Summer Meal Planning - Homemade Dinner Ideas

It doesn't have to be complicated. Here are a few categories I use for my summer meal planning. [+ free planning printables!] 🍲🍴

May 21, 2024

Simplify your summer meal planning with a handy list of go-to recipes. Today I am sharing some of my favorites to inspire your planning as we head into the summer season.

Let’s jump into it! 🍴

Free Summer Meal Planning PDFs

Dinner Bowls

One of my favorite ideas from Kendra Adachi is Dinner Bowls.

I know she did not invent this concept but the way she explains it in The Lazy Genius Podcast | EP108 - Food in a Bowl: Basics is super helpful.

“So your singular rule for dinner bowls is contrast, and your building blocks to put together that contrast are a base, a protein (plus veggies), toppings, and a sauce.” The Lazy Genius Podcast | EP108 - Food in a Bowl: Basics

Dinner Bowls have become a staple in our house.

they are delicious
each bowl can be modified for each person
dinner bowls are easy to make
great for guests
easy to prepare ahead of time

Pasta Salad

Another go-to favorite is Pasta Salad. Especially as spring moves into summer.

I like to try out new recipes and new combos based on what I find at our local veggie market. When the corn and tomatoes are at their best, I like to make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad or Taco Inspired Pasta Salad.

Or I gather a variety of fresh veggies, some Italian deli meats, cheese cubes, and I make my Italian Pasta Salad. (I like to add broccoli, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, radishes, celery, bell peppers, and snap peas). The more colorful the better!

Don’t forget to add in frozen veggies like peas or sweet corn! This cools down the pasta and can be cheaper if they are not in season.

Check out the variety in these recipes: 20 Easy Pasta Salad Recipes from Bowl of Delicious

Air Fryer

The appliance most used in the summer in our kitchen is the Air Fryer. We have this one (Beautiful Collection from Drew Barrymore). I have to wash it several times a day because we use it so often.

When writing out my idea list for Air Fryer Meals I found this great article: Air Fryer Summer Recipes - with Kitchen Divas

One Dish Meals

This is a category that is the favorite for my youngest. He loves Noodle Night. I like the simplicity of all the ingredients cooked in one pan and the combo of flavors. This can be a simple or as complicated as you have time for.

Homemade

[also called my Sourdough Recipes]

Another factor I think about when doing Spring/Summer Meal Planning is my sourdough starter. But the summer months are busy and I don’t want to spend a long time baking. I go to my favorite expert: Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone for recipes that give us some variety.

My current favorites are:

Easy Sourdough Flatbread
Easy Sourdough Blueberry Bread
Easy Sourdough Waffles Recipe
Bread Machine Sourdough Bread Recipe - I don’t have to use the oven!
Sourdough Pizza Dough - This is delicious on the grill.
The Best Soft Sourdough Pretzels

I find that in the fall and winter months I am naturally drawn to baking and longer recipes. So in this spring/summer season having a handy list of ideas to keep my starter going is essential. I also keep my starter in the fridge so that it doesn’t develop as quickly.

Summer Favorites

What would a Summer Meal Plan be without the typical favorites of sandwiches and food cooked on the grill?

These two categories just must get a quick mention.

Both are great for crowds and easy to modify based on what is on sale that week.

Free Summer Meal Planning PDFs

Using a summer dinner plan will help you embrace the season and spend less time in the kitchen. This frees us up for more moments to savor the joys of summer and enjoy our families.

I have found that the key to meal planning is having a list to reference.

I would love to hear your ideas!