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    10 Affordable Easy Summer Dinners – with Recipes!

    Summer is the perfect time to enjoy delicious and light meals without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a picnic, or a casual dinner at home, these affordable and easy summer dinners will satisfy your taste buds without keeping you stuck in the kitchen for hours. From refreshing salads to grilled delights, we’ve got you covered with simple yet flavorful recipes that are sure to become your go-to summer favorites. So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up these delightful dishes that celebrate the flavors of the season!

    1. Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa

    Ingredients:

    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Olive oil
    • 2 ripe mangoes, diced
    • 1 red bell pepper, diced
    • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
    • 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
    • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • Juice of 2 limes

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
    2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
    3. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
    4. In a bowl, combine mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and lime juice.
    5. Serve grilled chicken topped with mango salsa.

    2. Caprese Salad with Grilled Shrimp

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 3 large tomatoes, sliced
    • 1 lb fresh mozzarella, sliced
    • Fresh basil leaves
    • Balsamic glaze

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
    2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    3. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
    4. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating.
    5. Top with grilled shrimp and fresh basil leaves.
    6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

    3. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup quinoa
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 cucumber, diced
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
    • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
    • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
    • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
    2. In a pot, bring quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
    3. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let cool.
    4. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
    5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
    6. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.

    4. Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • 1 tsp cumin
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 2 cups shredded cabbage
    • 1/4 cup sour cream
    • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • Corn tortillas

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    2. Place fish fillets on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
    3. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is flaky.
    4. In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, sour cream, mayonnaise, and lime juice. Mix well.
    5. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet.
    6. Assemble tacos by placing fish in tortillas and topping with cabbage slaw.

    5. Greek Chicken Gyros

    Ingredients:

    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tbsp dried oregano
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Pita bread
    • Tzatziki sauce
    • Sliced cucumber
    • Sliced red onion
    • Chopped tomatoes

    Instructions:

    1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
    2. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
    3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
    4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
    5. Slice grilled chicken.
    6. Serve chicken in pita bread with tzatziki sauce, cucumber, red onion, and tomatoes.

    6. Pasta Primavera

    Ingredients:

    • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 zucchini, sliced
    • 1 yellow squash, sliced
    • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cup fresh spinach
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Grated Parmesan cheese

    Instructions:

    1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
    3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
    4. Add zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender.
    5. Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted.
    6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
    7. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

    7. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb pork shoulder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 cup BBQ sauce
    • 4 hamburger buns
    • Coleslaw (optional)

    Instructions:

    1. Season pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
    2. Place pork in a slow cooker and pour BBQ sauce over it.
    3. Cook on low for 8 hours or until pork is tender and easily shredded.
    4. Shred pork with two forks and mix with the sauce in the slow cooker.
    5. Serve pulled pork on hamburger buns with coleslaw, if desired.

    8. Shrimp and Avocado Salad

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 2 avocados, diced
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
    • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • Juice of 2 limes
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
    2. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
    3. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

    9. Turkey Burgers with Avocado

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb ground turkey
    • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1 egg
    • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 4 hamburger buns
    • 1 avocado, sliced
    • Lettuce and tomato

    Instructions:

    1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, red onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
    2. Form mixture into 4 patties.
    3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
    4. Grill turkey patties for 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
    5. Serve on hamburger buns with avocado slices, lettuce, and tomato.

    10. Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon

    Ingredients:

    • 4 salmon fillets
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh dill (optional)

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
    2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
    3. Brush salmon fillets with the olive oil mixture.
    4. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked to desired doneness.
    5. Garnish with fresh dill if desired and serve.

    Thank you for exploring these delectable and effortless summer dinner recipes. Embrace the seasonal flavors with these vibrant and budget-friendly meals that are perfect for any summer gathering, whether it’s a laid-back barbecue, a refreshing picnic, or a cozy meal at home. Say goodbye to long hours in the kitchen and hello to a summer filled with mouthwatering dishes that celebrate the best of the season. From grilled chicken with mango salsa to lemon garlic grilled salmon, these recipes are sure to elevate your summer dining experience. So, put on your apron and get ready to savor the delightful flavors of summer!

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