10 Summer go-to dinner ideas

Who wants to be cooped up inside chopping and blending when you could be outside taking in the gorgeous sunny weather? Not us. And we can imagine you feel the same.

With that in mind and maximizing long summer nights on the agenda, here are 10 go-to dinner ideas you can whip up and set on the patio table—then get on with savoring the evening. Enjoy!

 1. Light and summery

In a fun, festive format, Veggie Loaded Summer Potato Salad Jars are crunchy, nutritious, low-cal and refreshing, drizzled in a creamy, citrus-Tahini dressing. These will be a hit on the party table, too. Serve with barbecued chicken or tofu.

2. Italiano salad twist

Caprese Potato Skewers look gorgeous, and combine the Italian summer salad classic (tomatoes with peppery, aromatic basil and fresh mozzarella) with our easy-to-make Garlic Herb Oven|Grill Ready Creamers on kabobs. Summer tomatoes will be at their peak: plump, sweet and juicy. Serve as a side dish to herb-rubbed roasted pork.

3. Succulent seafood combo

This one is beautiful: colorful skewers with shrimp, zucchini and Boomer Gold Creamers. Serve with a nutty, vibrant-hued green pea pesto and, if you can find them at the grocery store or farmers’ market, curly garlic scapes.

4. Tangy veggie medley

Visually appealing, healthy and low-fat, you can make Potatoes and Green Bean Salad in just 10 minutes. Toss sweet corn and our Garlic Parsley Microwave Ready Creamers with fragrant cherry tomatoes, crisp green beans, a dash of olive oil and lemon juice. Serve with grilled salmon or steamed mussels.

5. Tex-Mex

Add some South of the Border spice to your week with Tex-Mex Veggie Hash: an herb and protein-packed scramble of tofu, Little Potatoes, peppers, kale and black beans. Serve with tortillas or thick-cut toast.

6. Hawaiian slaw

Macaroni salad is a summer BBQ and picnic favorite. This version is a Hawaiian-inspired Macaroni Potato Salad coleslaw, sweet and creamy, with only five minutes prep time. Serve with burgers or hot dogs.

7. Low-fat meatloaf

Italian Turkey, Potato and Zucchini Meatloaf contains low-fat ground turkey and mashed Creamers to add texture and substance. With zesty herbs and a marinara topping, it is just as tasty hot on the plate or cold, sliced in sandwiches. Serve with grilled veggies.

8. Middle Eastern

A Middle Eastern herb mixture including sesame seeds and salt, za’atar snazzes up meats and vegetables. Try this twist: easy Slow Roasted Potatoes with Za’atar. Fennel, almonds, anise seed and coriander lend a delectable nutty-sweet accent. Serve with roasted lamb, Greek salad and plain yogurt.

9. A healthier burger

We’ve modernized this crowd-pleaser—the health-conscious version of a cheeseburger and fries. Prep Lightened Up Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup the night before, pop it in the slow cooker after breakfast and dinner is ready when you are. Add kale or spinach to boost the nutrition factor. Serve with a side salad.

10. Meal-in-one casserole

Loaded Potato & Ranch Chicken Casserole couldn’t be easier. It’s a calorie-conscious, Tex-Mex-inspired, all-in-one meal with boneless chicken breast cubes, Ranch dressing and Mexican cheese. (Bacon is optional or use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative.) Garnish with diced green onion. If you like, serve with a Mexican-style slaw.

DO YOU HAVE A FABULOUS GO-TO DINNER RECIPE? WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT!

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Photo Credit: Cookin’ Canuck