Two-Step Dinners To Make All Summer Long

Updated: Jan. 12, 2024

Dinner is going to be a breeze, thanks to these seasonal recipes that come together in just two steps.

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Teriyaki Grilled Chicken

Plan ahead to marinate chicken overnight for wonderful flavor. Leftovers of this teriyaki grilled chicken breast are fabulous the next day in a salad. —Jennifer Nichols, Tuscon, Arizona
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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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Slow-Cooker German Bratwurst

I created this old-world favorite based on a dish I had during my travels. The flavorful entree is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. I like to serve this slow-cooker bratwurst with pasta. —Gerald Hetrick, Erie, Pennsylvania
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Herbed Chicken Caesar Salad

This chicken Caesar salad looks and tastes fancy but couldn't be easier to make. It's my husband's favorite dinner.—Kay Andersen, Bear, Delaware
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Salmon Grilled in Foil

Steamed in its own juices, this grilled salmon in foil is incredibly tender. Curry adds a punch of flavor that's perfectly balanced by onion and tomato. —Merideth Berkovich, The Dalles, Oregon
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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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Sausage Potato Skillet

Growing up, I would eat this sausage and potato skillet recipe almost every day. I could never get enough of my favorite meal! —Amelia Bordas, Springfield, Virginia
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Easy Jambalaya

I brought this easy jambalaya to a Sunday potluck and it was quickly gobbled up. When friends asked me for the recipe, they couldn't believe how easy it was! —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
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Chicken Crouton Casserole

This Chicken Crouton Casserole recipe has practically made my mom famous. When she takes it to get-togethers, it's loved by all who taste it. Whenever she serves it to family, the dish is empty by the end of the meal. —Beth Gramling, Warren, Pennsylvania
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Speedy Shrimp Flatbreads

My husband and I are hooked on flatbread pizzas, especially this shrimp flatbread pizza recipe. I make at least one a week just to have something tasty around as a snack. This one came together easily because I had all the ingredients on hand. —Cheryl Woodson, Liberty, Missouri
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Waffle-Iron Pizzas

These little pizza pockets put together using the waffle maker are a fun mashup. Try your favorite toppings or even breakfast fillings like ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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15-Minute Microwave Meat Loaf

I combined a few awesome-tasting recipes to create this flavorful microwave meat loaf, which my husband loves. And because it’s made in the microwave, the entree is ideal for busy nights. —Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska
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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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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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Pizza Potato Toppers

Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it's an economical treat as well. I don't know of a more satisfying way to stretch a half-pound of meat! —Sheila Friedrich, Antelope, Montana
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Lemon Shrimp Orzo

What I love about this recipe is that it's so tasty and it can be eaten hot or cold. If you're allergic to shrimp, it tastes great with chicken too. —Aleni Salcedo, East Elmhurst, New York
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Applesauce Barbecue Chicken

You only need a few ingredients to create this sweet and peppery chicken. The subtle flavor of apple makes this tender barbecue dish stand out from the rest. —Darla Andrews, Farmers Branch, Texas
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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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Chicken Casserole with Crackers

I never bring home leftovers whenever I take this creamy chicken casserole with Ritz crackers to a potluck. Its mild flavor has broad appeal. I especially like the way that the crumb topping adds a bit of crunch to each meaty serving. —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri
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Barbecue Turkey Wings

This smoky turkey wings recipe includes a barbecue sauce with garlic, paprika, green onions and soy sauce. I wanted to recreate a recipe I had at a restaurant, so I came up with this zesty combination. Dare I say, it'll be your favorite turkey wing recipe? —Francis Mitchell, Brooklyn, New York
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Chicken Cutlets

I love the combination of chicken and cheese in this chicken cutlet recipe. Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and onion powder flavor the golden chicken cutlet, which is coated with seasoned bread crumbs. —Marie Hoyer, Lewistown, Montana
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Garlic Lime Shrimp

Our son, a restaurant owner, showed me how to make this Garlic Lime Shrimp dish. I take advantage of this area's ample shrimp supply and make this special entree often. It's also tasty served over rice. —Gertraud Casbarro, Summerville, South Carolina
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15-Minute Marinated Chicken

Whenever I serve this grilled chicken to family and friends, which is quite often, I'm bound to be asked for the 15-minute marinade recipe. It's a fast and tasty meal that I'm happy to share with others. —Pam Shinogle, Arlington, Texas
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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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Chicken Rice Bowl

This chicken rice bowl recipe is so easy to toss together on a busy weeknight, and I usually have the ingredients already on hand. I start sauteing the onion and pepper first, then I prepare the instant rice. If you like, top it with some shredded sharp cheddar cheese. —Tammy Daniels, Batavia, Ohio
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Cashew Chicken with Bok Choy

With bok choy and red pepper, this light and lively entree is not only colorful but delicious as well. Your family will ask you to prepare it all year long! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Pressure-Cooker Lemon Chicken with Basil

No matter when I eat it, this tangy chicken dish always reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. The recipe produces a lot of lovely sauce; serve it as is or spoon it over some lightly herbed couscous. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
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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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Baked Salsa Chicken

My husband and I prefer our food a little spicier than our children do, so I created this baked salsa chicken recipe just for the two of us. It's now a regular menu item at our house. —Jan Cooper, Troy, Alabama
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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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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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One-Pan Sweet Chili Shrimp and Veggies

This one-pan shrimp and veggies recipe has everything I'm looking for in a weeknight family dinner: quick, flavorful, nutritious and all three of my kids will eat it! My oldest son loves shrimp and I thought it would work well as a sheet-pan supper. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Indonesian Peanut Chicken

Here’s a marvelous make-ahead recipe! I cut up fresh chicken, put it in a bag with the remaining slow-cooker ingredients and freeze it. To cook, just remove the bag a day ahead to thaw in the fridge, then pour all the contents into the slow cooker. —Sarah Newman, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
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Mexican Steak Fajitas

In my Mexican steak fajitas recipe, tender strips of sirloin pick up plenty of spicy flavor from a marinade seasoned with cayenne pepper and cumin. This colorful dish is speedy and satisfying. —Shirley Hilger, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Quick Chicken Caesar Salad

After tasting this easy chicken Caesar salad recipe at a friend's going-away party, I made sure to request the recipe. Now I fix it for my husband just about every week. It's great with a potato or pasta side dish and chunks of crusty bread. —Kim Blanda, Neptune, New Jersey
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Mediterranean Kofta Meatballs

For a new take on meatballs, try this quick version of kofta—flavorful Mediterranean meatballs full of spices and herbs. Shape meat mixture around soaked wooden skewers and grill them for a more authentic twist. —Rashanda Cobbins, Aurora, Colorado
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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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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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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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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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Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta

People love this creamy pasta and think it’s complicated, but jarred sauces make it so quick to prepare. It feels special enough for festive occasions. —Cassandra Gourley, Williams, Arizona
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Campfire Casserole

With three different types of meat and four kinds of beans, this Campfire Casserole really satisfies. Serve it with cheese-topped cornbread for a complete meal. —Flo Rahn, Hillsboro, Kansas
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Greek Feta Chicken

Feta cheese takes this chicken and potatoes dinner over the top with a bit of tangy saltiness. Serve with a side salad tossed with pepperoncinis, black olives and reduced-fat balsamic vinaigrette. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Shrimp Pasta Primavera

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. So when I invite that special guy to dinner, I like to prepare something equally wonderful. This well-seasoned pasta dish has lots of flavor, and it won't hurt your budget! —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
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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.