Summer is approaching quickly! We always look forward to a nice break as well as all of the summer time activities we can do. But the heat, peaking around 2 pm until about dinner time, is no go for our A/C-less family. Every summer, my family restricts activities that would make all of us hotter. We don’t turn on the lights and we stay away from the upstairs. Unfortunately, we don’t have a kitchen that doesn’t get hot. Cooking is something I never want to do on hot summer days. After a long day of work, staying in the kitchen with your stove or oven on high heat while preparing supper for the whole family can drain energy and make everyone feel hotter! That’s why I’m covering simple, no (low) cooking, light & cool recipes. To save you from the summer’s inconveniences, we have compiled a list of great dinner recipes to combat the heat. We hope you enjoy these yummy recipes as much as we did!
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1. Irresistible Italian Chicken Wrap Sandwich
A chicken sandwich is a common and convenient recipe. So, why not give your family’s dinner an irresistible twist? To create this Italian chicken wrap sandwich, roll it in a wrap! You only need to follow a few basic steps to make this recipe, then you will be safe to serve a simple yet mouth-watering dinner in no time.
2. Fresh Vietnamese Rice Rolls
Our family’s dinner spread on a hot summer day: fresh spring rolls with some mint, salad, and cocktail shrimp inside.
Then leftover tempura air-fryed up for a minute or two. Then of course we made sushi at home!
3. Homemade Sushi Roll
Chef Hiro has my favorite sushi-making YouTube channel. Sushi is something one should learn to do by hand (not using those badly designed kits!) Try rice on the outside rolls, they’re easier to make and hides flaws better. When you cut, remember to dip your knife in a simple water/white vinegar mixture so the rice won’t stick to the knife and it will be much easier to cut.
Remember to use high quality fish, if there’s none around, canned tuna or salmon will work fine in a pinch too!
4. Cold Noodles (Soba)
Are you looking for a 10-minute no-cook recipe? If you know how to boil pasta, you can enjoy Japanese soba noodles! When I first ordered this dish in a restaurant as a simple side, I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed a simple noodle dish of just 3 ingredients. Soba is buckwheat noodles and a well-known, popular Japanese comfort food that’s salty, umami, with a refreshingly cold slurp! Some zest from the spring onions and maybe a side of tempura for crunch…ooh a delicious meal!
5. Vermicelli Noodles
This dish is called ‘bun’ which means rice noodles which is the base of the recipe bowl. Bun ga nuong is popular for lunch, depending on what your bun bowl toppings, it’ll make a filling dinner. Bun ga nuong (vermicelli noodle bowls) is sweet, salty, savory, crunchy, and sour-y…all these amazing textures and flavors combined into a fairly healthy meal. If you have fresh mint and Asian basil on hand, it’ll make it extra yummy so take advantage or pick up some fresh herbs beforehand.
6. Poke Bowls
I recreated this recipe using mostly Hiro’s demonstration and it was delicious! Excuse my horrible squirting spicy mayo abilities. The fish I used was Ora King salmon. Locally it was $7/per lb more expensive than our standard sashimi-grade salmon (at $19/lb.) That’s 30% price hike is worth it though, the Ora king salmon is so buttery, fresh, and tender. Not to mention the extra fat is nutritious and sustainably sourced. I use 1/8 lb of Ora salmon per bowl with 1/8 lb Tamago (sweet Japanese egg.)
7. Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado
Tired and drained, yet you still want to eat a protein-rich dinner? Try this crispy, creamy chicken salad with avocados nestled within. You can have a light and refreshing supper in less than 10 minutes. It’s also a healthy meal, so it’s perfect for health-conscious moms who want to always have something nutritious for their kids!
8. Air-Fried Fish
We’re sure you’ve already heard of the air-fryer trend, so why not try it? Rather than frying it in oil, cook it in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes or until done, then served with lemon wedges and tartar sauce. This recipe is a lot healthier than the usual oil-fried fish.
9. 20-Minute Sausage and Zucchini
If you want to prepare a healthy and nutritious supper for your children but don’t have enough time! This nicely seasoned combination of sausage, onions, zucchini, and peppers is sure to please. It is also dairy-free, gluten-free, and easy to prepare.
10. Spicy Grilled Shrimp
These shrimp are sure to be the hit of any barbeque since they are so convenient and simple to cook. They also work well under the broiler if the weather is also not cooperating.
11. Shrimp Ceviche Tostada
The crisp of the cucumber, onion, and jalapeño balance well with shrimp and smooth avocado if you don’t have time to prepare. This no-cook, light, and the refreshing dish will be good to go!
12. On-Stick Pork Souvlaki With Grilled Citrus
Are you sick of hearing “grilled pork”? Then add some zest with some grilled squeezed citrus or simply serve it side by side. It’s terrific!
13. Healthy Cauliflower Sweet Potato Burgers
You crave a burger, but you despise dry ones? This combination is good for you. This one-bite meal holds together well while providing a juicy and flavorful taste.
14. Greek Chicken Grain Bowl
It’s summer, and the entire family will be visiting! So give them this full-packed supper! A quick and easy meal that is both healthy and tasty.
15. Grilled Chicken with Smoky Corn Salad
Fire up your dinner table with this savory and delicious combo that your entire family will enjoy. This is friendly to both adults and kids!
16. Delish Meatball and Tomato Salad
So you’re craving a meatball but it’s too plain? You can turn your meatballs into a delectable meal in much less than 20 minutes! Toss them with arugula, avocado, and a tablespoon of yogurt mixture, then voila! You’ve prepared a simple but enjoyable meal.
17. Mediterranean Hummus Bowl with Chickpeas and Soft-Boiled Egg
Do dinner plans include pita chips or bread? Serve it alongside this Mediterranean Hummus Bowl with Chickpeas and Soft-Boiled Egg, as well as a can of beer or plain cool water.
18. Cold Sesame Chicken and Noodle Salad
This dish comes together quickly and easily, and it’s completely savory without seeming too heavy. The cold Sesame Chicken and Noodle Salad would be a real crowd-pleaser. Furthermore, this recipe can be kept for up to three days!
19. Inexpensive Sauerkraut and Sausage Roll
This tasty and inexpensive Sauerkraut and Sausage Roll can be done in less than six minutes! This goes well with beer or any other refresher you might want for dinner.
20. Grilled Eggplant With Garlicky Tahini-Yogurt Sauce
Try something different for dinner with this grilled egglpant with garlicky tahini-yogurt sauce! Grilling method provides eggplant comparable crunchy skins and creamy innards, and it only takes a few toppings to make it full-on delicious.
21. Veggie-Packed Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
Are you one of those people that enjoys Mayo? If that is the case, this one might be for you! Mayo enhances the flavor of any salad, but not everyone enjoys it. This veggie-packed Greek yogurt tuna salad is for you if you have a family member who loves mayo like you! It comes in either a tortilla, a sandwich thin, or a lettuce wrap, depending on your preference.
22. Costco-Inspired Turkey Roll-Ups
If you think turkey is only for Thanksgiving, think again! These Costco-inspired turkey roll-ups will prove you wrong! It is even more delicious than store-bought turkey rolls. Yes, this is true because I tried both. In addition to serving it for supper, you may also serve it at a party you are holding or going to.
23. Hoisin-Glazed Salmon with Broccoli and Sesame Rice
Have you always wanted to try salmon with broccoli and sesame rice? If yes, we got you an answer! This hoisin-glazed salmon with broccoli and sesame rice is a great dish. You can easily prepare it in just three steps in a span of only half an hour. You’ll need plenty of ingredients as you prepare this dinner, but all of them are always present in the kitchen and grocery stores, so you won’t find it stressful. With that, you and your family will surely love this recipe idea!
24. Crispy Herby Smashed Potatoes
Potatoes, especially their peel, are chock-full of nutrients, believe it or not! Potatoes are high in potassium, Vitamin C, and B6, saturated and unsaturated fiber, helping us be balanced and satiated. So, if you’re thinking of something healthy to prepare for dinner, better try this one!
25. Balsamic Grilled Steak Salad with Peaches
Spice up your steak salad with peaches and a quart of balsamic vinegar, as well as young arugula. However, keep in mind that too much acid is not a good thing, okay? So, everything should be done in moderation.
