5 Easy Family Friendly Summer Meals~Shopping List Included!

Summer is the perfect time to gather around the table with loved ones and enjoy delicious, wholesome meals together. Here are five easy-to-make, family-friendly dinner recipes that will satisfy everyone's taste buds during those warm summer evenings. We've also included a handy shopping list to make your trip to the grocery store a breeze.

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano), chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
  4. Serve hot with a side of grilled vegetables and rice.

2. Caprese Pasta Salad

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb pasta (penne or fusilli works well)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine.
  4. Serve chilled as a refreshing summer salad.

3. Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cabbage, avocado slices
• Instructions:
  1. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  2. In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the salsa.
  3. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or on a grill until soft and pliable.
  4. Flake fish into pieces and assemble tacos with fish, mango salsa, and optional toppings.

4. BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb pizza dough
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
  2. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  3. Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and sliced red onion.
  4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
  5. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

5. Summer Vegetable Stir-Fry

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Cooked rice or noodles for serving
• Instructions:
  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey. Pour over vegetables and toss to coat.
  5. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles.

Shopping List

• Proteins:
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • White fish fillets (cod or tilapia)
  • Cooked chicken breast (for pizza)
• Vegetables/Fruits:
  • Lemons
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • Fresh basil
  • Mango
  • Red onion
  • Cilantro
  • Bell peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Snap peas
• Dairy:
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pantry:
  • Pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • Corn tortillas
  • Pizza dough
  • BBQ sauce
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Honey
  • Sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper