Ina Garten's 25 Best Summer Dinner Recipes

Posted by Jenny Potter. Last updated on June 17, 2019 by Brittany Devenyi

Ina Garten, aka the queen of summer entertaining, does it again with her set of delightful dinner recipes that make seasonal ingredients the star. So fill your plate with fresh and vibrant flavours from now until snowfall – from citrusy grilled chicken to in-season salads to the best-ever sliders.

1 of 25

Grilled Salmon Sandwiches

Fresh and flaky <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/photos/easy-grilled-salmon-recipes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">grilled salmon</a> sandwiched between a soft brioche roll is made even tastier with a homemade sauce of mayo, sour cream, fresh herbs and capers. It takes this summer meal (a must-make for outdoor BBQs) to another level. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-salmon-sandwiches/16320/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ina Garten's Grilled Salmon Sandwiches</a>
2 of 25

Pasta, Pesto and Peas

You’ll want to pass the peas all over again with this refreshing and simple pasta dish from the Barefoot Contessa. Fragrant with fresh pesto and green with spinach and peas, it’s the perfect way to welcome warm weather. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pasta-pesto-and-peas/15394/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Pasta, Pesto and Peas</a>
3 of 25

Tequila Lime Chicken

A <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/chicken-dinners-under-30-minutes" rel="noopener" target="_blank">30-minute chicken dinner</a>, marinated in a mixture of gold tequila, fresh citrus juices, minced jalapeno and spices. Too good to be true? Nope, but definitely too tasty not to make at least once this summer. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tequila-lime-chicken/20210/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Tequila Lime Chicken</a>
4 of 25

Scallops Provencal

The Barefoot Contessa knows how to wow a crowd while keeping things fuss-free. Proof: this 15-minute sea scallop dish beautifully dressed up with butter, white wine, lemon and other fresh seasonings. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/scallops-provencal/22247/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Scallops-Provencal</a>
5 of 25

Arugula with Prosciutto and Burrata

When it's too hot to cook, simply assemble this tasty salad with a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/3-ingredient-salad-dressings" rel="noopener" target="_blank">quick homemade dressing</a> and salty charcuterie for an easy-peasy dinner that hits all right notes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/arugula-with-proscuitto-and-burrata/19973/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Arugula with Prosciutto and Burrata</a>
6 of 25

Gourmet Beef Sliders

Hey there, cuties. These delightful <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/16-super-bowl-worthy-sliders" rel="noopener" target="_blank">homemade sliders</a> will make just as much of an exit as they will entrance (AKA they will be gobbled up way too quick). Once the patties are formed and grilled, Ina elevates each with Gruyère, tomatoes, onion, baby arugula, Dijon and ketchup in between fresh Brioche buns. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sliders/15372/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Beef Sliders</a>
7 of 25

Fresh Corn Salad

Fresh corn on the cob is a sweet sign of summer's arrival. How to celebrate in style? With this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/dinner-recipes-featuring-5-ingredients-or-less" rel="noopener" target="_blank">5-ingredient dish</a>, boasting shucked corn, diced red onion, cider vinegar, basil and a little S&P for good measure. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/fresh-corn-salad/21589/">Ina Garten's Fresh Corn Salad</a>
8 of 25

Caesar Club Sandwich

This delicious sandwich, featuring chicken, crispy pancetta, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes and shaved Parmesan, packs well for picnics and tastes just as great as it would freshly made. Use last night's <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-leftover-chicken-recipes" rel="noopener" target="_blank">leftover chicken</a> to keep things easy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/caesar-club-sandwich/15419/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Caesar Club Sandwich</a>
9 of 25

Swordfish with Tomatoes and Capers

A healthy, protein-packed grilled summer supper than celebrates fresh produce. What more could you want, really? Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/swordfish-with-tomatoes-and-capers/16326/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Swordfish with Tomatoes and Capers</a>
10 of 25

Parmesan Chicken

Thin and crispy pan-fried chicken breasts are topped with a generous helping of salad greens tossed in a lemon vinaigrette and extra grated Parmesan for good measure. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/parmesan-chicken/15426/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ina Garten’s Parmesan Chicken</a>
11 of 25

Great White Pizza

Pizza is a staple no matter the time of year (or day?) but think about topping your 'za with seasonal produce. Ina dresses this version with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-and-delicious-zucchini-recipes" rel="noopener" target="_blank">summer zucchini</a> and squash, together with red onions, homemade roasted garlic ricotta and more. Are you drooling yet? Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/great-white-pizza/19972/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Great White Pizza</a>
12 of 25

Moroccan Grilled Lamb Chops

Turn summer’s bounty into a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/photos/top-50-grilling-recipes" rel="noopener" target="_blank">simple grilled dinner</a> with this drool-inducing recipe that Ina makes for Jeffrey. It’s so easy, you don’t even need to take the tomatoes off the vine, just blister them on the grill alongside the tender, marinated lamb for a fresh and juicy supper. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/moroccan-grilled-lamb-chops/20014/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Moroccan Grilled Lamb Chops</a>
13 of 25

Ina Garten's Tomato And Goat Cheese Tarts

Use store-bought <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/puff-pastry-dinner-hacks" rel="noopener" target="_blank">puff pastry</a> to create these summery tomato and goat cheese tarts. Serve to guests as a fail-safe appetizer or bring to a potluck if you're looking for something easy and portable. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tomato-and-goat-cheese-tarts/15363/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Tomato And Goat Cheese Tarts</a>
14 of 25

Guacamole Salad

An (arguably better) version of guacamole that only takes 10 minutes to toss together and is packed with good-for-you ingredients? We're sold. Featuring avocado, pepper, tomato, black beans, jalapeno, lime zest and more, this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/lettuce-free-salad-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">lettuce-free salad</a> will pair with just about any main. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/guacamole-salad/15425/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Guacamole Salad</a>
15 of 25

Asian Grilled Salmon

The marinade for these succulent grilled <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-salmon-fillet-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">salmon fillets</a> is a simple combination of olive oil, Dijon mustard, soy sauce and garlic. You won't be disappointed! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/asian-grilled-salmon/15402/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ina Garten's Asian Grilled Salmon</a>
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17 of 25

Paella Salad

Filled with tender pieces of chicken, shrimp and a pile of diced fresh vegetables mixed with perfectly spiced rice, fresh lemon juice gives it a fresh edge, while steamed mussels are a delicious and traditional addition to this bright summery dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/paella-salad/19902/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Barefoot Contessa’s Paella Salad</a>
18 of 25

Farro Tabbouleh with Feta

While traditionally made with bulgur, this tabbouleh salad gets its own fresh spin with pearled farro starring as the grain. Ina also adds other atypical additions like cucumber, chickpeas, feta and olives to pair with more classic ingredients such as parsley, mint and lemon juice. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/farro-tabbouleh-with-feta/22372/">Ina Garten's Farro Tabbouleh with Feta</a>
19 of 25

Lemon Chicken Breasts

This lemon chicken is a quick and easy weeknight dinner, served alongside a hearty grain, seasonal veggies or <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/best-summer-salads-barbecues-picnics" rel="noopener" target="_blank">summer salad</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-chicken-breasts/15369/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Lemon Chicken Breasts</a>
20 of 25

Greek Mezze Platter

Marinate your feta the night before for an easy and satisfying <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-no-cook-meals" rel="noopener" target="_blank">no-heat summer meal</a>. Pair with a glass of your favourite wine and enjoy on your back deck for a relaxing evening mid-week. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/greek-mezze-platter/20015/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Greek Mezze Platter</a>
21 of 25

Ina Garten’s Zucchini Gratin

Turn a bumper crop of garden zucchinis into a creamy, veggie-filled casserole. Thinly sliced zucchini are cooked in butter until tender, topped with Gruyère and crispy bread crumbs, then baked until bubbly. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-zucchini-gratin/15432/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Zucchini Gratin</a>
22 of 25

Ina Garten’s Salmon Cakes

Leftover salmon and last night’s stale buns come together with rich mayonnaise and fresh parsley to form perfectly moist fish cakes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-salmon-cakes/16830/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ina Garten’s Salmon Cakes</a>
23 of 25

Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

This delicious Greek-inspired <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/canada-day/photos/best-pasta-salad-recipes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pasta salad</a> is packed with bold flavours, fresh vegetables and big chunks of feta cheese. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tomato-feta-pasta-salad/15367/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ina Garten's Tomato Feta Pasta Salad</a>
24 of 25

Whole Roasted Chicken

Chicken is a lean protein that many of us turn to for dinner. Boneless, skinless breasts are more expensive than a whole chicken because you’re paying someone to prepare them for you. A whole chicken can feed a family for far less, and you can make a nourishing bone broth with the carcass afterwards. The Barefoot Contessa’s recipe shows you just how easy it is to cook up, even on a weeknight. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-and-garlic-roast-chicken/15399/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Lemon and Garlic Roast Chicken</a>
25 of 25

Crunchy Noodle Salad

Ina makes her noodle salad to serve a crowd, so you can have it on hand for quick meals a few days after it’s prepared. Instead of hard-to-find soba noodles, quick-cooking spaghetti gives this recipe the same look without compromising the taste or texture — besides, it’s all about that peanut sauce! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crunchy-noodle-salad/16826/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Crunchy Noodle Salad</a>
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