Easy Summer Recipes and Quick Meal Ideas

Summer is finally here, and this collection of Easy Summer Recipes and Quick Meal Ideas is just what you need when the days are long and the kitchen feels a little too warm. It's time to spend less time in the kitchen and more time outside enjoying the beautiful weather! These easy, fresh, and absolutely delicious summer dinner recipes are perfect for celebrating those long, warm days with family and friends.

Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

This easy Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa recipe uses simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and has a nice mix of textures and flavors. The soft tortillas, flaky fish, juicy Mango Pico de Gallo - Fresh Mango Salsa—it all works perfectly together. It's a light yet filling dish, and is perfect for warm evenings or casual get-togethers.

To learn more: Easy Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Turkish Pasta

Kıymalı Makarna is a comforting and easy-to-make Turkish pasta dish with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and simple spices. It was a staple in our household growing up, and I always enjoyed its rich, hearty flavors and quick preparation.

To learn more: Kıymalı Makarna - Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef

Urfa Kebab

Urfa Kebab is a tender and delicious Turkish dish made from minced lamb mixed with red pepper paste and a few spices. It is then shaped onto skewers and grilled over charcoal. Unlike its spicier cousin, Adana Kebab, Urfa Lamb Kofta Kebab has a milder seasoning. It is perfect for those who like rich, juicy, and smoky grilled meat without too much heat.

To learn more: Urfa Kebab - Turkish Ground Lamb Kebab

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

These deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are foolproof, budget-friendly, and quick to make, a real game-changer for weeknight dinners. You only need a handful of pantry staples, and there’s no need to heat up the whole kitchen. They come out golden on the outside, juicy inside, and take under 30 minutes from start to finish.

To learn more: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Briam - Greek Roasted Vegetables

Briam is a hearty Greek casserole dish featuring roasted vegetables cooked in a generous amount of olive oil and seasoned with simple Mediterranean flavors.

It is typically served as a main course, often paired with feta cheese, olives, and crusty bread. Simply delicious!

To learn more: Briam -Greek Roasted Vegetables

Braised Green Beans

Etli Taze Fasulye Yemegi, or Green Bean Stew with Meat, is a traditional Turkish vegetable stew where fresh green beans and meat are simmered in a simple tomato sauce until tender. This delicious and simple summer dish has been a family favorite in our household for many years.

To learn more: Etli Taze Fasulye Yemegi - Green Bean Stew with Meat

French Ratatouille

Moroulosalata

Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata) is a simple side dish made with shredded romaine lettuce, plenty of fresh herbs like dill, mint, and scallions, and a bright olive oil and vinegar dressing. This traditional Greek staple is fresh, crisp, and full of clean flavors. It’s also incredibly fast — you can have it ready in less than 10 minutes.

To learn more: Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)

Persian Aubergine Dip

Kashk e Bademjan is a traditional Persian aubergine dip that combines roasted aubergines, caramelized onions, and a tangy dairy ingredient called kashk. It’s simple, rich in flavor, and comes together with a handful of pantry ingredients.

To learn more: Kashk e Bademjan - Persian Eggplant Dip

Rice Stuffed Courgettes

Kabak Dolması, or Rice-stuffed Courgette, is a traditional dish that brings together fresh courgettes and a flavorful filling made with rice, ground meat, fresh herbs, onions, and spices. It pairs wonderfully with yogurt and is truly worth trying. 

To learn more: Kabak Dolması - Rice-stuffed Zucchini

Papoutsakia

Papoutsakia (or Patlıcan Pabucaki) is a delightful vegetarian stuffed aubergine dish from Greek and Turkish cuisine. While it traditionally includes ground meat stuffing similar to Greek Moussaka (Musaka), I prefer this vegetarian version as a lighter option, especially during the summer.

To learn more: Papoutsakia - Vegetarian Greek Stuffed Eggplant

BBQ Chicken Thighs

These Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs are a favorite in our household. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for everything from weeknight family dinners to weekend backyard barbecue parties.

To learn more: Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Mediterranean Green Beans

Mediterranean Green Beans is a popular vegetarian/vegan dish that is cooked quite often in most Turkish homes during the summer. 

This simple yet delicious dish can be made beforehand and usually served warm or at room temperature. All you need is green beans, ripened summer tomatoes, onions, and good-quality olive oil.

To learn more: Mediterranean Green Beans (Taze Fasulye)