15 Dinner Ideas For Hot Summer Nights

Hot soup is a bad idea on a hot and humid night. Instead, try out one of these dinner ideas for hot summer nights to soothe your hunger.

Summer is the season of hot days and nights, time on the beach, great food, and relaxation. No matter what you spend your day time doing, at some point you’ll settle down for a nice meal with friends, family, your significant other, or just by yourself. Any way you go about it, you’re going to want an appropriate meal for those hot nights, something that isn’t chili or chicken noodle soup. Here are a few great dinner ideas for hot summer nights that are easy to enjoy.

1. BLT sandwich

Bacon, lettuce, and tomato and your bread of choice. The great things about this one are the simplicity and quick time it takes to put together. Not to mention that fresh tomatoes are available everywhere during summer. That’ll make the sandwich all the more enjoyable.

2. Chicken salad

The best dinner ideas for hot summer nights are served cold. Like chicken salad! You can eat it as is or make it into a sandwich. Throw together the perfect blend of chicken, scallions, parsley, onions, and mayonnaise for a dinner that will rarely disappoint.

3. Shrimp dishes

No matter how you slice it, any dish with shrimp is a summer go-to. Make it simple and grill it on a kebab or find a more complex and delicious recipe. It’s a really versatile food that’s perfect for anyone’s summer dinner needs.

4. Tacos

Get your crispy shell or soft tortilla, add chicken, beef, or steak, and fill it up with pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, hot sauce, refried beans, and anything else that suits your fancy. Tacos are perfect for every time and every occasion, and they’re always delicious.

5. Grape salad

If you need a break from the heaviness of BBQ ribs, something nice and refreshing like grape salad should provide you with the change of pace you need. Grape salad is light and creamy and all around grape for summer nights.

6. Flatbread pizza

You could order from you favorite delivery place, or you could make it on you own. Run to the farmers market to pick up fresh greens and tomatoes to give your pizza a fresher edge. By using flatbread, it won’t be as heavy on your digestive system and you can get back to the beach in no time (if you ever even left).

7. Chicken Parmesan

The grill is probably already fired up, so throw some chicken on there and all the spices you like! With a ton of cheese and some tomato sauce, you’ll be glad you opted for this meal. Throw it on some toasted bread for a little something extra!

8. Grilled tilapia

Tilapia is in the same category as shrimp, meaning that it’s really versatile. The great thing about this fish is that it comes without the overly fishy taste that some seafood products often have. Rub it down with some lemon pepper and throw it on the grill paired with some nuts and potatoes and you’re set to go!

9. Sweet ‘n’ sour pork with pineapple

Pork is definitely a favorite protein, throw some pineapple in the mix to add a tropical flavor and a nice compliment to the strong pork flavor. Add a little Asian flare with the sweet ‘n’ sour element. It pairs amazingly with the pork!

10. Steak fajitas

A plate of hot, sizzling steak and sauteed veggies next to a pile of soft flour tortillas sounds like heaven to me.

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11. Chicago style hot dogs

Summer is all about easy yet delicious foods, and these hot dogs fit the bill. With tomatoes, onions, chives, mustard, (maybe a spicy pepper or two!) and poppy seed buns, these are too good to pass up on during your summer dinners.

12. Beef and broccoli stir fry

This one tastes just like something you could order at a restaurant, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home! Saute some thinly sliced flank steak with broccoli florets, then coat with the sauce! This is classic, delicious, and sure to satisfy some cravings.

13. Baked macaroni

You can never go wrong with macaroni, and everyone knows this. Not matter how hot it gets, this is still one of the most perfect dinner ideas for hot summer nights. Macaroni in any way shape or form is delicious, especially when it’s baked.

14. Oven BBQ ribs

Use either pork or baby back ribs for this one, whichever you decide to use it’ll be delicious. It’s hard to go wrong with ribs, honestly.

15. Belgian waffles

Because we all have breakfast for dinner every now and again. Belgian waffles are some of the most simple and delicious ways to get our dinner-breakfast cravings out of the way. Pair it with some fruit to trick yourself into believing that it’s not too unhealthy!