If you’re looking for a delicious, show-stopping meal to impress Dad this Father's Day, you can’t go wrong by firing up the grill. Besides, you can basically make the entire spread on the coals, from apps and mains to sides and even dessert. (Ever had grilled strawberry shortcake?) This year, try whipping up a few of these 65 Father’s Day dinner ideas—on the grill or otherwise—that he’s sure to love.
65 Father’s Day Dinner Ideas Your Dad Will Love
1. Grilled Jerk Chicken Cutlets with Mango Salsa
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, dairy free, gluten free
The cinnamon and spicy cayenne flavors in the jerk seasoning pair magically with juicy, zesty mango, and the whole thing is ready in about half an hour.
2. Grilled Flank Steak with Lemon-Herb Sauce
- Time Commitment: 2 hours
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, dairy free
You’ll only spend about ten minutes standing by the grill, so just think of that marinating time as a built-in cocktail hour. (It is summer, after all.)
3. Grilled Cheese Crostini
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
It just so happens that our favorite carbs (bread and cheese) and the grill get along nicely. We like the sweetness that the balsamic strawberries add, but you could use tomatoes too.
4. Salmon Burgers
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, dairy free, beginner-friendly
A new twist on an old classic. Top them with some light and tangy coleslaw to seal the deal.
5. Grilled Sticky Honey-Sriracha Drumsticks with Slaw
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
These grilled sticky honey-sriracha drumsticks will be a guaranteed hit. (This sauce also works with thighs and breasts, if you’re more of a fork-and-knife type of person. We won’t judge.)
6. The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, kid-friendly
Once you put frizzled onions on a sandwich, you’ll never settle for lettuce and tomato again.
7. Mini Lobster Rolls
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
Combining our three favorite things in life: lobster, butter and fresh herbs. (It doesn’t hurt that they’re ready in 25 minutes.)
8. Honey-Lime Chicken and Veggies in Foil
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, gluten free, beginner-friendly
You’ve never had chicken breasts so tender and juicy. Best of all, there are no dishes to clean up later.
9. Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser
Instead of the usual boiling and dousing with butter and salt, grill your corn and drizzle it with spicy aioli. Eat three. You have our permission.
10. Cheaters Grilled Whole Chicken and Vegetables
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, dairy free, gluten free
We’re always on the hunt for easy ways to cook a whole bird. Spatchcocking, aka removing the backbone, is just the ticket, since it shortens the cooking time and ensures even doneness.
11. Grilled Flatbread Pizza with Artichoke, Ricotta and Lemon
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, vegetarian, special occasion–worthy
Use store-bought flatbread for the crispest thin-crust pizza you’ll ever taste—no kneading necessary.
12. Chicken Kebabs with Garlic Lemon Yogurt
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, special occasion–worthy
Although the recipe calls for just a few ingredients, you’ll kick the flavor up a notch by marinating the chicken in baharat, a Middle Eastern spice blend.
13. Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: low carb, gluten free, crowd-pleaser
In-season strawberries and fresh corn are hard to beat, so why not combine them into a hearty salad that Dad will actually enjoy?
14. Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
They call it “summer squash” for a reason. Put it on the grill, stat.
15. Grilled Curried Chicken Thighs
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, low sugar
How to make your chicken stand out from the crowd? Bring on the spices. Yellow curry paste will transform this dish from “fine” to “fantastic.”
16. Grilled Parmesan Asparagus
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: <15 minutes, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
As it turns out, asparagus is the perfect vehicle for salty cheese. Don’t believe us? Try it.
17. Steak Skewers With Chimichurri Sauce
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly, gluten free
Truth be told, we think dinner’s always better on a stick. But if you’re convinced that kebabs are out of style, you should really try these.
18. Teriyaki Cauliflower Steaks with Gremolata
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, vegetarian
If there were a side-dish beauty pageant, this one would take the crown. The gremolata is a mix of brown sugar, cilantro, lemon and olive oil, and it’s kind of magical.
19. Grilled Peach, Chicken and Ricotta Pizza
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Yep, pizza at a cookout, and with fruit, no less. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.
20. Chipotle Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, low carb
The contrast between cool lettuce and charred chicken makes it worth lighting up the grill. Use iceberg for the crispiest crunch.
21. Grilled Pineapple Split Sundae with Cherry Sauce
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
This grilled pineapple sundae is not only decadent but also downright gorgeous. If you need to shortcut something, you can use store-bought cherry sauce.
22. Grilled Angel Food Cake with Blueberry Sauce
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
It’s OK to start with a store-bought angel food cake (really). The hot grill will caramelize the sugars and make everything taste fancy.
23. Piri Piri Chicken
- Time Commitment: 4 hours, 55 minutes (includes marinating)
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, paleo, ketogenic
This spicy roast chicken gets crisp in the oven, but you could try grilling it too.
24. Crispy Baked Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy
These tacos taste like the ones from Dad’s favorite restaurant (but they’re shockingly simple to make).
25. Rodney Scott’s Honey-Butter Fish
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
The sweet honey butter offsets the spicy, charred barbecue rub. Use any type of mild white fish, like trout, catfish or branzino.
26. Buttermilk-Battered Pan-Fried Fish Fillets
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, low carb
Impress your pops with your fish-frying skills. He doesn’t need to know it was easier than it appears.
27. Grilled Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, low carb, low sugar
These refreshing wraps would also work with ground pork or even tofu. (It’s all about that spicy-sweet glaze.)
28. Cheater’s Sicilian-Style Pizza with Jalapeños and Honey
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
It’s the crowd-pleasing combo of jalapeño peppers and honey for us. Don’t tell Dad you used store-bought pizza dough and he’ll never know.
29. Corn and Tomato Salad with Feta and Lime
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
What better side to serve with all that grilled meat than a summery mélange of corn, tomatoes and lime juice?
30. Cast Iron Pork Chops with Cacao-Spiced Rub
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: ketogenic, special occasion–worthy, low sugar
The cacao rub gives it that je ne sais quoi factor. (Psst: It’s also keto-friendly.)
31. Alison Roman’s Swordfish with Crushed Olives and Oregano
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
Swordfish is mild (and kind of tastes like chicken), so this will please even the pickiest fish-eaters at the table (and of course your dad, too).
32. Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Fast, easy, minimal cleanup—that’s our dinner trifecta. We’re also suckers for a honey mustard sauce and tender Brussels sprouts, but that’s beside the point.
33. Zesty Chargrilled Broccolini
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: <15 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Toss these cuties on the grill as the steak is finishing up; they’ll be ready in no time.
34. Spicy Pineapple Prosciutto Tarts
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
It’s not a party without a few appetizers, and these are sure to please. They’re spicy, tropical and—shhh—made with store-bought puff pastry.
35. Skillet Steak with Asparagus and Potatoes
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy
If you’re not one for grilling, you can still make a juicy, impressive steak. Time to break out the cast iron.
36. Pan-Seared Scallops with Citrusy Corn Succotash
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, gluten free
Scallops are the ultimate show-stopping dinner. They look and taste totally fancy, but take less than ten minutes to cook.
37. Sriracha Shrimp Skewers with Collard-Peach Salad
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, dairy free
If burgers and hot dogs don’t feel special enough, we know something that does. (Hint: It’s this recipe.)
38. Slow Cooker Korean Short Rib Tacos
- Time Commitment: 8 hours, 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
Let the slow cooker do all the hard work while you hang out on the porch with Dad.
39. Smoky Barbecued Corn
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
The smoked paprika topping, plus the coals from the grill, ensure these cobs have the *most* flavor.
40. Bacon Guacamole
41. BLT Pasta Salad
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
This side dish combines all the crunchy, savory, creamy ingredients of the classic sandwich—minus the bread.
42. Fried Chicken BLT with Jalapeño Honey
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, high protein
Sure, it’s fried and not grilled. But do you really think anyone is going to mind?
43. Pomegranate-Maple Glazed Lamb Chops
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, gluten free
Well, look who’s fancy! (That’s what your dad will say when you serve him this dish. Don’t tell him it’s all a ruse and you spent a whopping eight minutes at the grill.)
44. 15-Minute Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, <15 minutes
Since they take just 15 minutes to whip up, you can serve them as the prelude to a bigger main course. (Thank you, rotisserie chicken.)
45. Spicy Corn Carbonara
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Ring in corn season in style—that is, with a heaping plate of pasta. A touch of heavy cream isn’t traditional for carbonara, but it will ensure your sauce doesn’t split.
46. Shrimp Boil Skewers with Corn, Sausage and Potatoes
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Pop everything onto a hot grill, lay some newspaper down on the picnic table and enjoy.
47. Strawberry Shortcake Skewers with Whipped Cream
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Since the grates are already hot, go ahead and make dessert right next to your dinner. (Yep, the biscuit dough is from the refrigerator section.)
48. Weeknight Skillet Paella
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, one pan
We scaled down this classic Spanish dish to make it manageable for any skill level—and it’s good.
49. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes
The sweet mango salsa is the perfect pairing for these fiery shrimp. It’s the next best thing to a tropical vacation.
50. Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
These turkey burgers are anything but dry, thanks to the additions of breadcrumbs and a drool-worthy tzatziki sauce.
51. Instant Pot Ribs
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
- Why We Love It: Instant Pot recipe, gluten free, dairy free, kid-friendly
What dishes can be made in a pressure cooker? The limit does not exist. Here, the ribs become tender in practically no time before being roasted to sticky perfection.
52. Flank Steak Tacos with Cucumber Salsa
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: gluten free, special occasion–worthy, kid-friendly
You could just make flank steak…but no one has ever complained about a steak taco. The cool, crisp salsa is the ultimate foil to all that meat.
- Time Commitment: 12 hours, 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, make ahead, gluten free
Lemon zest, rosemary and oregano give this steak delicious Italian vibes. Take it over the top with a sprinkling of smoked sea salt to finish.
54. Mango-Habanero Glazed Spare Ribs
- Time Commitment: 16 hours, 25 minutes (includes marinating)
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, make ahead
If the glaze is too spicy for everyone but Dad, use fewer peppers and make sure to remove the seeds.
- Time Commitment: 13 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, <15 minutes
And here we thought we didn’t like green beans. It turns out we were just cooking them all wrong.
- Time Commitment: 13 hours (includes soaking)
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, make ahead
We can’t think of a better way to say “I love you, Dad” than with beer. Oh wait, yes we can: It’s with these extremely flavored and easy beer-marinated brats.
57. Juicy Lucy
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, kid-friendly
Alternatively, say it with a burger stuffed with cheese. American is classic, but cheddar, mozzarella or even Brie would be delish.
58. Lamb Chops With Buckwheat and Black Pepper Strawberries
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
While pairing berries with meat might *sound* outlandish, the sweet/savory pairing actually works beautifully. (Even better, this one comes together in a single skillet.)
59. Lemongrass-Ginger Coconut Grilled Steak
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: gluten free, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
This steak is all about the marinade. It’s slightly sweet and deeply flavorful, with a “why’s this so tasty?” secret ingredient to thank. (It’s fish sauce.)
60. Bacon Jalapeño Smashburgers
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
On the off chance that Dad’s not a grill guy, serve him these skillet smashburgers alongside roasted potatoes, crispy oven fries or frozen tater tots (depending on how he’s feeling).
61. Mustardy Pork Tenderloin with Grapes and Red Onions
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion–worthy
Pork tenderloin is synonymous with dry, boring dinners, but it doesn’t have to be. The grapes become soft and juicy in the oven, melding with the onions and creating a sauce.
62. Summer Vegetable Steak Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, low carb
Dad called, and he thinks you’ve really outdone yourself this time. Must be the combination of a honey-sweetened dressing, charred skirt steak and all those summer veggies.
63. Lamb Loin Chops Over Minty Pistachio Butter
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, gluten free, <30 minutes
The chops are seasoned with vinegar and garnished with a creamy, nutty sauce, which tastes way fancier than you’d think for a 30-minute main.
64. Cacio e Pepe Flatbread
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, vegetarian
Hot tip: If you don’t own a pizza stone, you can invert a baking sheet and use the bottom as your cooking surface. Instead of a pizza peel, you can use a large sheet of parchment paper. (And we can think of the *perfect* gift for your dad.)
65. Garlic Shrimp Mafaldine
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, high protein, beginner-friendly
Wavy ribbons of mafaldine or the curly nooks and crannies of trumpet-shaped campanelle allow the shrimp to nestle into every bite, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer—yep, even angel hair.
Katherine Gillen is PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City restaurants. She used to sling sugary desserts in a pastry kitchen, but now she’s an avid home cook and fanatic baker.