5 Delicious Summer Recipes in Under 30 Minutes

As a dietitian, teens and parents often ask me for quick recipe ideas. I’m sharing five of my favourites – simple and delicious recipes that I think are perfect for busy summer schedules. These recipes can serve the whole family. They’re an excellent choice if you’re looking for something with minimal meal prep or you’re new to cooking.

Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Tomatoes:

This recipe is really simple and ideal for a busy summer evening. It can be enjoyed hot or cold. Using pre-prepared pesto reduces the cooking time dramatically. If you have a sous-vide, I suggest cooking a boneless, skinless chicken breast and adding it to your pasta. Otherwise, you can purchase rotisserie chicken or packaged cooked chicken.

Check out Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Tomatoes recipe

Slow-cooker Mediterranean Quinoa with Arugula:

Don’t be fooled by the long cook time! Most of it is effortless with the slow cooker. I love this recipe as a quick vegetarian lunch. I suggest adding vegetables of choice – I opted for olives, avocado and zucchini and skipped the canned roasted red peppers because I found them to be too strong.

Check out Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Quinoa with Arugula recipe here

Chili Tomato and Prawn Pasta:

This is an easy weeknight recipe if you’re in the mood for a little heat. I suggest buying pre-peeled shrimp to reduce the preparation time.

Check out Chilli tomato and prawn pasta recipe here

Brazilian Coconut Chickpea Curry:

This recipe can be made in large batches and freezes well for a leftover meal. It makes for a great lunch or light dinner. I usually serve this with basmati rice. What I love about this recipe is that you don’t need too many spices or steps to make this dish burst with flavour.

Check out Brazilian Coconut Chickpea Curry recipe here

Tuna Poke Bowl:

This simple and inexpensive poke bowl is an easy-throw-together summer lunch or dinner. I suggest preparing the dressing in advance and chopping the cilantro and green onions (they will keep for a few days in the fridge) to save on time. This healthy and protein-packed meal can be ready in a few quick minutes!

Check out Tuna Poke Bowl recipe here

Cooking healthy and tasty meals don’t need to be complicated or stressful. Teens and parents alike can try these recipes at home. Try something different, experiment with new flavours and ingredients to shake up your summer eating!