44 Delicious Make-Ahead Summer Dinners (you’ll wish you found sooner)

Make-Ahead Summer Dinners

Summer days are supposed to be for enjoying the sun, not for standing over a hot stove.

When the weather is warm and the evenings are long, the LAST thing anyone wants is a complicated dinner routine.

That’s where these recipes come in.

They are designed to be prepped or fully cooked ahead of time, so you can spend MORE time relaxing and less time cooking.

Think easy pasta salads, marinated chicken ready for the grill, and other simple dishes you can just pull from the fridge.

This list is packed with delicious ideas that will make your summer dinners completely stress-free.

1. Creamy Mexican Chicken Casserole

Creamy Mexican Chicken Casserole

Creamy Mexican Chicken Casserole is your ultimate solution for an easy dinner.

This comforting dish features tender chicken, vegetables, and beans, all baked with plenty of cheese.

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2. Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos

Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos

Enjoy delicious Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos that are perfect for a satisfying snack or meal.

These crispy chicken taquitos are stuffed with a savory spiced chicken and cheese filling, ready to be baked or air-fried to golden perfection.

They are fantastic dipped in your favorite salsa or guacamole, and even great for freezing!

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3. Crustless Asparagus Quiche

Crustless Asparagus Quiche

Enjoy a delicious Crustless Asparagus Quiche that’s both low carb and naturally gluten-free. This inviting dish features fresh asparagus, mushrooms, onions, and cheese for a satisfying flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for a wholesome breakfast, brunch, or light meal.

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4. Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Casserole delivers all the hearty, savory flavors of classic stuffed peppers.

This easy, one-pan meal lets you enjoy the delicious taste of unstuffed pepper casserole without any fussy prep work.

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5. Beef Nacho Bake

Beef Nacho Bake

Switch up your dinner routine with this irresistible Beef Nacho Bake.

This beefy casserole is packed with savory beef, melted cheese, zesty salsa, and crunchy tortilla chips for a complete nacho experience.

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6. Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican Corn Salad offers a fresh twist on a classic favorite.

Sweet corn and crisp vegetables are tossed in a creamy lime dressing, then topped with cotija cheese.

This easy-to-eat corn salad is perfect for your next potluck or gathering.

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7. Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta

Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta

This Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta brings together tender chicken and savory bacon in a rich pasta sauce. It simmers effortlessly all day, creating a comforting meal that’s finished with pasta and a touch of fresh spinach.

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8. Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast (One Pan Meal)

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast (One Pan Meal)

This Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast (One Pan Meal) offers an effortlessly delicious dinner.

Each incredible bacon wrapped stuffed chicken is packed with three cheeses, garlic, and herbs, making it the perfect easy one pan meal.

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9. Best Minestrone Soup Recipe

Best Minestrone Soup Recipe

The Best Minestrone Soup Recipe fills your home with the comforting aroma of a classic Italian favorite.

This hearty soup features russet potatoes, cannellini beans, and a rich beef broth for a truly satisfying meal.

A parmesan rind simmers in the pot, adding incredible depth to every spoonful.

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10. Chickpea Veggie Burger

Chickpea Veggie Burger

This Chickpea Veggie Burger is a delicious and hearty option for any meatless meal.

Packed with flavor and satisfying texture, this vegan burger recipe is perfect for your favorite toppings or enjoyed on its own.

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11. Fish Tacos

Fish Tacos

These easy Fish Tacos are the perfect weeknight dinner, ready to enjoy in minutes.

Enjoy tender, grilled white fish seasoned with fajita spices, nestled in a warm tortilla with creamy coleslaw.

It’s a flavorful meal the whole family will love.

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12. Easy Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe with Gravy

Easy Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe with Gravy

This Easy Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe with Gravy is your answer for a tender, flavorful weeknight meal.

Enjoy incredibly tender cube steak simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy.

The savory gravy, made with beef broth and thickened with cornstarch, truly makes this dish special.

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13. Mexican Barbacoa Beef in Crock Pot

Mexican Barbacoa Beef in Crock Pot

This Mexican Barbacoa Beef in Crock Pot delivers tender, savory flavor with minimal effort.

Slow-cooked from a juicy chuck roast, it’s infused with a rich, subtly spicy sauce perfect for piling into Chipotle-style street tacos.

Top your tacos with fresh limes and creamy avocado for a truly irresistible meal.

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14. Keto Italian Meatballs

Keto Italian Meatballs

Keto Italian Meatballs bring all the beloved flavors of a classic dish.

These delicious Italian Style Meatballs offer a low-carb twist, perfect for your keto lifestyle.

Easily bake or fry them for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

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15. Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani

This authentic Chicken Biryani recipe brings the incredible flavors of India right to your table.

It features juicy chicken and aromatic rice, layered with sweet caramelized onions and a rich Indian spice marinade.

Now you can easily enjoy this delicious homemade chicken biryani anytime you crave a restaurant-style meal.

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16. Chicken Salad with Grapes

Chicken Salad with Grapes

Get ready for the best Chicken Salad with Grapes you’ve ever tasted.

It’s packed with tender chicken, sweet grapes, crisp celery, and a hint of pineapple, all brought together by a perfectly creamy and slightly sweet dressing.

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17. Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole brings all the fun of your favorite traveling tacos right to your dinner table.

This delicious meaty and cheesy casserole is baked to perfection and topped with fresh lettuce and tomato.

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18. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos with Black Beans

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos with Black Beans

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos with Black Beans make dinner incredibly simple and delicious.

These easy chicken tacos come together effortlessly right in your crockpot, perfect for a busy weeknight.

Enjoy a healthy and flavorful family meal with minimal effort.

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19. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Cajun 15 Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Cajun 15 Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Cajun 15 Bean Soup delivers a comforting and robust meal.

This vegetarian 15 bean soup features a delicious array of beans, fresh veggies, a hint of salsa, and a wonderful kick of Cajun seasoning.

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20. Baked Rigatoni

Baked Rigatoni

This Baked Rigatoni is a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for any family meal.

Enjoy a comforting pasta bake featuring rigatoni, a hearty meat sauce, and plenty of cheese.

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21. Barbacoa Beef (Slow Cooker)

Barbacoa Beef (Slow Cooker)

This Barbacoa Beef (Slow Cooker) recipe brings incredibly rich and tender Mexican beef right to your table.

It’s wonderfully easy to prepare in your slow cooker, creating the perfect juicy filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.

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22. Chicken Salad Pitas

Chicken Salad Pitas

These Chicken Salad Pitas offer a delightful, light lunch option.

They take your usual classic chicken salad recipe and elevate it for a fresh taste.

This makes them perfect for a warm day or anytime you want an easy, satisfying meal.

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23. Thai Peanut Noodles

Thai Peanut Noodles

Whip up these vibrant Thai Peanut Noodles, loaded with colorful veggies.

They’re coated in an easy homemade peanut sauce, making it simple to enjoy this delicious dish.

You’ll have fantastic Thai noodles on your table in just 20 minutes, no takeout needed!

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24. Keto Frittata with Turkey Sausage and Bacon

Keto Frittata with Turkey Sausage and Bacon

This Keto Frittata with Turkey Sausage and Bacon is a delicious and satisfying meal.

Loaded with savory turkey sausage, crispy bacon, and cheese, it’s a quick and easy meat frittata perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

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25. Twice Baked Pepper Stuffed Potatoes

Twice Baked Pepper Stuffed Potatoes

Twice Baked Pepper Stuffed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, offering perfectly fluffy potatoes.

These delicious potatoes are generously stuffed with spicy peppers, creamy sour cream, and savory spices.

Enjoy a satisfying twist on a classic, making these Twice Baked Pepper Stuffed Potatoes a memorable meal.

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26. Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken

Enjoy unbelievably tender Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken, slow-cooked to perfection with vibrant cilantro and zesty lime.

This versatile dish is perfect for crafting delicious tacos, burritos, hearty bowls, or even zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas.

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27. Russian Vinegret Salad

Russian Vinegret Salad

Enjoy the classic flavors of Russian Vinegret Salad, a truly traditional dish.

This vibrant Russian salad combines perfectly diced boiled vegetables with a simple vinaigrette dressing.

It’s a wholesome and delicious vinegret salad that makes a wonderful addition to any meal.

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28. Shrimp Foil Packets

Shrimp Foil Packets

Shrimp Foil Packets offer an incredibly easy and mess-free dinner solution.

Packed with shrimp, hearty potatoes, and savory sausage, these convenient tin foil packets are perfect for grilling.

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29. Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese Pasta Salad is wonderfully simple and ideal for a picnic or light meal. It combines long pasta spirals with fresh mozzarella and sweet cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Top it off with a sweet balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor in this delightful pasta salad.

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30. Black Bean & Zucchini Vegan Enchiladas

Black Bean & Zucchini Vegan Enchiladas

Whip up these easy Black Bean & Zucchini Vegan Enchiladas for a delicious meal.

They’re packed with plant-based protein and fresh veggies, all brought together with a wonderfully creamy sauce.

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31. Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken

Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken

Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken makes dinner easy with its rich Italian flavors.

Tender chicken slow-cooks with tomatoes and garlic, then gets topped with mozzarella and a fresh bruschetta-style topping for an incredibly satisfying meal.

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32. Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks are incredibly tender and smothered in a delicious sweet and smoky barbecue sauce. These amazing BBQ drumsticks are perfect for an easy, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself.

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33. Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Dinner

Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Dinner

The Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Dinner is a rich and hearty meal perfect for any night. Enjoy tender shredded beef, flavorful Italian-seasoned veggies, and a savory sauce ready to spoon over creamy mashed potatoes. This comforting dish makes dinner delicious and easy.

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34. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala brings creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors right to your kitchen.

This fast-fix Instant Pot curry makes enjoying delicious Indian food at home incredibly easy.

It’s the perfect pressure cooker curry to satisfy your cravings without needing takeout.

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35. Shredded Chicken Tacos

Shredded Chicken Tacos

Shredded Chicken Tacos are your perfect choice for a delicious and easy meal.

This chicken taco recipe features perfectly seasoned shredded chicken, making it ideal for any taco night.

It’s a fast and simple dish that brings big flavor to your table without the fuss.

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36. Pulled Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Pulled Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Savor the delicious taste of these Pulled Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa.

This recipe features tender, flavorful shredded chicken topped with sweet and tangy pineapple salsa and a creamy cilantro sauce.

It’s a vibrant and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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37. Homemade Summer Rolls [GF, DF, V]

Homemade Summer Rolls [GF, DF, V]

These Homemade Summer Rolls are a delicious and healthy choice, perfect for a light appetizer or a satisfying meal.

Enjoy these fresh, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan spring rolls, wonderful for any occasion.

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38. BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, bringing all those beloved flavors to your plate. This delicious pasta salad makes an ideal side dish for a summer barbecue or any potluck.

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39. Chicken Kofta

Chicken Kofta

Discover a simple way to enjoy delicious Chicken Kofta, featuring Mediterranean-inspired ground chicken meatballs.

These flavorful skewers are packed with fresh herbs and spices, making them incredibly versatile for any meal.

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40. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Thighs offers wonderfully tender chicken.

Each piece is slow-cooked in a rich teriyaki sauce, ensuring amazing flavor.

This easy recipe is perfect for serving over rice any night of the week.

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41. Thai chicken noodle salad {with chilli-peanut dressing}

Thai chicken noodle salad {with chilli-peanut dressing}

This Thai chicken noodle salad with chilli-peanut dressing brings together a wonderful blend of soft noodles, crunchy vegetables, and nuts. Enjoy its sweet-salty peanut-chilli-lime dressing, making it a perfect meal that even helps use up leftover chicken.

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42. Crunchy Broccoli Slaw

Crunchy Broccoli Slaw

Crunchy Broccoli Slaw is your go-to for a quick and tasty side salad. It’s incredibly easy to make using a bagged broccoli slaw mix, perfect for any meal. This delightful broccoli salad is sure to be a new favorite.

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43. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatbals

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatbals

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs make dinner a breeze with minimal effort.

Enjoy tender, flavorful teriyaki meatballs bathed in a savory sauce.

They’re infused with a touch of onion, making them a delicious crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

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44. Slow Cooker Venison BBQ Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Venison BBQ Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Venison BBQ Sandwiches offer a wonderfully hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. This recipe transforms a venison roast into rich, flavorful venison barbecue, perfect for piling onto a bun. Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite sides like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.

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