This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Easy Summer Dinners with Big Flavor and Less Fuss
As the weather warms up and summer routines settle in, this week’s meal plan is here to help you keep dinner simple, fresh, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re managing busy evenings or just looking for meals that don’t heat up the kitchen, these recipes hit the sweet spot—comforting, flavorful, and stress-free.
About This Week’s Recipes:
- Monday: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
- Tuesday: Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole
- Wednesday: Watermelon Arugula Feta Salad
- Thursday: Southern Fried Cabbage and Sausage
- Friday: Greek Chicken with Yogurt Marinade
- Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sundae
Meal Prep Tips:
- Greek Chicken: Mix the marinade the night before and let your chicken soak up all that flavor. It’s perfect on the skillet—or grill it for a quick summer dinner.
- Watermelon Salad: Wash and prep everything ahead, but wait to combine until just before serving. This keeps the arugula crisp and the watermelon fresh.
- Sausage & Grits Casserole: Make this dish in advance and reheat it for an easy weeknight meal or a hearty breakfast later in the week.
- Extra Ribs: Make a second rack of ribs if you’re feeding a crowd—or save them for lunch the next day.
Recipe Customizations:
- Greek Chicken Marinade: Try it with boneless thighs or even pork tenderloin for a change-up in flavor.
- Watermelon Salad Swap: No feta? Use goat cheese or shaved parmesan. Don’t love arugula? Mixed greens or spinach work great.
- Grits Casserole Add-Ins: Change up the breakfast protein or stir in some chopped spinach or sautéed onions/peppers for an extra boost. I love to add a can of green chiles to this & pepper jack cheese to spice it up!
- Fried Cabbage: Swap sausage for bacon or add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Ice Cream Sundaes: Let the kids (or your inner kid) build their own with crushed cookies, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Each meal plan includes five dinner recipes the whole family will love, with a nice variety to keep things interesting. Add a side dish or salad, and you have a complete meal!
If you are looking for extra sweets to curb that craving, head over to try some of our tasty desserts!
To see EACH RECIPE post, CLICK ON the PHOTO BELOW
Save This Meal Plan!
Click the save button 
(below) to save this meal plan directly to your recipe collection. Then access it along with all your saved recipes and meal plans here.
and make your own shopping list 
? Learn More About How To…
Don’t forget you make one of these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on the recipe blog post. This helps others find our recipes, too!
Looking for blank meal planners? You can find them in our subscribers’ library. Don’t miss our past meal plans! Our recipe index offers lots more inspiration for adding to your menu!
My Most Recent Recipes
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Enjoy Every Bite and Happy Cooking!
