Summer is the perfect time for relaxing and barbecuing in the garden. That's why these easy dinners are essential for a summer evening. Our guide has something for everyone including vegan, gluten-free and healthy options. Take a look at classic barbecue favourites like burgers and kebabs. Or try our light dinner ideas for summer including salads and fish. These mains are perfect for family cooking and are sure to please a crowd.

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In need of some more seasonal recipes? Check out our ultimate collection of summer dinners.

We also have our round-up of healthy summer dinners, vegetarian summer recipes and summer dinner party recipes.

1. Halloumi burgers

Four halloumi burgers in buns topped with salad

Take advantage of the gorgeous weather and throw some burgers on the barbecue. These halloumi burgers are a vegetarian option sure to please the whole family. They're also perfect to take along on a summer camping trip.If halloumi isn't your style, check out our veggie Indian burger or nacho cheeseburger.

2. Korean chilli, sesame & honey chicken

Korean chicken on skewers next to corn on the cob

Summer calls for a good kebab on the barbecue. The sweet, spicy and sticky glaze takes this Korean chilli, sesame & honey chicken to the next level. If the weather is acting up, you can cook under the grill, turning and glazing the same way you would on the BBQ. Serve with corn on the cob or new boiled potatoes with our lime, chilli & feta butter.

3. Pulled Pork

Pulled pork with white bread rolls

This barbecue staple is a classic family favourite. This pulled pork recipe is simple enough for even the most amateur chef – minimal ingredients and no tricky measurements. Try serving with our crunchy coleslaw or classic potato salad. For a vegan alternative, try our vegan pulled jackfruit.

4. Garlic butter roast chicken with tomatoes & giant couscous

Garlic butter roast chicken with tomatoes & giant couscous in a baking dish

Move from the kitchen to the garden to enjoy this summery spin on a Sunday roast. This lighter roast chicken is flavoured with a basil and garlic butter for a herby boost, then served with fluffy couscous and softened, roasted tomatoes for a seasonal twist.

Need more inspiration for Sunday lunch? Check out our summer roast recipes.

5. Halloumi with lemony lentils, chickpeas & beets

Platter of lentils, chickpeas and beetroot topped with halloumi slices

This halloumi with lemony lentils, chickpeas & beets is a great storecupobard salad that comes together in under 30 minutes. This salad is full of bold flavours, packed with halloumi, capers and homemade picked red onion.For other salad ideas check out our summer salad collection.

6. Piri-piri chicken

A whole chicken roasted in piri-piri spices, presented on a wooden chopping board

Make your own family-friendly piri-piri chicken at home in the oven or on the barbecue. If you prefer it less spicy, adjust the amount of chillies in the piri-piri marinade.Serve up with our epic summer salad.

7. Garden salmon salad

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This garden salmon salad is the perfect dinner for a sweltering summer evening. Packed with courgettes, peas, pea shoots and radishes, this light salad is the perfect way to celebrate the produce of the season. A healthy option, it only takes 15 minutes to prepare and makes for a great takeaway lunch.Serve with our peach & raspberry fruit salad with mascarpone as a simple dessert.

8. Aubergine & chickpea curry

Aubergine & chickpea curry with rice in a white bowl

This aubergine & chickpea curry is a tasty vegan option for a summer main. It's packed full of golden aubergine, fresh tomatoes and hearty chickpeas. The fragrant coconut sauce will please veggies and meat-eaters alike.For more vegan curry inspiration, check out our vegan curry collection.

9. Chicken, baguette & tomatoes with pesto

Tray of baguettes with chicken covered in pesto and vine tomatoes

Our chicken, baguette & tomatoes with pesto is an easy, one-pan dinner to feed the whole family. This hearty chicken dish incorporates chunky pesto and roasted cherry tomatoes. Add additional pesto to taste and top with basil leaves for extra flavour.For more family-friendly, one-pan bakes try our teriyaki salmon & green beans or our sausage, sweet potato & sweetcorn bake.

10. Cauliflower steaks with roasted red pepper & olive salsa

HyperFocal-Cauliflower steaks with roasted red pepper and olive salsa

These cauliflower steaks with roasted red pepper & olive salsa are a healthy, vegan option for a summer night. These gluten-free steaks are perfect as a light main or tasty lunch. The salsa, loaded with roasted red peppers, black olives and capers, packs a real punch. This dish comes together in just 20 minutes.For more in season vegan mains, try our vegan summer collection.

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Enjoyed these summer dinners? Check out even more tasty mains...

Summer chicken recipes
Summer family recipes
Quick summer recipes
Healthy summer recipes
Summer pasta recipes
Vegetarian summer recipes

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