These 12 summer dinner ideas will make this the best summer ever

It’s officially summer — the season of endless grilling, trips to the beach and, of course, fresh summer produce. Now’s the time to incorporate ultra-fresh ingredients in your cooking, and layer on the seasonings to create unforgettable meals.

We’ve got all the summer cooking inspo you need. Mix and match these dozen recipes to create the perfect summer menu for family cookouts, relaxing nights in, and everything in between. 

SUMMER SIDES

CORN SALAD RECIPE

Corn is the quintessential summer veggie, bursting with sweetness and perfect for fresh, easy sides. This creamy corn salad kicks it up a notch, combining smoky bacon, tangy feta and crisp kernels for a dish that's equal parts rich and refreshing.

WATERMELON FETA SALAD

Meet the ultra-refreshing salad you’ll want to serve all summer! Made with juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber and salty feta, this salad pairs contrasting flavors for the ultimate seasonal side. A basil and mint-infused dressing adds complexity to the salad, while balsamic white vinegar adds just enough zing.

SUPREME PASTA SALAD

Pasta salad is a must-have at any summer cookout, and this flavorful option is sure to become a family favorite. It pairs crisp summer veggies with tender pasta, then amps up the flavor with McCormick Perfect Pinch Gluten Free Salad Supreme Seasoning. This recipe tastes best when made ahead of time, so it’s ideal for easy entertaining. 

GRILLED ZUCCHINI

Nothing says summer like fresh-from-the-garden (or store, we won’t tell!) zukes. In this simple preparation, the lightly grilled veggie shines, brushed with a tasty blend of olive oil, lemon and the stalwart McCormick Perfect Pinch Gluten Free Salad Supreme Seasoning once again helping enhance natural flavor.

SUMMER DINNER IDEAS

ALL-AMERICAN BURGER

Everyone knows that summer officially starts when the first burgers hit the grill — and this is a staple recipe you’ll want to serve all summer long. Classic ground beef gets a serious flavor upgrade from McCormick Grill Mates Hamburger Seasoning and French's Classic Worcestershire Sauce for savory flavor. Offer all the fixings so your team can customize it just the way they want. 

GRILLED ITALIAN CHICKEN

This juicy chicken soaks up bold, herb-forward flavor in just 30 minutes thanks to a quick marinade of olive oil, vinegar, classic seasonings and the upscale taste of French's Chardonnay Dijon Mustard Squeeze Bottle. In this photo, you’ll see it plated with the corn salad and grilled zucchini recipes shared above for a sensational summery meal, but you may want to cook extra to have on hand as a topping for salad or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.

HONEY GINGER GRILLED SALMON

Brimming with heart-healthy benefits, salmon makes a smart — and delicious — choice for summer dinners. This quick marinade blends citrusy orange juice, sweet honey and savory soy with warm ginger and garlic for a perfectly balanced glaze. In less than 20 minutes, you'll have salmon that's caramelized at the edges, flaky in the middle and bursting with flavor.

LOBSTER ROLLS

Say hello to the seaside! Whether you’re actually at the beach — or you just wish you were — these homemade lobster rolls will be a hit. This recipe keeps it simple, using a blend of butter, parsley and scallion to let the subtle notes of the lobster take center stage. 

SUMMER DESSERTS

SUMMER FRUIT TART

What’s your favorite summer fruit? With this tart, you don’t need to choose. Peaches and blueberries combine for a sweet and comforting tart with plenty of visual contrast — perfect for posting on social media. Ground ginger and cinnamon add coziness and warmth, without overshadowing the fruit. 

KEY LIME PIE

With its rustic graham cracker crust, sunny lime hue and light-as-air whipped topping, this key lime pie is welcome at any picnic, cookout and get-together. It’s creamy and comforting without being too heavy. And, while it looks impressive, it takes just 10 minutes of active prep. 

CHERRY PIE

No time to pick fresh cherries? No problem! Frozen cherries work beautifully here, and typically come conveniently pitted already. With a buttery refrigerated pie crust as your shortcut, this dessert delivers all the charm of a homemade cherry pie without the fuss. Let your guests assume you’ve spent all afternoon in the hot kitchen when really you’ve been lounging in a chair, soaking up the sun.

STRAWBERRY PIE

This strawberry pie captures the essence of summer with its vibrant, jammy filling made from fresh or frozen berries that are melted down to make the base, then joined by chopped berries for extra texture. It’s an absolute stunner on any BBQ buffet, with its ruby red hue, accentuated by a snowy homemade vanilla whipped cream that’s super easy to whip up — pun intended!