Stay cool with these simple entrees and salads that are perfect for hot summer nights—easy to make, full of flavor, and family-approved!
When it’s too hot to think about spending an hour or more in a steamy kitchen, these cool and easy dinners are exactly what your summer nights need. Whether you’re planning a no-fuss weeknight meal or prepping ahead for a laid-back weekend, this roundup includes all my best simple recipes.
From creamy classics like Dill Pickle Chicken Salad, to hearty pasta salads like Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad, you’ll find something for every taste and craving. I’ve even included filling salads like The 1981 Salad. Everyone is sure to find a meal they love in this recipe roundup!
Cool & Easy Summer Supper Recipes
Stay cool with these simple entrees and salads that are perfect for hot summer nights—easy to make, full of flavor, and family-approved!
If you love a good dill pickle, you’re going to fall hard for this super easy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with crunch—all made with simple ingredients and ready in no time.
This recipe for my Pecan Chicken Salad is quick and filled with tons of great flavor. With juicy chicken, celery, onion, mayo, and toasted pecans, it’s great on a sandwich or crackers.
This recipe for old school Deviled Ham is a savory mixture of finely chopped ham that can be eaten as a spread, dip, or topping. It’s perfect for leftover ham!
This simple and easy recipe for Pesto Pasta Salad combines orzo pasta with basil pesto, feta cheese, onions, olives, artichokes, and tomatoes for a cool summer side that’s perfect for your next BBQ.
This easy Taco Pasta Salad is packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor, hearty enough for a main dish, and perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or quick weeknight meals.
If you’re looking for something different to put on the table this year, try this super delicious Loaded Baked Potato Salad! With bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, it has all the fantastic flavor of a loaded baked potato in a cool and fresh potato salad. It’s the best of both worlds!
Whether you know this as the 1981 Salad from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ or as the 1905 Salad from The Columbia, this is the best salad ever. With lettuce, ham, cheese, artichokes, olives, it’s the dressing that’s the real star! There’s tons of great bold flavor in this recipe!
Pasta Caesar Salad is a simple, bold, tangy salad served as a side dish for summer meals, but makes a great entree when topped with some grilled chicken!
This creamy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or a hearty side at any supper table.
Loaded with smoked sausage, cheese, pasta, and lots more delicious ingredients, this Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad is a quick, colorful, and flavor-packed recipe that's perfect for any gathering or cookout.
This Apple Pecan Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette features candied pecans, apples, cheese, and dried cranberries combined with a delicious, zesty vinaigrette.
