SUMMER DINNER Recipe

This summer dinner stars smoky sausage paired with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet corn. Sautéed garlic and onions bring a rich depth while a sprinkle of fresh basil adds a burst of brightness. A quick one-pan meal that blends simplicity with a vibrant, satisfying medley of flavors sure to please any palate.

I recently tried a recipe called SUMMER DINNER – Sausage and Veggies Skillet and it turned out to be both quick and nutritious. It has a lb of smoked sausage sliced into thin rounds, red and yellow bell peppers cut into strips, and zucchinis sliced into half-moons that bring a nice crunch and a good mix of vitamins.

I also added a cup of corn kernels along with a thinly sliced yellow onion and minced garlic to boost the flavor profile. The dish is lightly sautéed in olive oil and seasoned with salt, black pepper and a hint of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

Its nutritional value is great because you get a balance of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. I was reminded of other similar Health Dinner Recipes like Sausage And Veggies Skillet and even some Julias Album Recipes.

Its simplicity really shows how easy it is to make a filling one-pan meal in just 30 minutes.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love that this recipe comes together so fast and it’s super easy to make for a busy summer night. I’ve always been a fan of one pan meals and this one is perfect because it has a mix of flavors from the smoky sausage and fresh veggies that really pops. I also like that it’s really colorful which makes my dinner look as good as it tastes. Lastly, I enjoy how every bite has a little kick from the red pepper flakes and a burst of freshness with the basil or parsley sprinkled on top, even if I mess up the seasonings sometimes.

Ingredients

• Smoked sausage gives rich protein flavor and a hearty, smoky taste.
• Red and yellow bell peppers add crisp vitamins and a slight natural sweetness.
• Zucchini is mild, fiber-rich and keeps the dish light and fresh.
• Corn offers a burst of sweetness and a gentle, starchy texture.
• Yellow onion and garlic create an aromatic base that warms up the meal.
• Olive oil adds healthy fats and helps blend all those rich flavors.
• Fresh basil or parsley brings a bright herbal finish and refreshing zest.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into strips
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen and thawed)
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional if you want a bit of heat)
• Fresh basil or parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish, optional)

How to Make this

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the sausage slices and cook until they start to brown on both sides for about 5 minutes.

2. Toss in the sliced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking them with the sausage for another 2 minutes until the onion softens up.

3. Next, add the red and yellow bell peppers to the pan and let them sizzle with the sausage and onions for about 3 minutes.

4. Put in the sliced zucchinis and stir everything together so the veggies get evenly coated in the oil.

5. Add the corn kernels, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, stirring well to mix all the flavors.

6. Lower the heat a bit, cover the pan and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This helps the veggies cook through without losing their crunch.

7. Give everything a good stir and taste for seasonings, adjusting the salt and pepper if needed.

8. Once all the ingredients are nicely cooked and mixed, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of freshness.

9. Serve hot right out of the skillet, and enjoy your tasty summer dinner!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet with a lid
2. Chef’s knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup
5. Spatula or a pair of cooking tongs
6. Bowl for chopping and mixing garnish ingredients

FAQ

SUMMER DINNER Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have smoked sausage handy, try using precooked chicken sausage for a milder flavor.
• You can swap the yellow bell pepper with a green one if you cant get the yellow ones at your local store.
• If zucchinis are out of reach, yellow squash makes a great substitute and keeps the recipe tasty.
• In place of fresh corn, drained canned corn works just fine when you’re in a pinch.
• Red onions can replace yellow onions if that’s what you have on hand.

Pro Tips

1. Try browning the sausage really well at the start; it gives a sweeter and richer flavor to the dish so make sure not to rush that step
2. When you add the garlic and onion, keep an eye on them so they dont burn, because burnt garlic can make the whole dish taste bitter
3. Be careful not to overcook the bell peppers and zucchini; you want ’em to be tender but still crunchy for a good texture
4. If you’re feeling extra, toss in a quick splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors, it makes a big difference even if it seems small