Lightened-Up Summer Dinner Recipes - Rachael Ray Every Day

    5 Fresh Dinners for Hot Summer Nights

    The last thing you want on a hot, humid night is a heavy dinner weighing you down. Avoid the heat in the kitchen and try these light and easy summer meals this week.
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    Monday: Chopped Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing

    chopped salad with creamy lime dressing

    Mondays don't have to be hard. Make this one easy with a simple, flavorful salad.

    Recipe: Try our Chopped Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing

    Tuesday: Lettuce Wrap Gyros with Chicken & Green Tzatziki

    lettuce wrap gyros with chicken green tzatziki

    Lettuce boats are a great substitute for wraps to make the meal a little lighter and more refreshing.

    Recipe: Try our Lettuce Wrap Gyros with Chicken & Green Tzatziki

    Wednesday: Mediterranean Veg Wedge

    Mediterranean Veg Wedge

    This Wednesday, we're making veggie-packed sammies for dinner. They're easy, tasty and hearty so you're satisfied, but not too full.

    Recipe: Try our Mediterranean Veg Wedge

    Thursday: Thai Pesto with Rice Noodles & Shrimp

    thai pesto with ride noodles shrimp

    You will not believe how good this peanut-y Asian pesto is. Top it on some rice noodles and add shrimp for protein and texture.

    Recipe: Try our Thai Pesto with Rice Noodles & Shrimp

    Friday: Cod with Eggplant, Tomatoes & Basil

    cod with eggplant tomatoes and basil

    Head to your local farmer's market for some fresh cherry tomatoes, eggplant and basil to make this dinner all the more delish.

    Recipe: Try our Cod with Eggplant, Tomatoes & Basil

    Shopping List

    For the Chopped Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing

    • 1/3 cup mayo
    • 2 tbsp. buttermilk
    • Lime
    • 2 romaine hearts
    • 1 English hothouse cucumber
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
    • 2 cups jicama
    • 2 avocados

    For the Lettuce Wrap Gyros with Chicken & Green Tzatziki

    • 2 lemons
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • EVOO
    • Sumac or sweet paprika and sweet smoked paprika, combined
    • Dried oregano
    • Ground coriander
    • Ground cumin
    • 4 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breast or sustainable firm white fish
    • Salt and pepper
    • 1/2 seedless cucumber
    • Greek yogurt
    • Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
    • Mint
    • Dill
    • 2 large romaine hearts
    • Optional: pepperoncini and tomatoes

    For the Mediterranean Veg Wedge

    • 1 large eggplant
    • 2 medium zucchini
    • 1 red onion
    • EVOO
    • 1 round, rustic loaf (about 1 lb.)
    • Black olive tapenade
    • 1 tomato
    • Arugula
    • 4 thin slices provolone

    For the Thai Pesto with Rice Noodles & Shrimp

    • Cilantro tops (leaves with tender sprigs)
    • Fresh Thai basil leaves
    • A handful fresh mint leaves
    • Peanut butter
    • Peanut or canola oil
    • Fish sauce
    • 2-3 large cloves garlic
    • 1-2 small fresh red Thai chiles
    • 1-in. piece ginger
    • 1 lime
    • Brown sugar
    • 1 lb. large shrimp--peeled, deveined
    • Black pepper
    • 8 oz. rice noodles
    • 1/2 small head iceberg lettuce

    For the Cod with Eggplant, Tomatoes & Basil

    • EVOO
    • 5 cloves garlic
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
    • Salt and pepper
    • 1 eggplant (1 lb.)
    • 3/4 lb. skinless cod fillet
    • Fresh basil