When it’s too hot to cook but you still want something tasty on the table, these 27 low-effort summer meals are just what you need. From refreshing no-cook salads like creamy chicken salad with grapes and dill-packed tuna cucumber salad, to quick skillet tilapia, slow cooker favorites, and zesty tacos, this collection is full of easy meals made for warm-weather nights. You’ll find make-ahead sandwiches, light pasta dishes, seafood foil packets, and laid-back comfort food—all with minimal prep and big flavor. These are the breezy, satisfying dinners you’ll want on repeat all summer long.

Creamy Chicken Salad With Grapes

Four triangular slices of wheat bread sandwiches filled with chicken salad, grapes, and green leafy vegetables on a white plate. The plate rests on a yellow and white striped cloth.
Creamy Chicken Salad With Grapes. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

A light and fruity option perfect on croissants or crackers. This chicken salad with grapes is a perfect blend of sweet and savory! Tender chicken pairs with juicy grapes, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing for a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Salad With Grapes

Lemon Garlic Chicken (Slow Cooker)

A white scalloped plate with creamy pasta topped with a seasoned chicken breast, garnished with lemon slices and parsley. The dish is placed on a light background with a yellow and white checkered cloth beside it.
Lemon Garlic Chicken (Slow Cooker). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Indulge in this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe smothered in a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Only 15 minutes of prep.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken (Slow Cooker)

Quick Lemon Butter Tilapia

Lemon butter tilapia
Quick Lemon Butter Tilapia. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Enjoy this lemon butter tilapia in a pan, which is infused with a hint of tart lemon, cilantro, and sweet, creamy butter that creates a delicious dinner for your family. The best part is, it only takes 10 minutes to make this main dish.
Get The Recipe: Quick Lemon Butter Tilapia

Ham and Cheese Croissants

A plate of golden-brown croissant sandwiches filled with ham and melted cheese. The croissants are sprinkled with poppy seeds. A blue and white striped cloth is partially visible on the side.
Ham and Cheese Croissants. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This ham and cheese croissants recipe is perfect for a party or big family gathering. Start by whipping up a quick homemade honey mustard in just 2 minutes. Then, assemble the croissants on a large sheet pan, toast them in the oven, and enjoy warm, melty sandwiches topped with a honey-poppy seed glaze.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Croissants

Easiest Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe With Mayo

extra creamy chicken salad on rye bread
Easiest Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe With Mayo. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This delicious chicken salad recipe is quick and easy to make, with creamy mayonnaise dressing, crunchy celery, and tender chicken perfectly seasoned for a quick lunch or picnic spread! Ready in 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Easiest Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe With Mayo

Pulled BBQ Chicken (Instant Pot)

bbq chicken sandwich on a bun
Pulled BBQ Chicken (Instant Pot). Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Need BBQ in a hurry? Try using your Instant Pot to create this delicious and quick-to-make Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe. This pulled chicken recipe is perfect for sandwiches, BBQ plates, or tacos in just 30 minutes.
Get The Recipe: Pulled BBQ Chicken (Instant Pot)

Creamy Chicken With Ranch (Crock Pot)

A plate of creamy chicken alfredo pasta garnished with shredded cheese and green onions. A fork is lifting a portion of the dish. The plate rests on a blue and white striped cloth.
Creamy Chicken With Ranch (Crock Pot). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken With Ranch Recipe is a simple to make, yummy recipe that combines cream cheese, zesty ranch seasoning with tender, juicy chicken for a meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken With Ranch (Crock Pot)

Tuna Cucumber Salad

A bowl of tuna salad topped with cucumber slices. The salad contains chopped celery and is garnished with lettuce leaves. The dish is served in a white bowl on a red and white striped cloth.
Tuna Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This refreshing and light cucumber tuna salad with dill is perfect for a quick lunch, potluck, or even a healthy snack. It combines crunchy cucumber, tender tuna, and the fresh flavor of dill, creating a low-carb, protein-packed meal ready in just 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Cucumber Salad

Creamy & Delicious Egg Salad (Masters)

egg salad masters recipe
Creamy & Delicious Egg Salad (Masters). Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

Creamy, simple, and ideal for making sandwiches or sliders. The Masters Egg Salad Sandwich is a cherished tradition at the Augusta National Golf Club, known for its simplicity and delightful flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy & Delicious Egg Salad (Masters)

Creole Cajun Chicken and Gravy (Crock Pot)

cajun chicken
Creole Cajun Chicken and Gravy (Crock Pot). Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This rich Cajun Chicken and Gravy is loaded with flavorful gravy and tender chicken breasts. Creole cuisine has never been so easy. Just pan-sear your chicken and finish this dish in a Crock Pot for a meal that needs 15 minutes of prep time and almost no effort at all. Great for a dinner party or a family night.
Get The Full Recipe: Creole Cajun Chicken and Gravy (Crock Pot)

Pimento Cheese Sandwich (Masters)

masters pimento cheese
Pimento Cheese Sandwich (Masters). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Make the Masters Pimento Cheese Recipe. This creamy, tangy pimento cheese sandwich is perfect for any golf fan or Southern food lover.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sandwich (Masters)

Tuscan Chicken (Crock Pot)

A bowl of rotini pasta with sliced chicken, spinach, tomatoes, creamy sauce, and grated cheese, served on a red plate. A fork holds a piece of chicken above the dish.
Tuscan Chicken (Crock Pot). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare with minimal effort. Made with tender chicken, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan, it’s perfect for casual family dinners or hosting guests with ease. Enjoy it over pasta or potatoes for a flavorful, crowd pleasing meal that brings people together.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Chicken (Crock Pot)

Delicious Fish Tacos

Two soft tacos filled with creamy coleslaw, topped with avocado slices and cilantro, served with a lime wedge and extra coleslaw on a white speckled plate.
Delicious Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest

Healthy and super delicious Fish Tacos that require zero frying! Make a fish taco slaw to go on top for a dinner made in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Fish Tacos

Chicken In Green Salsa Recipe

chicken verde over rice
Chicken In Green Salsa Recipe. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

A delicious and easy Pollo Verde Over Rice highlighting a fresh roasted salsa verde. A step-by-step guide will show you how to make this mouth-watering Pollo Verde dish with a simple and quick tangy salsa verde recipe.
Get The Full Recipe: Chicken In Green Salsa Recipe

Vegan Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes

Spaghetti with fresh roasted cherry tomatoes on top and basil
Vegan Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes is a simple vegan recipe that is full of delicious Italian flavors and a touch of spice. When you make this recipe, your home will be filled with the aroma of roasted garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, just like an Italian grandma’s kitchen.
Get The Full Recipe: Vegan Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes

Chicken Tacos (Crock Pot)

Crock pot chicken for taco meat
Chicken Tacos (Crock Pot). Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Spice up your taco dinner with this authentic Mexican crockpot chicken tacos recipe. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these tacos are delicious and easy to prep in under 5 minutes. 
Get The Full Recipe: Chicken Tacos (Crock Pot)

Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Crock Pot)

A bowl of creamy white pasta topped with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes. The dish is served on a blue ceramic plate, with a sprig of fresh parsley and a grater with cheese nearby on a checkered cloth.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Crock Pot). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

If you’re looking for a dish that’s going to taste delicious and is easy to make, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Crockpot recipe is the answer! With tender chicken, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, and a touch of basil and oregano, this meal is sure to wow your guests and make your house smell amazing.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Crock Pot)

Panzanella Bread Salad With Garden Tomatoes

cherry tomato bread salad
Panzanella Bread Salad With Garden Tomatoes. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

Easy Panzanella Bread Salad is loaded with crusty bread, cherry tomatoes, green olives, capers, fresh basil, then lightly tossed with a dressing of fresh garlic, olive oil, anchovies, and red wine vinegar.
Get The Full Recipe: Panzanella Bread Salad With Garden Tomatoes

Tender Chicken Parmesan (Slow Cooker)

A plate of spaghetti topped with homemade chicken parmesan, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh basil leaves. The dish is served on a red and white plate, with a grater and a striped cloth napkin in the background.
Tender Chicken Parmesan (Slow Cooker). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan Recipe takes tender chicken breasts, coats them in Panko bread crumbs, and cooks them with marinara in a slow cooker. It is perfect for those wanting a restaurant-quality meal without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Tender Chicken Parmesan (Slow Cooker)

Sweet & Juicy Chicken Tocino (Crock Pot)

Sweet and sour chicken with rice and fried egg
Sweet & Juicy Chicken Tocino (Crock Pot). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

his simple slow cooker recipe for easy chicken tocino is sweet and tangy, and can be served any time of the day. Made with a simple homemade marinade and a quick and easy replacement for annatto powder, you can make this economical recipe in minutes (while it bubbles away in the Crock Pot all afternoon). Perfect for hosting guests or making a quick and easy family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Juicy Chicken Tocino (Crock Pot)

Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel Tomatoes (Slow Cooker)

A bowl of creamy chicken spaghetti with shredded cheddar cheese on top. Spaghetti noodles are mixed with a cheesy sauce and diced tomatoes. A fork is lifting a portion of the dish. A red napkin and small bowls are in the background.
Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel Tomatoes (Slow Cooker). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful comfort food the whole family will love! This easy slow cooker recipe uses tender chicken, Rotel tomatoes, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy sauce made with canned soup and cream cheese. With just 10 minutes of prep, the crockpot does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: EChicken Spaghetti with Rotel Tomatoes (Slow Cooker)

Easy Pork Chops and Gravy (Crock Pot)

Pork chops and gravy over mashed potatoes
Easy Pork Chops and Gravy (Crock Pot). Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This simple crock pot pork chops recipe requires only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of preparation! With no effort, you can serve saucy crock pot pork chops that will be a hit with both kids and adults alike. 
Get The Recipe: Easy Pork Chops and Gravy (Crock Pot)

Cuban Quinoa Bowl Recipe

cuban bowl with toppings
Cuban Quinoa Bowl Recipe. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

This Cuban Quinoa Bowl is packed with flavor thanks to a variety of vegetables, grains, and seasoning. There are sweet potatoes, quinoa, black beans, salad with tomatoes, and smashed avocados all topped with a creamy cashew sazon dressing.
Get The Full Recipe: Cuban Quinoa Bowl Recipe

4-Ingredient Chicken with Stuffing (Slow Cooker)

Four ingredient baked chicken with stuffing
4-Ingredient Chicken with Stuffing (Slow Cooker). Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Don’t worry about dinner if you have a busy day ahead of you. This easy 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken With Stuffing is the perfect make-ahead slow cooker meal. Plus, it’s an easy crock-pot chicken recipe that is very budget-friendly and a great way to feed the entire family.
Get The Full Recipe: 4-Ingredient Chicken with Stuffing (Slow Cooker)

Shrimp Carbonara with Grilled Corn Recipe

A close-up of a skillet filled with spaghetti, shrimp, corn, and crumbled bacon, garnished with chopped herbs.
Shrimp Carbonara with Grilled Corn Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage

Follow these easy make-ahead steps for shrimp carbonara with grilled corn (it doesn’t have to be grilled) and bacon. Pasta water helps create the perfect sauce along with eggs, garlic and red pepper flakes forming the base to a fabulous shrimp dinner. Fresh basil and parmesan pull it all together.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Carbonara with Grilled Corn Recipe

Tomato Pie

A baked tomato tart in a white dish on a wooden surface. The tart is topped with sliced red and yellow tomatoes, chopped herbs, and small cheese pieces. A bunch of fresh basil and a white cloth are in the background.
Tomato Pie. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest

Southern Tomato Pie is simply layers of fresh garden tomatoes, shallots, basil and a delicious cheese mixture in a pie crust and baked until golden and bubbly. This savory side dish or appetizer is one of the best ways to use up some of your fresh garden tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Pie

Seafood Foil Packets

A foil packet filled with cooked shrimp, sliced sausage, and corn on the cob pieces, seasoned with spices and garnished with fresh herbs.
Seafood Foil Packets. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage

Seafood foil packets is a classic dish for those looking to enjoy quality seafood while staying on budget. It’s easy, quick, and oh so delicious.
Get the Full Recipe: Seafood Foil Packets

33 No-Grill-Needed Memorial Day Meals for Apartment Dwellers

dry rub wings in oven
33 No-Grill-Needed Memorial Day Meals. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

No grill? No problem! These Memorial Day meals are perfect for apartment dwellers or anyone skipping the backyard BBQ this year. From sticky oven-baked honey rub wings and fall-apart tender pulled pork to creamy crockpot mac and cheese, zesty salads, and irresistible no-bake desserts, this collection has all the bold flavors and festive vibes of a cookout—without stepping foot outside. Think slow cooker favorites, oven-baked classics, and make-ahead sides that take the stress out of hosting and leave more time for relaxing. If you’re craving BBQ flavors, crowd-pleasing sides, and sweet summer treats without firing up a grill, you’re going to want to see every single one of these recipes. Get All The Recipes: 33 No-Grill-Needed Memorial Day Meals for Apartment Dwellers