salty feta. Sprinkle over some juicy pomegranate seeds for a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.
These Greek-inspired flatbreads are loaded with crispy halloumi and homemade tzatziki for a fresh and simple summer dinner. Top with pink pickled onions for zing and a drizzle of hot honey for a moreish sweet and spicy sauce.
Our twist on the classic cacio e pepe – translated as cheese and pepper – features seasonal courgette and is simplicity itself to make. Whip up for a delicious weekday dinner and have a taste of Italy on your table in just 15 minutes!
This classic Italian salad gets an upgrade with the help of crispy, skin-on chicken breasts, salty olives and capers
Inspired by Southern Italy, this caponata stew is packed with colourful veggies for a delicious summer main. Top with fried seabass and fresh basil to garnish or serve on its own for a hearty yet summery, vegan-friendly meal.
Served with a zesty gremolata (an Italian herb condiment) and roasted lemons, this rustic mixed seafood roast full of flavour and super easy to make.
An easy homemade pizza base topped with bold Med flavours sounds like perfect night-in food to us! Sliced potatoes, red onion, tangy Gruyère and creamy mozzarella provide a great mix of flavours and textures, with chargrilled pepper and aromatic rosemary for a final flourish!
Learn how to make a homemade margherita pizza from scratch with our easy recipe made with tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil.
This Sicilian-inspired pizza, made with pre-baked focaccia, takes only 15 minutes to make and is full of sophisticated flavours. Great for a quick lunch, snack or served as part of a summer party spread.
Everyone will love this easy yet impressive spaghetti dish that's creamy, zingy and packed with flavour. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's ideal for those busy weekdays when you need something quick and healthy.