Now that summer weather is close and the temperature is warming up, it’s time to switch up your dinner game to complement the hot summer nights. Instead of sweating over a sweltering stove or heating up your entire house by using your oven, consider some dinner ideas that don’t require heat to satisfy your family. You and your kids can stay cooler this summer, even during the worst of heat waves. Here are some ideas for those times when you want to keep your dinner as cool as possible this summer.
Cold Noodle Combinations
One easy way to put together an entrée without heating anything up is to make something with cold noodles. Simply have your noodle of choice, such as Japanese soba noodles, cooked ahead of time and leave them to chill in the fridge for later. Then, you can create your own flavor combination to enhance the noodle’s starchy base. One popular option is to mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, spices, and some crunchy vegetables to make an Asian-inspired peanut sesame noodle bowl.
Vibrant Vegetable Mixes
Another healthy option for an easy summer meal is to use seasonal vegetables as your centerpiece. Start with a crisp green mix of kale or spinach, chop up bits of tart blueberries or green apples, sprinkle crunchy walnuts throughout, and top with crumbled feta or blue cheese. Then, toss everything together in a tangy vinaigrette for a healthy supper. A serving of cold chicken can help you make your salad packed with protein.
Chilled Summer Soups
When you hear the word soup, you may be thinking of a warm winter staple. Hearty stews and chowders may not be best for summer, but there are many different varieties of chilled soups that can please the palate. The most popular type of chilled soup, gazpacho, comes from the Andalusian region of Spain. Put your stock of garden tomatoes to use by puréeing in a food processor in order to make the base for this refreshing soup. Then, you can add your own unique flavor additions and spices to make it your own.
Cold Cut Sandwiches
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option, cold cut sandwiches can fit the bill. Simply get your favorite varieties of deli ham, turkey, or other meats, cheeses, and sandwich spreads. You can create your own sandwich station and building assembly line with all of the ingredients. If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute pita bread for crusty rolls, that way you don’t have to sacrifice the taste.
Tasty Sushi Spreads
A cool sushi spread is perfect for a warm summer dinner on the patio. A California roll with some creamy avocado or a tuna roll with your own type of spicy sauce can be the perfect easy summer meal. There is no cooking required, and you can enjoy the many health benefits from eating a meal that features fish. Best of all, you don’t need to spend any additional time grilling, baking, or frying this versatile protein source.
Scrumptious Salad Creations
Easy, hearty, and delicious, a salad featuring tuna, chicken, or shrimp can be enjoyed by itself or as part of a sandwich. Make it even healthier by swapping out your traditional mayonnaise with Just Mayo from hamptoncreek, a natural blend of mayo. For an amazing chicken salad, use generous chunks of chicken breast and plenty of fresh ingredients like walnuts or grapes. Elevate the traditional shrimp salad with a spicy addition of hot sauce or chili powder. Go beyond the typical tuna salad by adding some fresh vegetables to the mix. Dinner preparation can be a cinch in this situation.
Vegetarian Taco Treats
The last way you can get dinner on the table without cooking involves tacos. Choosing a vegetarian variety can help you and your family stay healthy without heating up your home from your cooking appliances. Pick either corn or flour tortillas, and then choose your favorite fillings. Black beans or tofu can be the centerpiece of your dish, and you can enhance the taste with spicy salsa or other vegetables.
Having a delicious dinner this summer doesn’t necessarily mean you have to work hard to do it. During those uncomfortable heat waves, choose some of these cool and fresh dinner options, so you don’t have to feel even more of the heat when you cook. Even your kids can help out since there is no hot stove to worry about. Making memories together with food can be great this summer.
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