When the days stretch long and the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen, these 21 summery meals step in like your no-nonsense best friend. Big on flavor and easy on effort, they let you enjoy the sunshine without sacrificing taste or sanity. Think straightforward cooking that gets the job done without drama or fancy tricks.
Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter
Some meals demand a little attention, but not a lot of fuss, and Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter fit that bill. This one lets you enjoy bold flavor with a simple approach that respects your time. It’s perfect for when you want a meal that feels a little special without dragging on forever. The balance between effort and reward is just right for long summer days.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Fresh and simple, Cucumber Salad with Feta is great when you want a side that’s quick and easy to prepare. This recipe fits well with summer meals that call for no-nonsense cooking. It’s a way to add brightness without spending time on complicated sides. Perfect for long days when you want food done fast but still solid.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
The Backyard Table
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- Grilled Corn Guacamole
- Grilled French Onion Burgers
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!
Buy Now!Texas-Style Carne Asada
When the day demands easy but satisfying meals, Texas-Style Carne Asada fits right in. It’s designed for long afternoons that don’t leave room for fuss. This recipe balances bold flavor and straightforward preparation, so you get a solid meal without the drama. It’s the kind of dish that lets you focus on what matters, whether that’s the company or the sunshine.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
If you want a meal that’s straightforward and different without extra effort, Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are a smart choice. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t overcomplicate things and delivers a satisfying plate for any summer day. This dish is meant for when the goal is to eat well but stay out of the kitchen. It works great when you want flavor but without anything high-maintenance.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
When summer nights call for something familiar but easy, Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter check all the boxes. It’s a straightforward recipe that lets you enjoy a classic with minimal effort. Perfect for those evenings when you want to eat well but keep the kitchen stress-free. It’s just the right balance of flavor and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Big Mac Tacos
When you want a meal that’s easy but still hits some classic notes, Big Mac Tacos delivers the goods. This recipe combines familiar flavors with no extra hassle, so dinner feels quick and satisfying. It’s perfect for long days when you need something that feels a little fun but won’t slow you down. Expect a solid meal with no unnecessary steps.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts
Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts bring a fresh, straightforward option for when summer calls for simple cooking. This recipe lets you enjoy flavor without extra time or effort. It’s the kind of meal that fits right into long days when you want to eat well but keep things light and quick. No fuss, just a solid plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts
Redneck Eggrolls
Sometimes dinner calls for a no-nonsense option that still packs a punch. Redneck Eggrolls fit that perfectly. They’re easy to make and bring enough flavor to keep everyone happy without the fuss. Perfect for long days when convenience matters more than complicated recipes or fancy presentations.
Get the Recipe: Redneck Eggrolls
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops
When the mood calls for something hearty but straightforward, Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops deliver. This recipe keeps the focus on straightforward flavor without getting tangled up in prep. It’s the kind of meal you can count on when the day is long and the kitchen time needs to be short. Great for keeping things simple while still feeling like a proper dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries
For those summer mornings or quick meals, Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries offers something light and easy to throw together. This recipe is straightforward, with a fresh feel that fits no-fuss cooking. It works well when time is tight, but you want to keep it simple and satisfying. Great for days when you need fuel fast without complexity.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken
Easy and reliable meals are the backbone of long summer days, and Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken fits that need perfectly. It offers a straightforward, no-fuss way to enjoy something satisfying without spending too much time on it. This recipe is great when you want dinner that’s solid but won’t drag on your day. Simple cooking, solid results.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken
Korean Galbi Ribs
When flavor matters but time doesn’t stretch, Korean Galbi Ribs fit the no-nonsense bill. This recipe lets you enjoy something bold without extra steps that drag on. Perfect for summer days that are long and busy, it gives you a way to eat well without fuss. A straightforward option when you want dinner done right but fast.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs
California Eggs Benedict
Classic doesn’t have to mean complicated, and California Eggs Benedict proves that. This recipe delivers a simple, solid meal that fits into easy summer cooking plans. It’s great for when you want something filling but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. Designed to work for long days when straightforward food is the goal.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Nothing complicated about Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts, except how good they are when you want dinner done fast. This recipe hits the balance between easy prep and bold enough flavor to feel satisfying. Perfect for days when cooking should be quick but still worthy of the table. It’s a simple way to get a hearty meal without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Traeger Smoked Garlic
When smoky flavor is on the menu but time isn’t endless, Traeger Smoked Garlic fits well into easy summer meals. This recipe brings smoky depth with minimal effort, making it great for long days when cooking should be straightforward. It’s a way to enjoy that rich flavor without getting stuck in the kitchen. A solid choice for no-nonsense cooking.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on Blackstone Griddle
Busy days need meals that are fast and filling, and Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on Blackstone Griddle delivers just that. This recipe is simple enough to keep things moving but still packs a punch of flavor. It fits the bill for long days when you want dinner done without turning cooking into a second job. A good balance of effort and taste.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on Blackstone Griddle
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers are made for nights when you want something quick but satisfying. This recipe keeps things straightforward, letting you enjoy a hearty meal without fuss. It’s ideal for long summer days when cooking time is limited but flavor still matters. Simple preparation with solid results.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Bright, fresh, and simple, Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes fits well with easy summer cooking. This recipe is perfect for long days when time is limited but flavor still matters. It’s an uncomplicated way to add something refreshing to the table without extra effort. Great for no-nonsense meals that keep you out of the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is a great choice when you want something fresh and easy. This recipe works well for summer meals where cooking time needs to be minimal. It adds a bright, simple side without any fuss. Perfect for keeping things light and quick on long days.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad
When you want a dish that’s easy to assemble and still hits the spot, Pizza Pasta Salad delivers. This recipe fits perfectly with summer days that call for quick meals without losing flavor. It’s simple to make and keeps dinner casual and satisfying. A no-fuss option that works for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp is a smart choice when summer calls for quick, straightforward meals. This recipe keeps flavor strong but effort low, perfect for long days when the kitchen needs to stay out of the way. It’s a simple way to get something that feels special without extra work. A balanced option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp