Clean Food Summer Dinner Recipes

A refreshing quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado, perfect for summer—discover the secret to a light, flavorful dinner.

Share your Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

These summer dinner recipes are fresh, easy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for warm evenings.

You’ll love how simple they’re to whip up while still feeling special.

Quick and effortless – Most dishes come together in under 30 minutes, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the sunshine.

Bright, vibrant flavors – Think juicy tomatoes, crisp herbs, and zesty dressings that taste like summer on a plate.

Healthy but satisfying – Loaded with seasonal veggies and lean proteins, these meals keep you feeling light yet totally nourished.

Recipe

fresh summer quinoa salad

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, clean, and light meals that are both nourishing and satisfying.

This recipe focuses on vibrant, seasonal ingredients that come together to create a delicious dinner option. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, it’s an ideal dish for warm evenings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red onion, and parsley.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes:

For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.

You can also substitute quinoa with brown rice or farro.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serving: 4

Calories: 320 per serving

Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

This recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for a light summer dinner. Enjoy the fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients!

Nutrition

These clean food summer dinner recipes are packed with nutrients to keep you energized. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories350 kcal
Protein25g
Carbs30g
Fiber8g
Fat12g
Sodium400mg

What To Serve With It

Pairing these clean summer dinners with the right sides can turn a simple meal into something special.

I love serving grilled vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant—with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs. They’re easy, colorful, and packed with flavor.

A light quinoa salad is another go-to, tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s invigorating and adds a protein boost.

Sometimes, I’ll throw in a slice of crusty whole-grain bread for a little extra crunch.

These sides keep things simple but delicious, making every bite feel like summer on a plate.

Share your Recipe