On The Menu the 4th Week Of June

Happy summer! This week’s dinner menu plan is packed with 50 delicious recipes to make your weeknights easier and even tastier.

Happy official summer! There is something about this time of year that just puts everyone in a good mood, and that energy carries right into the kitchen. Summer is in full culinary swing with beautiful produce at the farm markets, longer evenings on the patio, and so many wonderful reasons to gather around the table.

One of the best things you can do for yourself this season is have a plan for dinner. When you know what is on the menu for the week, everything feels calmer and more enjoyable. No more standing in front of the refrigerator at 5 o’clock wondering what to make! This week’s menu has 48 delicious recipes to choose from, so whether you follow it day by day or mix and match to suit your family, there is plenty of inspiration to keep dinner fresh and exciting all week long.

Isn’t this a beautiful dinner? And it comes together in about 20 minutes, which makes it exactly my kind of meal for a busy Monday!

We love all the bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors in this pasta. It is so satisfying and so simple.

To round out the meal, we like to serve crusty bread with a quick herbed olive oil for dipping.

To make the dipping oil, combine 1/3 cup olive oil with a good pinch of dried oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add 1 to 2 finely crushed cloves of fresh garlic, mix well, and serve in a small dish. It tastes just like the dipping oil you get at a good Italian restaurant!

I also love this oil drizzled over pasta or served alongside grilled fish or chicken. It is wonderfully versatile and takes just minutes to pull together.

🌿 TIP BOX: This dipping oil doubles beautifully as a quick pasta sauce. Toss it with hot pasta, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an almost instant weeknight dinner.

Mediterranean Pasta

Arugula Salad With Shaved Parmesan, Pepitas, In A Lemon Vinaigrette

Crusty Bread with Olive Dipping Oil (recipe above)

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I love salmon cakes. I ate them as a child, and they hold such a warm place in my heart. But these Air Fryer Salmon Cakes are nothing like the ones from years ago. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor!

If you have never tried salmon cakes, or have not had them since childhood, this is the recipe that will win you over.

And please do not skip the homemade tartar sauce. It takes just minutes to make and is so much better than anything you will find in a jar.

🌿 TIP BOX: Canned salmon works beautifully in this recipe. Look for wild-caught salmon for the best flavor. Drain it well, but keep the bones; they are so full of calcium. Smash them into the salmon with a fork to crush them and then mix the salmon into the cakes.

Delicious Air Fryer Salmon Cakes With Homemade Tartar Sauce

Lemon Orzo

Honey Mustard Coleslaw

Fresh Tomato Slices

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These Baked Chicken Legs with Garlic and Dijon are the kind of recipe you will make on repeat. The chicken comes out deeply flavorful and beautifully browned. A classic Dill Pickle Potato Salad and a crisp Wedge Salad round out the meal nicely, and a homemade Strawberry Cobbler makes a sweet and easy finish to the evening.

This is such an easy, unfussy meal to share with friends. Everything comes together without a lot of effort, which means more time at the table enjoying good company.

For an extra layer of flavor, try this balsamic marinade on the drumsticks. Whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, the juice of one lemon, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 finely minced cloves of fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 to 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. It also makes a wonderful drizzle over grilled vegetables. This one is a keeper!

🌿 TIP BOX: Make the balsamic marinade the night before and let the chicken legs soak overnight in the refrigerator. The longer they marinate, the deeper and more delicious the flavor will be.

Baked Chicken Legs With Garlic And Dijon

Dill Pickle Potato Salad

Classic Wedge Salad

Easy Homemade Strawberry Cobbler

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We are big chili fans around here, and when I need something warm and comforting, this is the recipe I turn to. I make it on the stovetop and let it simmer low and slow, so all those delicious flavors have time to come together. We serve it in large, shallow bowls with sour cream, chopped red onion, grated cheddar, and a handful of crispy air-fryer tortilla strips on top.

Those tortilla strips are so easy to make. Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees. Stack 4 tortillas and cut them into strips with a pair of scissors. Toss them lightly in oil and air fry in single-layer batches for about 4 minutes, turning halfway through, until lightly golden. Sprinkle with a little salt and serve right away.

Baked Ranch Rice and a Southwestern Salad round out this meal nicely.

🌿 TIP BOX: Chili always tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to settle and deepen. Make a big pot and plan on leftovers. It reheats wonderfully on the stovetop over low heat.

Easy and Classic Chili

Baked Ranch Rice

Southwestern Salad

All the Fixins

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Oven-baked ribs are so easy and turn out wonderfully tender. We often finish them on the grill to give them a smoky flavor and a bit of char. It is such a simple technique that makes them feel really special. A classic baked potato alongside makes this a satisfying and easy Friday night dinner.

And if you make one thing this week, let it be the Panzanella Salad. I could eat it every day all summer long. Those big chunks of crusty bread soaking up all that tomato and vinaigrette are just irresistible.

🌿 TIP BOX: To get the best panzanella, let the bread sit in the dressing for up to 10 minutes before serving. The bread absorbs all those wonderful flavors, and the whole salad comes together beautifully.

Oven Roasted Country-Style Ribs

Restaurant-Style Baked Potatoes

Panzanella Salad: Tuscan Bread Salad

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I love a dinner where I don’t have to be in the kitchen tending to things when company arrives. This Crack Chicken Roll Up Lasagna is perfect for exactly that. I can assemble everything ahead of time, have it in the oven when company comes, and then just put the finishing touches on it before we sit down. A Caesar Salad with homemade dressing alongside is all it needs.

For dessert, I am making a Sour Cherry Galette. It is my go-to dessert when friends come for dinner. I always get rave reviews, and the crust gets the most compliments every single time. The beauty of a galette is that it is rustic and forgiving, and it works beautifully with almost any fruit. Cherries are coming in at our local farm market right now, so that is exactly what I am putting in this one.

🌿 TIP BOX: A galette crust can be made a day ahead and kept wrapped in the refrigerator. Pull it out about 15 minutes before you are ready to roll it out and fill it. It makes entertaining so much easier!

Crack Chicken Roll Up Lasagna

Caesar Salad With Homemade Salad Dressing

Sour Cherry Galette With Vanilla Ice Cream

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Chicken Taco Soup is a staple in our house all year long. It is one of those super-easy, dump-and-cook recipes that everyone at the table loves. Rich, hearty, and full of flavor, it is the kind of meal that never gets old. The Sweet Cream Cornbread is what I call a “doctor-the-box” recipe, meaning I start with a box mix and add a few simple ingredients that take it to a whole other level. It is the perfect complement to this soup.

Top off the soup with the air-fryer tortilla strips from Thursday’s menu.

🌿 TIP BOX: Top your Chicken Taco Soup with sour cream, shredded cheddar, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime. A handful of crushed tortilla chips on top adds a wonderful crunch!

The Best Chicken Taco Soup

Sweet Cream Cornbread

Mixed Salad With Simple Lime Vinaigrette

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.These Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream Filling are almost too beautiful to eat! Wouldn’t a half dozen of them tucked into a little box and tied with a yellow bow make the most lovely gift? They are as pretty as they are delicious.

I just got a new set of pastry tips, and I cannot wait to put them to use on these gorgeous cookies. I have a feeling they will not last long around here!

🌿 TIP BOX: When piping the lemon cream filling, a large star tip (8B) gives these cookies that beautiful bakery look. Chill the filled cookies for about 30 minutes before serving so the filling firms up and holds its shape perfectly.

Lemon Cookies With Lemon Cream Filling

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This guide on How To Freeze Summer Herbs is a practical, helpful resource for making the most of your fresh summer herbs year-round.

This Showstopper Rolled Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Balsamic Glaze is as stunning on the table as it is delicious.

These Mini Cherry Pies in Mason Jars are as charming as they are delicious, making the sweetest individual desserts for summer entertaining.

These Steamed Mussels in White Wine Sauce are elegant enough for company but easy enough for a relaxed weeknight dinner.

This Scrumptious Philly Cheesesteak Melt is pure comfort food at its very best.

This No-Bake Chocolate Tart is rich, silky, and requires zero oven time.

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a fun and crunchy side dish that disappears fast.

These Bacon Green Bean Bundles are a classic side dish that never fails to impress at the dinner table.

This Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad has all the fresh, bright flavors of a spring roll in one beautiful bowl.

These Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are rich, cheesy, and the kind of meal the whole family asks for again and again.

This 20 Minute Beef Broccoli Lo Mein comes together faster than takeout and tastes so much better.

This Ramen Noodle Salad is one of my all-time favorites with its wonderful crunch and bright, tangy dressing.

This Grilled Mozzarella Pesto Sandwich is melty, herby, and absolutely satisfying for a light lunch or easy dinner.

This Cherry Clafoutis is a classic French dessert that is rustic, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make.

This Bacon Onion Tomato Pie is a savory, satisfying slice that works beautifully for dinner or a lazy weekend brunch.

This Corn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a bright and fresh summer side that pairs well with just about everything off the grill.

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor and perfect for summer grilling.

This Tomato Peach Cherry and Burrata Salad with Herb Vinaigrette is a stunning summer salad that celebrates the very best of the season.

This Cheesy Potato Casserole is warm, creamy, and the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish.

This Raspberry Lemon Cake is bright, beautiful, and tastes like a celebration.

This Basil Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is fresh, fragrant, and comes together in no time for a perfect weeknight meal.

This Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree is a dreamy, layered dessert sure to be the star of any summer gathering.

This Sweet Corn and Zucchini Pie is a wonderful way to celebrate the best of the summer garden.

This Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Lime Drizzle is cool, refreshing, and so pretty on a summer table.

This Macaroni Coleslaw Salad is a classic potluck favorite that everyone always goes back for seconds of.

I hope this week’s menu gives you some wonderful ideas and makes dinnertime feel a little easier and a lot more delicious. Summer is such a beautiful season to cook in, and I love sharing it with you here. Grab those recipes, make your list, and enjoy every bite. If you have any easy recipes or tips, please share them with us in the comments.

Have a scrumptious week, friends…