5 Quick and Easy Summer Meals for Busy Weeknights 

 
Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm 
Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin 
,Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm 
Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

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Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin ,Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo by: Charles Masters

Charles Masters

Warmer weather is here, and that means long, busy days and summer nights spent outside. All this time engaging in outdoor activities leaves less time for cooking, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite summertime dinners that can be made in less than an hour. (Turning on your oven is definitely not required.)

Pappardelle with Corn (pictured above)

Fresh summer corn adds sweetness to this pasta dish with tart tomatoes and fresh basil.

Food Styling: Jamie Kimm
Prop Styling: Marina Malchin

Cajun Shrimp and Rice_8.tif

Food Styling: Jamie Kimm Prop Styling: Marina Malchin,Food Styling: Jamie KimmProp Styling: Marina Malchin

Use up leftover rice from last night’s dinner or takeout to make this healthy dinner from Food Network Magazine.

Chicken Pasta Florentine, as seen on Food Network's The Pioneer Woman.

Chicken Pasta Florentine, as seen on Food Network's The Pioneer Woman.

Ree Drummond’s light chicken pasta tastes like summer, thanks to bursts of cherry tomatoes and wilted baby spinach. Garnish it with Parmesan shavings for a pretty presentation.

Whole Wheat Spaghetti With Lemon, Basil and Salmon

whole-wheat-spaghetti-with-lemon-basil-salmon

Whole Wheat Spaghetti With Lemon, Basil and Salmon

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012, Cooking Channel, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Marshall Troy, 2012, Cooking Channel, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Giada De Laurentiis complements hearty salmon fillets with a bed of baby spinach and whole-wheat pasta in a bright lemon sauce.

Week Night meal in a white dish

Spring Chicken Salad_006.tif

Week Night meal in a white dish

You’ll find a myriad of textures in this salad that combines shredded chicken, cucumber, radish and potatoes. Tossed with a creamy yogurt dressing, it feels like an indulgence.

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