Our Favorite July Weeknight Dinner Recipes
Is it just us, or is July is THE month summer starts to feel real? With June’s summer solstice behind us, the clock 'til Labor Day’s ticking, so soak it all up now. Join us as we BBQ up a storm, take all our meals outdoors (picnics! beach days! camping!), and eat as much summer produce as we can. We’ve got 40 recipes to help inspire you to make dinner this July—one for every day of the month, and then some.
We’ve included a good mix of entirely new recipes here, like our smash burger tacos, our kibbeh-spiced lamb skewers, and our queso mac & cheese, as well as some old favorites, like our shrimp & snow pea stir-fry, our Tex-Mex chicken fajita foil packs, and our pineapple bun burgers. Craving something extra full of all the best summer fruits and veggies? Try our grilled stuffed peppers, our grilled zucchini carbonara, our creamy tomato pasta with burrata, or our peach balsamic grilled chicken. Want an easy summer comfort food meal? Our summer stuffed shells, our pierogi casserole, or our tater tot chicken pot pie are always winners. Feeling overwhelmed by all the grilled meats this time of year and want more meatless options? Our black bean tostadas, our BBQ pulled mushrooms, or our zucchini lasagna roll-ups will hit the spot.
We’re also taking inspiration from the BIG holiday in July—Independence Day. There’s no better time to throw a big party, whether you’re celebrating this country or are just in it for the fireworks. Check out our giant party sub, our chicken burgers, or our smash burger tacos for twists on classics that’ll make your BBQ stand out from the rest. Want even more inspiration? Peruse our galleries of our best 4th of July appetizers, side dishes, and red, white & blue desserts too.
Smash Burger Tacos
These fully loaded smash burger tacos are the ultimate comfort food hybrid with a crispy, juicy, thin beef patty, melty American cheese, and all the classic burger fixings loaded onto a toasted flour tortilla. You’ll never have to choose between burger night or taco night again!
Get the Smash Burger Tacos recipe.
Giant Party Sub
Looking for the most creative and GENIUS way to feed your party guests? Let us introduce this giant party sub that uses a simple hack of baking bread in a Bundt pan to turn a classic sandwich into a party centerpiece that will steal the show at any picnic or summer potluck this July.
Get the Giant Party Sub recipe.
Burger Bowls
Craving a juicy cheeseburger but not the mandatory nap that comes with it? This cheesy, saucy, veggie-packed burger bowl is your solution. These bowls are just as versatile as an actual burger, so have fun with your preferred toppings too.
Get the Burger Bowls recipe.
Kibbeh-Spiced Lamb Skewers
Cooking these on the grill gives a nice char to the meat, but apartment dwellers can nix the charcoal and use a broiler or skillet. Homemade tzatziki is super-easy to put together, but store-bought can make this recipe even quicker.
Get the Kibbeh-Spiced Lamb Skewers recipe.
Chicken Burgers
Excuse us while we say our goodbyes to beef burgers forever (JK, we’ll always love a classic burger). But can we talk about how good a chicken burger can be when it’s done right? Holy smokes, Batman. Far from dry or bland, this chicken burger is juicy, flavorful, and oh-so satisfying when that burger craving hits.
Get the Chicken Burgers recipe.
BBQ Pulled Mushrooms
Chewy, sticky, and satisfyingly meaty without any of the meat, this recipe is so hearty we believe it could convince even the biggest of mushroom haters that these veggie heroes aren't so bad after all. Plus, they're fab for vegan BBQ guests, and they come together in less than an hour!
Get the BBQ Pulled Mushrooms recipe.
Salmon Tacos
The first thing you might think of when you hear the words "fish tacos"are probably Baja-style tacos filled with crispy fried fish. But tacos can be made with all manner of marine life, from shrimp to salmon! These tacos are cinch to make and are fresh, zesty, and absolutely delicious.
Get the Salmon Tacos recipe.
Queso Mac & Cheese
Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth with this creamy, spicy mac & cheese. Serve this side dish alongside hot dog tacos for a twist that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
Get the Queso Mac & Cheese recipe.
Creamed Spinach Stuffed Salmon
The best way to upgrade your salmon? Stuff it (with plenty of cheese). We're big fans of packing our salmon full of flavor (we're looking at you, creamy Cajun-stuffed salmon), but this recipe is a classic one we return to again and again.
Get the Creamed Spinach Stuffed Salmon recipe.
Croissant Hot Dogs
We love the richness of a charred hot dog inside of a flakey and buttery croissant. Top it with mustard, and it tastes just like a pig-in-a-blanket—it’s your favorite finger food turned life-size!
Get the Croissant Hot Dogs recipe.
Pierogi Casserole
Looking for a comforting yet innovative dish to impress your guests or family, without too much work on your part? This easy-to-make casserole takes frozen potato pierogi to the next level with layers of spinach, sausage, and cheese that will leave everyone craving more.
Get the Pierogi Casserole recipe.
Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Want an easy chicken recipe that screams summer without having to fire up the grill? Look no further! Dripping with a buttery sauce made from fresh summer herbs, nutty Parmesan, and punchy garlic, these skewers are made in the air fryer and are ready in just 30 minutes—no grill required.
Get the Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe.
McDonald's Filet-O-Fish
Remember that bizarre McDonald’s commercial with the Big Mouth Bass singing, “Gimme that Filet-O-Fish”? Now you have the opportunity to make the iconic sandwich at home! Crispy fried fish, a slice of American cheese, and zesty tartar sauce layered on a toasted potato bun all combine to create this fast food staple.
Get the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish recipe.
Summer Stuffed Shells
Who said summer dinners can’t be cozy? These stuffed shells are bursting with seasonal flavor from sweet corn, zucchini, and basil, but they also hit the comfort food spot thanks to the cheesy, rich ricotta.
Get the Summer Stuffed Shells recipe.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
While you might prefer your uncle’s recipe or your grandmother’s, lots of Americans really love the meatloaf sold at Cracker Barrel restaurants. Made with ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, a sweet–tangy ketchup glaze, and more, this Cracker Barrel copycat version is well worth making.
Get the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe.
Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
Switch up your classic lasagna recipe for this lighter, summer-worthy dinner that doesn't sacrifice on any of the flavor or richness. Instead of lasagna noodles, we use zucchini wrapped around creamy ricotta. All baked in marinara sauce, this summer dinner is a must-have to add to your rotation.
Get the Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe.
Creamy Chicken & Corn Skillet
With toasty corn kernels, crisp, smoky bacon, and a creamy, herby sauce, this simple skillet dinner proves that there's nothing this duo can’t do. Since the chicken and corn are so hearty on their own, all you’ll need to complete the meal is your favorite summer veggie side.
Get the Creamy Chicken & Corn Skillet recipe.
Black Bean Tostadas
During busy summer weeknights, we can't get enough of quick, easy, and cheap dinners. With only 5 ingredients and less than 30 minutes, these black bean tostadas will have you serving up an easy and delicious vegetarian dinner on the table with hardly any work at all.
Get the Black Bean Tostadas recipe.
Burrata Pizza Sandwiches
Here you've got a super crusty sandwich (made of pizza dough!) stuffed with creamy burrata, salty prosciutto, sweet fig jam, and peppery arugula. Drizzle with olive oil and allow for drips through the crevices as you devour.
Get the Burrata Pizza Sandwiches recipe.
Creamy Feta & Tomato Chicken
The key to flavor success here is building it right in the skillet. Start with cooking bacon, then use the bacon fat to sear the chicken. Then create depth in your tomato sauce with cherry AND sun-dried tomatoes. Finally end with a sprinkle of feta to give each bite perfect balance.
Get the Creamy Feta & Tomato Chicken recipe.
Grilled Zucchini Carbonara
Grilled zucchini carbonara is a combination of cheesy, lemony egg yolk-enriched sauce, al dente spaghetti, and charred zucchini bits that melt into the dish. Try it once and we have a feeling you might keep this recipe on your July dinner rotation.
Get the Grilled Zucchini Carbonara recipe.
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
While we have plenty of favorite protein + veggie combinations, these Hawaiian chicken skewers just might be one of our favorites. With sweet pineapple, chicken, red bell peppers, and onion all basted in a sweet teriyaki-style sauce, these skewers are the ultimate summer dinner.
Get the Hawaiian Chicken Skewers recipe.
Peach Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Grilling fruit brings out its juicy sweetness, and while you can always go the sweet route with your grilled peaches, they're just as good paired with this balsamic chicken. Serve it with a simple farro salad for the freshest summer meal this July.
Get the Peach Balsamic Grilled Chicken recipe.
Harissa Grilled Chicken
In the world of powerhouse pantry staples, harissa is a flavor bomb. We’re no strangers to its magic here at Delish—we've already stirred it into clams and aioli, and used it to spice up turkey breast and meatballs—and now we’re tapping it again for this easy, throw-together marinade for grilled chicken.
Get the Harissa Grilled Chicken recipe.
Steamed Clams with Bacon, Corn, & Basil
Sorry fancy restaurants, the secret is out: Steamed clams are SO easy to make at home. Here, they're paired with crispy bacon, fresh sweet corn kernels, and a glug of heavy cream for a decadent sauce, perfect for dunking grilled sourdough bread into.
Get the Steamed Clams with Bacon, Corn, & Basil recipe.
Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets
In these foil packs, a heap of veggies (there are potatoes, onions, and bell peppers) and tender nuggets of boneless, skinless chicken thighs are all flavored with delicious fajita spices. Though potatoes aren't traditionally served with fajitas, here they're a welcome addition (they help soak up ALL the flavor).
Get the Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets recipe.
Grilled Swordfish With Hazelnut Miso Sauce
These swordfish steaks, shallots, and radishes are simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. After a quick-ish grill, they are dressed with a nutty, salty, sweet, and umami-packed hazelnut miso sauce that will blow your mind.
Get the Grilled Swordfish With Hazelnut Miso Sauce recipe.
Grilled Stuffed Peppers
Why grill your stuffed peppers? Because it’s summer and we want to be outside! Don’t stay indoors and turn on the hot oven. Instead, step outside to the grill and take advantage of the great weather and the nice smoky charred flavor grilling brings to this classic comfort dish.
Get the Grilled Stuffed Peppers recipe.
Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
The awkward shape of chicken drumsticks can make it tough to get an evenly brown color on all sides—especially when grilling—leaving some of the skin pale and unappetizing. The solution for even and quick cooking is the same as it is with almost any other meat: Butterfly it!
Get the Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks recipe.
Creamy Tomato Pasta With Burrata
A classic tomato sauce is made even better with a bit of cream and a delicious topping of burrata. The cherry tomatoes add a bit of sweetness to the sauce and make it feel fresher. It tastes too good to be as easy as it is, and that’s just what we want for a weeknight pasta dinner.
Get the Creamy Tomato Pasta With Burrata recipe.
Pineapple Bun Burgers
Burgers get a tropical—and low-carb!—makeover when slices of charred pineapple replace the buns. We paired ours with bacon and pepper Jack, but feel free to customize them how you like.
Get the Pineapple Bun Burgers recipe.
Salmon & Potato Skillet
While the potatoes here cook, the salmon takes a quick bath in an easy marinade that will double as cooking fat in this simple dish. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and filling meal that can be customized every time you make it.
Get the Salmon & Potato Skillet recipe.
Grilled Steak Salad
This salad is simple enough for a weeknight but worthy of planning a get-together around, thanks to its star ingredient—ribeye steak. You’ll grill it (and red onions), then combine it with cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, basil, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic dressing, turning it into an impressive-but-secretly-easy dish.
Get the Grilled Steak Salad recipe.
Shrimp & Snow Pea Stir-Fry
This shrimp dinner is the perfect fix for a busy July weeknight. Only 5 ingredients and 1 skillet, and you’re on your way to a satisfying stir-fry in under an hour. Make it as is, or customize it based on what you have on hand.
Get the Shrimp & Snow Pea Stir-Fry recipe.
Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie
Wondering what could possibly make a classic chicken pot pie even more delicious? Enter: tater tots! No fussing with pie crusts here—just a crunchy, seasoned potato in every bite.
Get the Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie recipe.
Creamy Basil Chicken Skillet With Corn & Tomato
This dish is like summer in a skillet, thanks to just-burst cherry tomatoes, kernels of sweet summer corn, and basil-topped chicken breasts. Definitely make sure to drizzle every last drop of the garlicky cream sauce over your plate, it's one of the best parts.
Get the Creamy Basil Chicken Skillet With Corn & Tomato recipe.
Peach Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Grilling fruit will bring out its juicy sweetness, and while you can always go the sweet route with your grilled peaches, they're just as good paired with this sweet and tangy balsamic chicken.
Get the Peach Balsamic Grilled Chicken recipe.
Balsamic Grilled Steak Salad With Peaches
Peppery arugula is the perfect vessel for this savory-sweet combo, and you just can't beat ripe, juicy peaches come summertime. We love this with funky blue cheese crumbles, but you can use feta too if you prefer.
Get the Balsamic Grilled Steak Salad With Peaches recipe.
Turkey Zucchini Enchilada Casserole
There are few things zucchini can't do, it seems. Here, the summer squash is standing in for corn tortillas in this lightened-up enchilada-inspired summer casserole.
Get the Turkey Zucchini Enchilada Casserole recipe.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Though we'll always love a classic, tomato-based gazpacho, the addition of watermelon gives the soup a delicious subtle sweetness we can't get enough of. Full of juicy, bright fruits and veggies, this no-cook soup is equal parts satisfying and refreshing.
Get the Watermelon Gazpacho recipe.
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