Whew! It’s a hot one out there! When it’s a sticky summer day, the last thing we want to do is to heat up the whole house by turning on the oven. That’s why we have rounded up these cold meal ideas for hot summer days to share with you.
With these recipes, you can serve a cold, refreshing meal that will fill you up without overheating you. Yes, some of the options are salads ( a go-to in summer), but there is plenty more here to choose from too.
Cold Meal Ideas for Hot Summer Days
CAPRESE STUFFED AVOCADO From Laylita
Combine your love of avocado and a fresh Caprese salad for this delicious summer meal.
DEVILED EGGS WITH SALMON DILL From Feed Me Phoebe
Okay, this might not seem like a meal, but use it as part of a cold plate with some cheese, lunchmeat, and crackers. Perfect!
APPLE CARROT CABBAGE SLAW From The Nourishing Home
This is a unique take on the typical coleslaw. It’s light and refreshing.
LAYERED SALAD From The Pioneer Woman
A potluck classic that’s been around for ages – that’s because it’s so good!
MARINATED ASIAN SESAME CUCUMBER SALAD From Health Starts In The Kitchen
The sesame, garlic, and honey come together with the cucumber to make a salad that is out of this world.
EGG SALAD SANDWICH From A Couple Cooks
Sure. It’s a sandwich we’re all familiar with. But this one is packed with flavor and a few secret ingredients you might not have thought of using before.
CHARD WRAPS WITH CASHEW CHEESE From The Spunky Coconut
Vegetarian “sandwiches” that are so flavorful and delicious, you’ll want a second one.
CARROT PASTA WITH CREAMY ZESTY GARLIC SAUCE From Wonderful Cook
Carrot pasta? Hmmm. We’ve never tried that before but we are intrigued.
GERMAN POTATO SALAD From Creative Cynchronicity
This salad is delicious served warm or cold. Make up a big batch and you can have it a few times throughout the week.
GLUTEN-FREE CHICKEN LETTUCE CUPS From Gluten Free And More
Lettuce cups are such a great way to lighten up a meal! Fill them with nearly anything you’d like or have on hand or try this scrumptious chicken.
FRESH VIETNAMESE SPRING ROLLS From White On Rice Couple
Spring rolls are another great option for a hot summer day. You can even use up those leftover bits of vegetables you have lingering in your fridge.
PESTO PASTA WITH GRILLED CHICKEN From Spiced Blog
We think pesto just tastes like summer in a bowl!
ROASTED FENNEL SALAD From Creative Cynchronicity
Don’t turn on the oven. Throw the fennel on your grill outside. Yum!
STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD From A Dash Of Megnut
Strawberries and spinach are one of those perfect flavor combinations we love!
GRILLED CHIPOTLE FISH TACOS WITH PEACH SALSA From Feasting At Home
Forget takeout. Make your own grilled fish tacos at home.
RUSTIC CHICKEN SALAD STUFFED TOMATOES From Blessed Beyond Crazy
Instead of using bread which can feel heavy in summer, this recipe stuffs tomatoes with chicken salad. Lovely!
WATERMELON FETA SALAD WITH BLUEBERRIES From Cooking For My Soul
Another of those perfect flavor combos – watermelon and feta. The blueberries just takes it over the top.
LOADED CAULIFLOWER SALAD From That Low Carb Life
Looking to cut down on carbs but want that summer salad taste? Try this loaded cauliflower salad!
ASIAN CABBAGE SALAD WITH SPICY PEANUT DRESSING From Creative Cynchronicity
The perfect plant-based main or side dish, this Asian Cabbage Salad with Warm Spicy Peanut Dressing is a refreshing change from the usual. Great to take to potlucks!
CHICKEN SALAD STUFFED PASTA SHELLS From All Recipes
Stuffed tomatoes not your thing? Try these stuffed pasta shells.
COLD SOBA NOODLES From A Peachy Plate
Cold Soba noodles are a delight on a hot summer day. They’ll fill you up but they’re cool and refreshing.
FISH CEVICHE WITH GRAPEFRUIT + FLOUNDER From Champagne Tastes
Ceviche is made with a protein and an acid – such as with this one made with grapefruit and flounder. YUM!
BEER CAN CHICKEN From Creative Cynchronicity
Yes, you can make this in the oven but it’s even tastier on the grill and that won’t heat up the house!). No, you don’t have to use beer. Use pretty much any kind of juice or soda pop you want in this recipe. The spice rub is divine!
GRILLED FLANK STEAK WITH CORN & RADISH SALAD From Feasting At Home
We’re always ready for steak cooked on the grill! The accompanying salad looks so refreshing and delicious.
