When summer finally arrives in the Pacific Northwest, the last thing most of us want to do is spend our evenings stuck in the kitchen. Between after school activities, yard work, planning trips, and simply enjoying the sunshine while it lasts, quick and easy dinners become a necessity.
The good news? A delicious summer meal doesn’t have to take all evening.
Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or cooking indoors with the A/C running, we have plenty of options that make getting dinner on the table quick and easy.
Marinated Short Ribs
If you’ve never tried our marinated short ribs, you’re missing out on one of the easiest meals we have to offer.
Our marinated short ribs are fully marinated, packed with flavor, and cook in just a few minutes. By the time your grill is hot, it’s almost time to eat.
Pair marinated short ribs with:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- A simple green salad
- Pasta salad
- Grilled zucchini or asparagus
They’re perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend your entire evening cooking.
Pre-Made Burger Patties
Burger night doesn’t always need all of that extra prep work.
Our pre-made burger patties are ready for the grill, making them an easy choice for busy weeknights. Just toss them on your grill and add your favorite toppings.
Easy burger combinations:
- Classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and onion
- BBQ burger with bacon and cheddar
- Mushroom Swiss burger
- Avocado burger with pepper jack cheese
- Patty melts with caramelized onions
Marinated Flat Iron Steak
Our marinated flat iron steaks have become a customer favorite for good reason. They are tender, flavorful, and easy to make for a crowd.
Our marinated flat iron steak goes straight from the marinade to the grill, helping you get dinner on the table fast with no prep work.
A few ways to serve it:
- Sliced over a fresh salad
- Alongside roasted potatoes
- In steak tacos
- On sandwich rolls with grilled onions
- With grilled vegetables and rice
It’s a great option when you’re craving steak but don’t want to spend all evening cooking.
Marinated Beef or Chicken Kabobs
Kabobs are one of the easiest summer meals around.
Everything is already portioned and ready to cook, which means less prep, fewer dishes, and a quick cleanup afterward.
Try our marinated kabobs with:
- Rice pilaf
- Pasta salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh fruit
- Garlic bread
Smoked Sausages
When you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner, it’s hard to beat our smoked sausages.
At Gartner’s, we carry more than 40 varieties of sausages, with the majority being smoked and fully cooked, making them one of the easiest options for busy summer nights. Just heat them on the grill, in a skillet, or even over a campfire and dinner is practically done.
A few easy ways to serve them:
- On a toasted bun with your favorite toppings
- Alongside grilled peppers and onions
- With potato salad and fresh fruit
- Sliced into pasta dishes
- Served with roasted vegetables
- Paired with macaroni and cheese
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply need a fast dinner after a long day, our smoked sausages are an easy go-to that never gets old, especially when there are so many flavors to choose from.
Pepper Steaks
Looking for something different?
Our pepper steaks are another easy grilling option that come packed with flavor and require very little prep work.
Serve them with:
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled corn
- Caesar salad
- Rice
- Sautéed vegetables
They’re a simple way to change up your weeknight dinner routine without adding any extra work.
Easy Indoor Dinners
Not every summer dinner happens outside.
Whether it’s too hot, you’re out of propane, or you just don’t feel like grilling, many Gartner’s favorites cook just as well indoors.
A few easy ideas:
- Marinated short ribs cooked in a cast iron skillet
- Flat iron steak rice bowls
- Smash burger bowls with sweet potatoes
- Steak and veggie sheet pan dinners
Sometimes the easiest meals end up being a summer staple.
Keep Summer Simple
Summer always seems to go by too fast. The fewer evenings spent worrying about what’s for dinner, the better.
Whether you’re grilling in the backyard, or cooking indoors this summer, Gartner’s has plenty of easy options to help make weeknight dinners stress-free all season long.
Stop by the shop and let us help you find your next favorite summer meal.