5 Superfast Summer Suppers for Enjoying Indoors or Al Fresco

Summertime dining demands quick, easy recipes that don't heat up the kitchen and take full advantage of seasonal summer produce. The menus below come together in 30 minutes or less and are the perfect no-fuss choices for enjoying indoors or al fresco.

By

Emily Monaco

Published on August 12, 2020

Grilled veggies on white plate — Photo by Meredith.

When it's hot outside, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Instead, the time is ripe for quick, simple suppers to enjoy in a cool kitchen or a breezy backyard. These meals all come together in 30 minutes or less and take full advantage of the bounty of summer produce for the ideal dinner all season long.

1. A Quick and Easy Mexican Feast

Mexican-inspired food is one of our favorites for summertime. Start things off with your favorite brand of tortilla chips, served with homemade pico de gallo (or your favorite salsa) and smooth or chunky homemade guacamole. Warm some corn or flour tortillas in the microwave while you whip up these tasty, Tex-Mexy sheet pan fajitas with mango – perfect for a crowd. Serve with sides of sour cream, grated cheese, lettuce, tomato, and cilantro, and dig in! (Oh, and if you're feeling cheeky, these classic margaritas will go perfectly with this meal.)

closeup of a tortilla topped with chicken and bell pepper strips with a lime garnish — lutzflcat

2. Mussels al Fresco

Mussels à la marinière are certainly delicious, with rich flavors of garlic and white wine. The only problem? They can kind of stink up the kitchen. Cook them on an outdoor propane grill and dig in on the patio, setting a bowl for the shells in the middle of the table. When dinner is done, bag them up and toss them right in the dumpster: no fishy smell inside at all! These mussels are traditionally served with French fries, but to make dinner even easier, pick up a loaf of crusty country bread to soak up all of that delicious sauce.

3. Keeping it Cool with Italian Recipes

Italian summer cuisine ideal for days so warm you don't want to turn on the oven at all. On the hottest evenings of the summer, serve a buffet of cold choices like Caprese salad, crostini, and clever tortellini skewers. Pair with a cold glass of pinot grigio, and slice up some seasonal summer fruit (or serve up some gelato!) for dessert.

4. Grilled Shrimp Supper

Instead of heating up the kitchen with the oven or stovetop, fire up the grill! This simple grilled shrimp recipe is flavored with chile and lemon for loads of flavor. Make room on the barbecue for this garlic-lover's grilled corn, and all you'll need is a simple heirloom tomato salad with sweet, seasonal tomatoes and funky feta for dinner to be a hit.

5. Quick-and-Easy Burger Night

Who doesn't love grilled burgers in summer? Make things easy with this perfect basic burger recipe, served on your favorite supermarket or bakery burger bun. Set out dishes of sliced red onion, tomato, and lettuce so everyone can dress their own patty, and serve with potato chips and 12-second cole slaw for the easiest burger night ever.