You know that moment—everyone’s having the best time, the weather is perfect, and you don’t want to be the one who has to leave early to make dinner. This summer, skip the early exit and bring dinner with you instead.

These recipes are portable, delicious, and filling enough to count as a real meal—not just a snack. From pasta salads and quesadillas to creative sandwiches and build-your-own boards, these dishes are perfect for park nights, concerts, beach picnics, or just hanging out in the backyard until the sun goes down. Your evening plans just got a lot easier (and tastier).

1. Mom’s Tuna Pasta Salad by Rena Tuchinsky

It’s pasta salad season and my mom’s recipe is simple and delicious! Pair it with my Honey Lemon Iced Tea and it’s the perfect meal for a picnic out on a beautiful day.

2. Southwestern Pasta Salad by Faigy Murray

I love the added unique ingredients of this dish. Add some sliced grilled chicken or salmon and you have a meal in a bowl.

3. Shawarma Turkey Platter by Sara Goldstein

Shawarma is one of our weekly dinners. This cute little board makes it easy for everyone to pick and choose what they would like to top theirs with! Feel free to customize the board with any toppings you enjoy.

4. Lunch Board by Gitty Friedman

Boards are fun, and they’re the perfect way to get rid of all the extra bread, crackers, wraps, etc.—lay them all on a board with these yummy dips and enjoy!

5. Fried Mozzarella Sandwich by Sussy Krausz

The Italian version of French Toast! This is very popular and can be made with any type of cheese. This sandwich is delicious when it’s hot, but equally tasty when packed up for lunch in wax paper or foil.

For the Adults: Add two chopped sundried tomatoes, black olives, and/or thin slices of red onion inside the sandwich before sealing and frying. You can also dip the soaked sandwiches into seasoned panko crumbs before frying. 

6. Vegetable Quesadillas by Sara Goldstein

I used to get a mushroom and onion quesadilla at a local café growing up, and I still think about it from time to time. It was served with fries and always hit the spot! You can put any sautéed veggies you like in your quesadilla. I’ve compiled my favorite vegetables in this one. I love how the corn gets a little toasty in the pan and adds such a wonderful flavor.

7. Pesto Pasta Salad with Slow-Roasted Tomatoes by Sara Goldstein

Whenever I smell basil I think of peak summer. Last year, my backyard basil withered up as soon as the first cold air settled in, while the parsley kept going strong well after the first frost. All the more reason to enjoy basil in the season! Sure, you can often find it year round, but it’s just not the same (and often pretty wilted by the time it gets to you)! This pasta should really be called “the best of summer” because we all know there is nothing like the classic combination of tomatoes and basil in the peak of their summer ripeness.

8. Sheet Pan Hamburgers by Rena Tuchinsky

Goodbye grill, hello oven! These are the best way to make hamburgers for a crowd. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they taste amazing, too! For more great cooking, watch Supper, Again?

9. Quick Dough Dinner by Rena Tuchinsky

Here is your new favorite recipe to impress your family and feel like a total rockstar in the kitchen all while spending hardly any time preparing it! One quick and easy-to-prepare dough – used three delicious ways. Bonus dessert included!! For more great dinner ideas, watch Supper, Again?

10. Pizza Pita by Sussy Krausz

Pitas are great travelers as the bread encloses its filling safely and neatly. They can be warmed or toasted, split open, and stuffed with many different fillings and vegetables for a complete meal. These pizza-flavored pitas are delicious even when cold. The vegetable and cheese mixture can be prepared well in advance. If you double the recipe, the ready pizza pitas can be frozen and rewarmed for a quick breakfast or lunch! For the Adults: Load these up with more veggies!