5 Easy Summer Family Dinners You’ll Actually Want to Cook

Summer in Australia calls for food that’s fresh, relaxed and family-friendly. The kind of meals that don’t keep you stuck in the kitchen while the sun’s still shining. When life feels full with school holidays, work, sport and everything in between, having a handful of reliable, easy dinners you can rotate through is an absolute game changer.

This collection of five easy family recipes is all about maximum flavour with minimal fuss. Think one-pan meals, simple prep, crowd-pleasing ingredients and dishes that feel comforting without being too heavy for warmer nights. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining or those evenings when you just want dinner sorted without overthinking it.

You’ll find lightened-up comfort food like One Pan Chicken Breast with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach, which comes together in under 30 minutes and feels indulgent without going overboard. There’s also Tuscan Tortellini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, a creamy, vibrant pasta that still works beautifully in summer thanks to fresh spinach and bold Mediterranean flavours.

For nights when you want something quick, nourishing and kid-approved, Simple Salmon Fried Rice is a winner. It’s packed with veggies, flakes of salmon and a savoury sauce, all made in one pan and perfect for using up leftover rice and keeping things easy. Satay Chicken Bowls with Cucumber Salad & Coconut Rice bring fresh, summery vibes, balancing warm, peanut-marinated chicken with crunchy cucumber salad and fluffy coconut rice.

And while pies are often thought of as winter food, the Slow Cooked Beef & Mushroom Pie earns its place here too. With tender beef and a rich yet balanced filling, it’s ideal for summer nights when served with a crisp green salad and enjoyed at a slower pace.

These recipes are designed to fit real family life. Flexible, forgiving and full of flavour. Whether you’re cooking for kids, friends or just yourself, this is your go-to summer lineup for stress-free dinners that everyone will love.

1

One Pan Chicken Breast With Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach

This one-pan chicken is rich, comforting and surprisingly quick to make, coming together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. The creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce feels indulgent but is perfectly balanced when shared, making it ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or a cosy family meal.

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2

Tuscan Tortellini With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This Tuscan tortellini is creamy yet light enough for warmer days, with pops of flavour from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach and a parmesan finish. It’s an easy, one-pan dinner that feels comforting without being heavy that is perfect for relaxed summer nights or effortless entertaining.

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3

Simple Salmon Fried Rice

This Simple Salmon Fried Rice is a fast, flavour-packed dinner that comes together in one pan and uses everyday ingredients. It’s loaded with veggies, tender flakes of salmon and a savoury-sweet sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fuss-free family meal.

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4

Satay Chicken Bowls With Cucumber Salad & Coconut Rice

These Satay Chicken Bowls are a crowd-pleasing, flavour-packed meal with tender peanut-marinated chicken, fluffy coconut rice and a fresh, crunchy cucumber salad. Finished with a rich, creamy satay sauce, they’re perfect for easy entertaining or a nourishing weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

5

Slow Cooked Beef & Mushroom Pie

This slow cooked beef & mushroom pie brings comfort without feeling too heavy, with tender beef and mushrooms in a rich yet balanced gravy, finished with a crisp, golden pastry top. Perfect for relaxed summer evenings when you want something hearty but still easy to enjoy, especially served with a fresh green salad on the side.