Warm weather may mean it's time to break out the BBQ [1], but it also means putting some of those standby soups, stews, and other cold-temperature dishes on the back burner for the season. Finally! If you're searching for Summer dinner inspiration for your family [2], look no further. These 24 recipe ideas feature seasonal ingredients and are sure to satisfy both kids and parents, no matter how busy your schedules during the warmer months! Read through to get a look at some of our favorite dishes that are just begging to be gobbled up all season long.
Pasta Primavera
This light take on Pasta Primavera [4] will have your kids asking for seconds, and, er, maybe even thirds!
Tropical Hot Dogs
Skip the mustard and ketchup and go for tropical toppings instead with these pineapple, pepper, and cilantro-topped hot dogs [5].
Mexican-Style Chicken Sliders
Head south of the border with a lighter patty recipe using ground chicken and a variety of spices. Our Mexican-style chicken sliders [6] will have lil ones shouting ole!
Pasta With White Beans and Tomatoes
This simple pasta recipe [7] has seasonal favorites like arugula and white beans for creaminess. Adding sausage is a fun way to break away from the usual meatballs.
Spring Veggie Frittata
This veggie-packed recipe for a Spring frittata [8] swaps out much of the expected cheese for seasonal greens — a great "breakfast for dinner" recipe.
Zesty Taco Salad
Give family taco night a healthy, lighter spin with an easy recipe for Zesty Taco Salad [9].
Whole Wheat Orzo With Artichokes and Peas
A hearty, healthy dinner that's ready in just 15 minutes is sure to perk up the ears of most any busy mama. Flavorful artichokes and English peas play the starring role in this veggie-packed orzo recipe [10].
Salmon Teriyaki
An Asian-inspired salmon teriyaki [11] is made especially for Summer with the addition of crunchy, green snow peas.
Brainy Salmon Burger
Ground beef does not a burger make! Jessica Seinfeld shares a recipe for Salmon Burgers [12] that are more than a fish on a bun. They're omega-3 fatty acid-filled brain boosters!
Oven-Baked Fish Sticks
These crispy oven-baked fish sticks [13] will be a surefire crowd-pleaser as soon as they hit the table!
Baked Cheeseburger Sliders
Put a healthy spin on this tried-and-true kid favorite with a baked cheeseburger slider [14] recipe your kids will love, sans too much oil.
Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Dive into a warm bowl of Asian-inspired Crock-Pot honey garlic chicken [15] that makes for the perfect weeknight meal.
Taco Beef and Kale Bowls
A hearty taco beef and kale bowl [16] means that even Taco Tuesday gets the healthy treatment.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas
These sweet potato black bean quesadillas [17] are easy on stomachs, budgets, and schedules — win, win, win!
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Baking chicken instead of frying is already a healthy move — this honey mustard chicken [18] is a great way to start making baking a habit in the most delicious of ways.
General Tso's Chickpeas
General Tso's chicken just got a healthy reboot with this chickpea twist [19] that eliminates the usual main ingredient: fried chicken.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Not only can this fried rice [20] be whipped up in 15 minutes, but it's also a lot lighter than traditional rice, as the recipe calls for cauliflower instead!
Cauliflower Burgers
These colorful cauliflower burgers [21] are all veggie without sacrificing taste.
Turkey Tacos
These turkey tacos [22] are sure to spice up your family's Taco Tuesday (or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday!) and only take about 15 minutes to whip up.
Zucchini Noodle Veggie Lo Mein
Ditch take-out lo mein and spiralize some of your family's favorite veggies to make your own version of lo mein [23] with so much less salt but all of the flavor.
Cheesy Chicken Baked Avocados
These mouth-watering Cheesy Chicken Baked Avocados [24] put a healthy spin on your kids' favorite meal of the day.
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
We can't get enough of these delicious Stuffed Zucchini Boats [25] — which are jam-packed with nutritious goodness — during the Summer months.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
There's a good chance your kids order a version of this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry [26] when you're out to family dinner. Try putting your own spin on the classic at home!
Chipotle Lime Salmon
Little adventurous eaters will love chowing down on this Chipotle Lime Salmon [27] that hits all the right notes.