15 5-star dinners for summer

These recipes are bursting with flavor!

If you're looking for summer dinners that are guaranteed to hit the spot, these five-star recipes are a great place to start. Every dish in this collection has been tested, loved, and top-rated by our readers, so you know they deliver.

Here are fresh, vibrant meals like Grilled Salmon with Peach Salsa and Chicken Caprese to cozy-but-light dinners like Summer Tortellini Skillet. So, if you're looking to get a great meal on the table without a lot of fuss, these are the summer dinners to lean on.

01 of 15

Easy Fish Tacos

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"There really is only one kind of fish taco that I routinely make myself at home: these easy pan-seared fish tacos with citrusy mayo and a simple cabbage slaw. They're ready in about 20 minutes, and they hit the spot every time." —Emma Christensen, Former General Manager

02 of 15

Grilled Salmon With Peach Salsa

Get Recipe: Grilled Salmon With Peach Salsa

"This spicy and slightly sweet grilled salmon is bound to become a favorite this summer. Smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders in the rub create a savory, smoky flavor, while a touch of sugar adds a hint of sweetness and helps the skin become unbelievably crispy. As if that weren't enough, the salmon is topped off with a peach and avocado salsa, which complements the richness of the salmon." —Sabrina Modelle, Recipe Developer

03 of 15

Summer Tortellini Skillet

Get Recipe: Summer Tortellini Skillet

"This recipe is flexible in terms of produce, so go ahead and use up whatever's hanging around in your fridge. You can swap in yellow summer squash, bell peppers, onions, and any other quick-cooking veggies you have on hand." —Stephanie A Ganz, Recipe Developer

04 of 15

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Get Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

"This grilled chicken Caprese sandwich is an easy weeknight dinner or a delicious weekend lunch. You can also double or triple the recipe and make it for a summery outdoor dinner party. Since a Caprese sandwich is filling, you can serve it on its own, but it also goes well with a simple side salad and a glass of white wine." —Hannah Zimmerman, Recipe Developer

05 of 15

Shakshuka With Feta, Olives, and Peppers

Get Recipe: Shakshuka With Feta, Olives, and Peppers

"In this one-skillet dish, eggs and colorful red and yellow peppers simmer on the stovetop in a spicy tomato sauce infused with cumin and smoked paprika. A sprinkling of salty feta and pitted olives perk up the dish." —Sally Vargas, Recipe Developer

06 of 15

Easy Spinach-Feta Pasta

Get Recipe: Easy Spinach-Feta Pasta

"To make my pasta-fied version of spanakopita, you'll make a purée of spinach, garlic, oregano, feta, and olive oil, and spike it with lemon juice. This bright green sauce coats the pasta. It's delicious tossed with warm penne and served right away or chilled and served as a pasta salad." —Robin Asbell, Recipe Developer

07 of 15

Summer Veggie Tacos

Get Recipe: Summer Veggie Tacos

"Make a big batch of veggies ahead of time and reheat them in a skillet or microwave for quick meals throughout the week. Beyond these tacos, use your stash of prepped vegetables in frittatas, pastas, quesadillas, and more." —Editors of Simply Recipes

08 of 15

Classic New England Lobster Rolls

Get Recipe: Classic New England Lobster Rolls

"There is something so comforting about eating a lobster roll on a hot dog bun. It screams summer. It says, 'Nothin' fancy here, folks. If you want bells and whistles, then take your bacon-and-avocado and brioche lobster rolls to another table. Yes, New Englanders have attitude aplenty, too." —Sally Vargas, Recipe Developer

09 of 15

Easy Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Summer Vegetables

Get Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Summer Vegetables

"It's earned a place in my permanent repertoire because its simplicity and short cook time are a boon after a busy day spent out of the house. It also works with whatever tiny tomatoes are freshest at the market—in summer, I particularly love using sweet, mellow Sungold tomatoes for this dish. Alongside the corn, all the yellow and orange feels like sunshine in a bowl." —Lou Perseghin, Recipe Developer

10 of 15

Pesto Shrimp With Cherry Tomatoes

Get Recipe: Pesto Shrimp With Cherry Tomatoes

"Shrimp and pesto are such a good combination, and cherry tomatoes add pops of summer flavor and vibrant color. They're actually the only ingredient requiring chopping in this recipe—everything else just goes straight into the skillet. A few fresh basil leaves on top are a great addition if you have some around, too." —Coco Morante, Recipe Developer

11 of 15

Fresh Corn Pasta

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"Creamy corn pasta sits somewhere between creamed corn and mac and cheese, while being lighter and more satisfying than either dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's an excellent summertime main course. Serve it simply with a summer salad, a veggie side, or some grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken for a well-rounded meal." —Laurel Randolph, Associate Editorial Director

12 of 15

Barbecued Pork Shoulder on a Gas Grill

Get Recipe: Barbecued Pork Shoulder on a Gas Grill

"The thing is, to do this right, you really need a smoker, or a barbecue with a separate box for wood chips. I don't have either. The good news is that you can indeed achieve a pretty decent barbecue with your grill, if you watch the temperature and keep up the smoke. It just takes a bit more finagling and a lot more attention." —Elise Bauer, Founder

13 of 15

Easy Chicken Caprese

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"The fresh tomato and balsamic pan sauce is rich, flavorful, and elegant enough to serve to company. Plus, you won't be stuck in the kitchen for long or left with a sink full of dirty dishes. This is an easy, one-pan meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute entertaining." —Sharon Lehman, Recipe Developer

14 of 15

Zucchini Ricotta Pasta

Get Recipe: Zucchini Ricotta Pasta

"Whole-milk ricotta cheese is an amazing start for a pasta sauce because it turns silky-smooth if you add some hot water to it. It coats pasta really nicely, with an Alfredo sauce-like texture. It's basically a one-ingredient pasta sauce and is a great trick to have in your back pocket on busy weeknights." —Nick Evans, Recipe Developer

15 of 15

Creamy Skillet Shrimp With Corn, Pancetta, and Tomatoes

Get Recipe: Creamy Skillet Shrimp With Corn, Pancetta, and Tomatoes

"While fresh corn is unparalleled in the summer, frozen is quicker, easier, and honestly still pretty darn delicious. The frozen corn doesn't have to be thawed for this recipe—just throw it in straight from the freezer and let the ice evaporate immediately." —Sara Bir, former Senior Editor

Read the original article on Simply Recipes