26 Easy Weeknight Summer Dinners

Posted by Jessica Witt on August 3, 2016

From juicy chicken burgers to tasty pork skewers, these family-friendly recipes will get supper on the table fast so you can relax and enjoy all that summer has to offer.

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Open-Faced Tuna Sandwiches with Arugula

These easy-to-assemble sandwiches are made with albacore tuna steaks grilled to perfection and are great for lunch or dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/open-faced-tuna-sandwiches-with-arugula-and-sweet-pickle-mayonnaise/18587/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Open-Faced Tuna Sandwiches with Arugula and Sweet-Pickle Mayonnaise</a>
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Shrimp Taco with Avocado Salsa Verde

Combine hass avocados, fresh cilantro and fruity tomatillos for a creamy-cool salsa that pairs perfectly with spicy shrimp. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chipotle-shrimp-taco-with-avocado-salsa-verde/18543/" target="_blank">Chipotle Shrimp Taco with Avocado Salsa Verde</a>
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts with Tomato and Basil and Potatoes with Peppers and Onions

This easy chicken Parmesan recipe will be your new go-to. Ready in under 30 minutes, Rachael Ray whips up a flavour-packed dish of Parmesan-crusted chicken topped with tomatoes and basil, and served with crispy roasted potatoes, peppers and onions. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/parmesan-crusted-chicken-breasts-with-tomato-and-basil-and-potatoes-with-peppers-and-onions/18182/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts with Tomato and Basil and Potatoes with Peppers and Onions</a>
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Middle Eastern Chicken Burgers

These fragrant burger patties are brushed with pomegranate molasses, and topped with all the fixings for a satisfying backyard meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/middle-eastern-chicken-burgers/18430/" target="_blank">Middle Eastern Chicken Burgers</a>
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Healthy Chicken Fajitas

There are endless options for using leftover grilled chicken, but this healthy take on fajitas is bound to become a dinnertime staple in no time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/healthy-chicken-fajitas/18005/" target="_blank"> Healthy Chicken Fajitas</a>
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Maple Glazed Chicken

A weeknight dinner wonder, chicken, apples and shallots are tossed in a sweet and tangy maple glaze. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/maple-glazed-chicken/18009/" target="_blank">Maple Glazed Chicken</a>
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Thai Lettuce Wraps

Flavourful Thai-spiced chicken is served alongside a mix of veggies and butter lettuce for a build-you-own dinner the whole family will enjoy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/thai-lettuce-wraps/15638/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Thai Lettuce Wraps</a>
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Beef and Chicken Fajita Burgers: Have One of Each!

This scrumptious dinner consists of two different types of burgers for those nights when you're trying to please everyone in the family! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/beef-and-chicken-fajita-burgers-have-one-of-each/16064/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Beef and Chicken Fajita Burgers</a>
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The Pioneer Woman's Pasta Primavera

Make this fresh pasta dish totally vegetarian by using veggie broth instead of chicken. Your guests will adore the creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the tender spring veggies and al dente fettuccine. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-pioneer-womans-pasta-primavera/16015/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Pasta Primavera</a>
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Quick Pita Pizzas

Only a few simple ingredients are needed to make four tasty variations, so your family members or guests are bound to find at least one they love! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/4-quick-pita-pizzas/14649/" target="_blank">Quick Pita Pizzas</a>
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Crunchy Noodle Salad

Peanut butter is the not-so-secret ingredient in this delightful meal-in-a-bowl that pairs a rich and flavourful sauce with fresh, crunchy sugar snap peas, red bell pepper and scallions. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crunchy-noodle-salad/16826/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Crunchy Noodle Salad</a>
12 of 26

Chicken Taco Salad

For a quick and easy meal the whole family will love, turn to this leftover chicken taco salad. Add fresh corn, tomatoes, grated cheese, avocados, green onions, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips and leftover shredded chicken to a bed of crisp lettuce, and you're set. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-taco-salad/15509/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Taco Salad</a>
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Ree Drummond's Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches

A comfort food fave, these sandwiches can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to cook. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hot-roast-beef-sandwiches/16244/" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches</a>
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Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops

These pork loins are fast and easy to prepare, and with their crispy exterior, will have your family's mouths watering in no time. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/parmesan-crusted-pork-chops/15468/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops</a>
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Canadian Fish Tacos

Crispy, cornmeal batter gives these tasty tacos a satisfying crunch. Loaded with Canadian flavours like maple and bacon, and nestled in fresh, warm tortillas, you'll be craving these cod tacos all summer long. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/canadian-fish-tacos/18612/" target="_blank">Canadian Cod Tacos</a>
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Spanish Baked Salmon

This Spanish-inspired salmon is baked surrounded by croutons, olives, peppers, spices and fresh herbs. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spanish-baked-salmon/18161/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Spanish Baked Salmon</a>
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Shrimp Stir-Fry

Chop up your vegetables and toss in some shrimp for a veggie-packed spring meal with minimal clean-up. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/shrimp-stir-fry/16011/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Shrimp Stir-Fry</a>
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Zucchini Noodles with Pistachio Pesto and Roasted Pork Tenderloin

This spiralizer supper is quick and easy, but looks and tastes fancy enough for a weekend dinner party. Everyday pesto is switched up for an elegant pistachio variation, rich in monounsaturated fats and fibre. A lean (and economical) cut of pork tenderloin is the final flourish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/zucchini-noodles-with-pistachio-pesto-and-roasted-pork-tenderloin/18126/" target="_blank">Zucchini Noodles with Pistachio Pesto and Roasted Pork Tenderloin</a>
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Halibut and Chickpea Salad

Make veggies your main by adding a hit of protein from halibut and chickpeas. Salads that leave you hungry an hour later are a thing of the past with this substantial yet light main. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/halibut-and-chickpea-salad/15996/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Halibut and Chickpea Salad</a>
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Vietnamese Pork Skewers

Tender chunks of pork are marinated in lemongrass and fish sauce, grilled to perfection and served on a vermicelli salad for a barbecue meal bursting with fresh flavours. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vietnamese-style-pork-skewers-with-a-crunchy-salad/12099/" target="_blank">Vietnamese Pork Skewers</a>
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Farmers Market Quinoa Salad with Squash Blossoms

Quinoa and fresh summer market produce all provide a hydrating and healthy summer side dish or vegetarian main. If you can’t find squash blossoms, add a handful of delicate salad greens instead. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/farmers-market-quinoa-salad-with-squash-blossoms/18166/" target="_blank">Farmers Market Quinoa Salad with Squash Blossoms</a>
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Cumin Grilled Sea Scallops with Chickpea Salad and Red Pepper Tahini Vinaigrette

Grilled red pepper, tahini, garlic and a touch of honey make for a tasty Mediterranean vinaigrette that turns canned chickpeas into a fresh and fragrant salad. Serve with a few cumin-coated grilled scallops for a delicate dinner dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cumin-grilled-sea-scallops-with-chickpea-salad-and-red-pepper-tahini-vinaigrette/18253/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay’s Cumin Grilled Sea Scallops with Chickpea Salad</a>
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Grilled Chicken and Pasta

Here, Ree has used fusili noodles, but she recommends using fettuccine, which pairs perfectly with the chunks of grilled chicken and creamy white sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-chicken-and-pasta/16583/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Grilled Chicken and Pasta</a>
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Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil

A light and bright shrimp-topped linguine gets added sunshine — and flavour — from its homemade lemon oil drizzle. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/linguine-with-shrimp-and-lemon-oil/15499/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil</a>
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Steak Salad

Garlic-marinated grilled steak is topped over a bed of greens tossed in a light and spicy ginger and soy dressing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ginger-steak-salad/15633/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Ginger Steak Salad</a>
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Zucchini Noodle Salad

Bring a little taste of spring to your table with this fresh ‘noodle’ salad. Carrots and zucchini are spiralized and tossed in a spicy vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, a touch of honey and red pepper flakes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/zucchini-noodle-salad/17717/" target="_blank">Damaris Phillips' Zucchini Noodle Salad</a>
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