These simple, summer weeknight dinners are perfect for busy days.
80 Easy Weeknight Dinners for Summer
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Chicken with Florentine Sauce
Here is my very favorite chicken Florentine recipe. A creamy topping and pretty presentation make it elegant enough for company, but it’s also fast to fix on busy weeknights! —Julie Fitzgerald, St Louis, Missouri
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Slow-Cooker Al Pastor Bowls
You'll love this easy version of a traditional Mexican favorite. Serve this al pastor bowl over rice or in tortillas with your favorite toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Grilled Salmon Fillet
Growing up on a family-owned resort, I was expected to help around the kitchen. This grilled salmon fillet recipe became my specialty. —Paul Noetzel, Grafton, Wisconsin
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Grilled Lime Chicken
A wonderful citrusy marinade makes this grilled lime chicken tangy and tasty. A few hours before dinner, simply marinate the chicken for a fuss-free meal later on. —Lisa Dougherty, Vacaville, California
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Herbed Tuna Salad
Cooking for two is a challenge for us, since my husband and I do not care for leftovers. This well-seasoned salad with distinctive dill flavor is my favorite lunch recipe. —Rebecca Schweizer, Chesapeake, Virginia
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Sheet-Pan Pork Supper
I created this pork tenderloin sheet-pan dinner to suit our family's needs. It's so quick and easy to clean up since you use one pan for everything! Use any variety of small potatoes—fingerlings or other colored potatoes are a fun and delicious option. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
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Salmon Salad
Our lovely salmon salad is a wholesome and quick meal that doesn’t hold back on flavor.
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Kentucky Grilled Chicken
This Kentucky grilled chicken is perfect for an outdoor summer meal, and my family thinks it's fantastic. It takes about an hour on the grill but is worth the wait. I use a new paintbrush to mop on the basting sauce. -Jill Evely, Wilmore, Kentucky
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This dump-and-go chicken cacciatore recipe is just the slow cooker meal you need for busy weeknights.
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Gyro Salad with Tzatziki Dressing
If you're fond of gyros, you'll enjoy this garden-fresh salad showcasing ground lamb, crumbled feta cheese, Greek olives, tomatoes and a creamy cucumber dressing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Grilled Caesar Chicken Breasts
Marinated overnight in creamy Caesar dressing, this grilled Caesar chicken recipe is juicy, tender and full of flavor. It couldn't be easier. —Marcia Wallenfeldt, Kent, Ohio
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Caribbean Shrimp Bowl
After switching to a paleo diet a few years ago, we have started eating tons of veggies for almost every meal—yes, even breakfast. We’ve gotten used to swapping in cauliflower, broccoli and kale in place of carbs like rice or potatoes. This bowl is literally chock-full of veggies and has tons of Caribbean-inspired flavor! Plus, it is so simple to make and uses one skillet! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
This dish is so tasty that my husband insists it could be served in a restaurant. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine
I experimented for a couple of years before perfecting this colorful dish, and everyone raves about it. It is easy and light, and it fits into my busy schedule. —Kristin Walker, Suffolk, Virginia
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Quick Garlic-Lime Chicken
After tending the farm and growing our own produce, I don't have much time left for cooking. I've found this simple chicken dish ideal for hectic days. —Doris Carnahan, Lincoln, Arkansas
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Pesto Flatbread
We kneaded basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese into packaged bread dough for this full-flavored crust. Purchased pesto sauce keeps the pesto flatbread big on taste and convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Pineapple Shrimp Tacos
Taste the tropics with our cool, crispy take on shrimp tacos. Wrapping the shells in lettuce adds even more crunch while keeping the tacos tidy after you take a bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Sesame Salmon with Wasabi Mayo
I created this recipe to mimic the flavors of sushi. It’s remarkably simple and turns out well every time. —Carolyn Ketchum, Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Coconut Mango Thai Beef Curry
My recipe provides a lot of sweet heat. The mango and coconut milk taste tropical and the curry paste adds a little fire. It’s a perfect dish to spice up the traditional offerings of the season. To make a milder dish, just reduce the amount of curry paste. —Terri Lynn Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee
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Citrus Coconut Steamed Cod
I love to make this fusion meal on weeknights when I am short on time but want something big in flavor. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Crunchy Chili Lime Shrimp
Easy, quick and family friendly, this chili lime shrimp recipe is dairy free and comes together in about 30 minutes. The secret is the bright flavor-packed sauce. Serve over greens, store-bought slaw or cauliflower rice. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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80 Greek Recipes Everyone Will Love
Can’t get enough of your local Greek restaurant? This one’s for you! Here are some incredible Greek recipes, as well as Mediterranean-inspired recipes, that are sure to satisfy.
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Pinto Bean Zucchini Boats
Zucchini shells take center stage when filled with vegetables, beans and sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Easy Chicken Pesto Stuffed Peppers
On busy weeknights, I neither want to spend more than 30 minutes preparing dinner nor do I want to wash a towering pile of dishes. This recipe delivers on both counts without having to sacrifice on flavor! —Olivia Cruz, Greenville, South Carolina
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Tomato Walnut Tilapia
Tomato, bread crumbs and crunchy walnuts dress up pan tilapia fillets in this favorite recipe. I serve it with cooked julienne carrots and green beans. —Phyl Broich-Wessling, Garner, Iowa
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One-Dish Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This quick one-dish dinner helped keep my husband and me on track throughout the week while we were still learning to balance our busy schedules. — Shannon Barden, Alpharetta, Georgia
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Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice
This healthier take on kimchi fried rice is one of my favorite recipes because it's customizable. If there's a vegetarian in the family, leave out the bacon and add your favorite veggies. —Stefanie Schaldenbrand, Los Angeles, California
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Air-Fryer Fish and Chips
Looking for easy air-fryer recipes? Try this simple air-fryer fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that’s healthy but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
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Easy Pad Thai
Skip the takeout restaurant and give this easy pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
After having a salad like this at a restaurant years ago, I came up with this recipe. It is especially good when the spinach comes right from the garden to the table.
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Chicken Paella
Turmeric lends flavor and a pretty golden color to this Spanish-style entree. Haven’t tried arborio rice? You’ll love its creamy texture.
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Salmon with Spinach Sauce
You won't have to fish for compliments with this tasty recipe. Poaching is a quick and healthy way to prepare an entree as delicate as fish, keeping it moist and tender while cooking. And the flavorful spinach sauce adds a pretty green accent to the pink salmon. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Vegan Taco Salad
The best salads are made with ingredients that have different textures and complementary flavors. In this vegan taco salad, you'll love the crunch of the tortilla chips mixed with the sweet, crisp lettuce and "meaty" crumble mixture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Honey-Lime Roasted Chicken
It's hard to believe this finger-licking main course starts with only five ingredients. "The chicken is easy, light and so good," promises Springfield, Vermont's Lori Carbonell. "It's just as tasty prepared outside on the grill."
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Grilled Steak Fajitas
This tasty main dish is as quick and easy to assemble as tacos. Marinating the meat overnight makes it very tender. We like the hearty and flavorful steak slices. I serve the fajitas with Spanish rice, refried beans and a gelatin dessert. —Pamela Pogue, Quitman, Texas
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Chicken Salad
This is a recipe that always seems to be used at our family gatherings. Everyone loves it. Make a batch ahead for busy days. —Cathy Rauen, Ridgeway, Colorado
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Taco Bowls
An utterly satisfying, one-dish dinner, taco bowls make for a fabulous weeknight meal with beef, black beans and an assortment of toppings. The best part is their versatility—customize with lentils, sweet potatoes, sautéed bell peppers or corn for a nutritious, filling, and family-friendly meal.
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Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad
Loaded with veggies and shrimp, this crowd pleaser is a tasty change from standard pasta salads. —Ginger Johnson, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
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80 Greek Recipes Everyone Will Love
Can’t get enough of your local Greek restaurant? This one’s for you! Here are some incredible Greek recipes, as well as Mediterranean-inspired recipes, that are sure to satisfy.
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Pork Burritos
As a working mother, I depend on my slow cooker to help feed my family. We all love the spicy but slightly sweet flavor of these tender burritos. —Kelly Gengler, Theresa, Wisconsin
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Honey-Garlic Pork Chops
Tender pork loin chops and a sweet but salty Chinese-inspired glaze go together beautifully in these honey-garlic pork chops. The recipe is low on fat, sodium, prep time and skills required, making it a solid weeknight option.
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Potato-Sausage Foil Packs
We had these smoky campfire bundles at a friend's house for dinner and loved the simplicity of this great summer meal. Now we often make it for summer weeknight dinners. —Alissa Keith, Forest, Virginia
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Asian Slaw
Here’s an Asian slaw recipe without all the greasy mayonnaise. It’s well-liked by the people who’ve tried it. A bit of sugar mellows the tangy Asian coleslaw dressing. —Alta Goodman, Canton, South Dakota
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Zucchini Pizza Casserole
A hearty tomato-meat sauce, garden-fresh zucchini and oodles of cheese make this zucchini pizza casserole the ultimate family-friendly dinner recipe.
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Almond Chicken Salad
My mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
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Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa
My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator in a covered container until ready to use. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan
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Blackberry Sriracha Chicken Sliders
Dump everything in a slow cooker and then watch these spicy-sweet sliders become an instant party-time classic. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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Full Garden Frittata
I was cooking for a health-conscious friend and wanted to serve a frittata. To brighten it up, I added leftover bruschetta topping and fresh mozzarella. Now that's breakfast. It's become a favorite among my friends and family, and a staple in my recipe book. —Melissa Rosenthal, Vista, California
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Sesame Chicken Slaw Salad
I tasted many types of Asian chicken salad in California. When I moved back to Georgia, I wanted more. Here’s a gingery-sweet recipe using wonton strips. —Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia
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Summer Garden Pasta with Chicken Sausage
For a backyard bash, I do the busy work before the guests arrive so all I have to do is pour beverages, cook pasta and grill up the sausages. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, WA
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Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Salad
On hot days, I pull out this recipe for a cool supper. The lemon dressing is so refreshing. If you have it, use grilled chicken. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
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Artichoke Ratatouille Chicken
I loaded all the fresh produce I could find into this speedy chicken dinner. Serve it on its own or over pasta. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
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Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables
After 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar at a potluck. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
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Tuna Teriyaki Kabobs
I love to barbecue but don't always want a heavy dinner. These are perfect in the spring, and you'll have room for dessert! —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
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Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
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Ragin’ Cajun Eggplant and Shrimp Skillet
We have a large summer garden where lots of produce lingers into fall. That’s when we harvest our onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and eggplant—some of the key ingredients of this dish. —Barbara Hahn, Park Hills, Missouri
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Barbecue Chicken Quesadilla
You and your family will love these barbecue chicken quesadillas, a perfectly quick and easy weeknight dinner that's so tasty you'd pay for it at a restaurant.
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Triple Tomato Flatbread
Tomatoes are the reason I have a vegetable garden, and I developed this recipe as a way to show off my garden's plum, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes. The dish is easy and will impress. —Rachel Kimbrow, Portland, Oregon
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Burger Americana
Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high with your favorite toppings. For instance, peanut butter and bacon make them southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes, a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York
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Enchilada Casser-Ole!
My husband loves this casserole, so it never lasts too long in our house. Packed with black beans, cheese, tomatoes and southwestern flavor, it's an impressive-looking entree that's as simple as it is delicious. —Marsha Wills, Homosassa, Florida
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Grilled Pork with Avocado Salsa
I love the zesty taste of this moist grilled tenderloin. The cumin, avocado and jalapeno give it southwestern flair. It's an easy, elegant way to prepare pork. —Josephine Devereaux Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania
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Asian Slaw
Here’s an Asian slaw recipe without all the greasy mayonnaise. It’s well-liked by the people who’ve tried it. A bit of sugar mellows the tangy Asian coleslaw dressing. —Alta Goodman, Canton, South Dakota
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Walking Tacos
When sitting down to tacos isn't an option, walking tacos are the answer. These self-contained mini-meals are just the thing for eating on the go or around a campfire.
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Chicken Soft Tacos
My family loves these tacos. The chicken cooks in the slow cooker, so it’s convenient to throw together before I leave for work. Then we just roll it up in tortillas with the remaining ingredients and dinner’s ready in minutes. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa
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Waldorf Turkey Pitas
Living in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York
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Green Chile Beef Burritos
Recipes that are leaner in fat and calories—like this one for beef burritos—helped me lose 30 pounds! The meat is so tender and delicious. —Shirley Davidson, Thornton, Colorado
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Italian-Style Veggie Wraps
Yummy! There are so many great flavors and textures in these wraps. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients—use mozzarella, pepperoni or any combo you like. —Maria Simmons, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
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Carolina Pulled Pork
This tangy Carolina pulled pork recipe features a sweet-and-spicy rub with homemade mustard sauce. When piled on buns with a spoonful of coleslaw, it's perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Grilled Maple Pork Chops
Pork chops on the grill are hard to beat. The marinade is simple, and so good. —Nicholas King, Duluth, Minnesota
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Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches
My famous chicken salad arrives at the party chilled in a plastic container. When it’s time to set out the food, I stir in the pecans and assemble the sandwiches. They’re a hit at buffet-style potlucks. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Light & Lemony Scampi
A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
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Grilled Pork Tenderloin
We do a lot of outdoor cooking during the summer months, and this grilled pork tenderloin recipe is one my entire family loves. —Betsy Carrington, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
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Turkey & Apricot Wraps
For these wraps, I combined the traditional Southern appetizer of jam and cream cheese with the turkey, apple and Brie sandwiches we ate at my bridal luncheon. I like to sneak fresh spinach into recipes because it has such a mild flavor. —Kim Beavers, North August, South Carolina
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Coconut-Ginger Chickpeas & Tomatoes
This is my go-to quick dish. When you add tomatoes, you can also toss in some chopped green peppers (jalapenos, if you like heat) to make it even more colorful. —Mala Udayamurthy, San Jose, California
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Sweet ‘n’ Sour Ribs
If you're looking for a change from typical barbecue ribs, you'll enjoy this recipe my mom always prepared on birthdays and special occasions. The tender ribs have a slight sweet-and-sour taste that my family loves. I usually serve them with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad or coleslaw. —Dorothy Voelz, Champaign, Illinois
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