7 Easy Meals For When It’s Too Hot to Cook
When the summer heat is relentless, the last thing you want to do is turn on the stove or oven. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and refreshing meals you can prepare without breaking a sweat. Here are seven easy dinnertime meals perfect for those scorching hot days.
1. Greek Salad
Why It’s Great: Greek salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It requires no cooking and can be thrown together in minutes.
Ingredients: Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, sprinkle with oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cold Noodle Salad
Why It’s Great: Cold noodle salads are versatile and can be made ahead of time. They’re perfect for hot weather and easy to customize with your favorite veggies and proteins.
Ingredients: Cooked and chilled noodles (soba, rice, or spaghetti), shredded carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and ginger.
Instructions: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and ginger to make the dressing. Toss noodles with vegetables and dressing, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
3. Caprese Sandwich
Why It’s Great: This Italian classic is simple, flavorful, and requires no cooking. It’s perfect for a light dinner.
Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil leaves, balsamic glaze, olive oil, salt, pepper, and ciabatta bread.
Instructions: Layer mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves on ciabatta bread. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Chicken Caesar Wraps
Why It’s Great: Chicken Caesar wraps are quick to prepare and can be made with rotisserie chicken, saving you from cooking.
Ingredients: Shredded rotisserie chicken, romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and large tortillas.
Instructions: Toss shredded chicken with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese. Wrap in tortillas and serve.
5. Gazpacho
Why It’s Great: Gazpacho is a chilled Spanish soup made from fresh vegetables. It’s refreshing, hydrating, and perfect for hot days.
Ingredients: Tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
6. Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Why It’s Great: This salad is light, packed with protein, and requires minimal prep time.
Ingredients: Cooked shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Combine shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a bowl. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
7. Hummus and Veggie Platter
Why It’s Great: A hummus and veggie platter is healthy, colorful, and doesn’t require any cooking. It’s perfect for a light dinner or sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients: Hummus, assorted raw vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes), pita bread, and olives.
Instructions: Arrange hummus in a bowl surrounded by an assortment of raw vegetables, pita bread, and olives.
When the temperatures rise, these easy dinnertime meals will keep you cool and satisfied without the need to heat up your kitchen. Enjoy the flavors of summer and stay refreshed with these simple, no-cook recipes!