Light Summer Dinner Recipes

When summer starts heating up, it's time to begin thinking about lighter dinner solutions. Keep these recipes in mind because each one is delicious, as well as fairly easy to prepare.

Fish Tacos

You can certainly find a more complicated recipe for fish tacos. However, this one is perfect when you just want a light, simple dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound halibut or tilapia
• Olive oil
• Fresh squeezed lime juice
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Fresh greens or shredded cabbage, as desired
• Apple cider vinegar
• 1 recipe colorful mango salsa
• 1 dozen soft tortillas, warmed

Directions

1. Wash the greens/cabbage in cold water, and then transfer them to a colander to drain.
2. Soak the fish in cold water for 10 minutes, and then pat it dry.
3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a nonstick skillet.
4. Using medium-high heat, fry the fish on both sides until it's firm and you can flake it slightly with a fork. Take care not to overcook it.
5. Move the fish to a warm bowl, flake it, and toss it with 2 tablespoons of lime juice and a little salt and pepper to taste.
6. While the fish is still cooking, put the greens in a bowl and toss them with a sprinkling of apple cider vinegar.
7. Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave.

Assembly

1. Lay some greens on the tortilla.
2. Add some fish down the center.
3. Top with a little mango salsa.
4. Fold the tortilla over and enjoy.

Summer Dinner Platter

This platter includes all four food groups without requiring even a glance at your oven. Of course, you can substitute any of your favorite fruits, cheese, and vegetables for those listed here.

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
• 1 bunch of broccoli, just the florets
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 bunch grapes
• 1 cup watermelon chunks
• 1 pound mild cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 box of crackers
• 2 cups ranch dressing

Instructions

1. Arrange all the fruits and vegetables in their own groups on a large platter.
2. Scatter the top of the platter with cheese and chicken breast chunks.
3. Serve with toothpicks, crackers, and ranch dressing.

Fettuccine Parmigiano-Reggiano

Fettuccine cooks up quickly. Add some butter, extra virgin olive oil, and a little parmesan cheese, and turn it into a super fast, yet satisfying, dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta, uncooked
• 4 tablespoons salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Parsley
• Sea salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding four tablespoons of salt to the cooking water. Once the pasta is done, drain it and reserve about 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
2. Divide the pasta among four warmed bowls.
3. Top each with one tablespoon of butter, one tablespoon of olive oil, and one tablespoon of cooking water.
4. Toss the pasta, butter, olive oil, and cooking water until the butter is completely melted.
5. Sprinkle each serving with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, tossing again to incorporate.
6. Sprinkle with sea salt to taste, and garnish with a little chopped parsley for color.
7. Serve hot and freshly mixed!

Greek Salad

This fresh and tangy salad makes an ideal dinner on a sultry summer evening when you just can't bear to turn on your stove. It's vegetarian, but you can add some grilled chicken if you like.

Dressing Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salad Ingredients

• 1 head lettuce, shredded in bite-size pieces
• 4 plum tomatoes, seeded and sliced
• 1 cucumber, scored, halved, and sliced
• 1 small red onion, peeled and sliced thin
• 1 green pepper, cored and chopped
• 1 cup Kalamata olives
• 1 cup feta cheese
• Pepperoncini (served on the side in a separate bowl)

Directions

1. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until combined.
2. Add all the ingredients to the bowl, except the feta, and toss with the dressing until well coated.
3. Crumble the feta over the top, and serve.

Chilled Carrot Soup

Chilled and naturally sweet with a hint of savory, this soup is delightfully refreshing.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced in 1-inch chunks
• 1 Vidalia onion, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cups vegetable stock
• Parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Add the olive oil to a stock pot, and sauté the carrots and onions together on medium-high heat until they are just beginning to turn tender.
2. Add the vegetable stock to the pot and bring to a boil.
3. Once the broth begins to boil, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool until it's just warm.
5. Purée the soup, and then put it in the refrigerator to chill for approximately 4 hours.
6. Ladle the chilled soup into bowls, garnish with a sprig of parsley, and serve some bread on the side.

All Occasion Summer Dining

Whether you want to prepare dinner for your family or you're planning a summer dinner party with friends, all of these dishes make wonderful warm weather fare. Give them all a try and decide which ones are your favorites.