Beat the Heat with These 12 Cold Meal Ideas for Hot Days
Stay cool and satisfied with these light and refreshing cold meal ideas to beat the heat this summer. We’ve got breakfast ideas, make-ahead lunches, snacks, and even dinner meals so that you can enjoy flavorful meals without turning on the stove. Say goodbye to hot and heavy dishes, keep your kitchen cool and your taste buds happy while enjoying the best flavors of the season.
Acai Bowl
This EASY acai smoothie bowl recipe takes just 5 minutes to make and is the perfect breakfast for summer heat. Simply blend up your base, adding any mixins, scoop into a bowl and top with plenty of fresh toppings like fresh berries, sliced banana, a drizzle of honey, and a huge scoop of nut butter!
Greek Yogurt Parfait
This Greek yogurt parfait is a quick and healthy, 5-minute breakfast that your kids will love making themselves! Make these yogurt parfait breakfast bowls with just 4 ingredients. These homemade parfaits have nourishing layers of protein-rich Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, and some crunchy granola.
Breakfast Charcuterie Board
This breakfast charcuterie board is sure to infuse some FUN into breakfast. And it’s the best way to serve an informal brunch or breakfast for a party or a crowd of guests. Buy pre-baked goodies for your board so you don’t have to turn on the oven.
Espresso Tonic
An espresso tonic might sound odd, but you’ll be hooked after the first sip! It combines rich and classic espresso with crisp tonic for a refreshing pick-me-up like no other. Add some citrusy flavor with a slice of lemon, orange, or lime and you’ll understand why this cold coffee drink is great any time of the day.
Tuna Snack Plate
Take your lunch on-the-go with this easy easy tuna salad snack plate. It’s got every component you need in a nutritious lunch and will keep you satisfied until dinner and made with simple ingredients.
Shrimp Ceviche
You are in for a delicious and refreshing appetizer with this shrimp ceviche recipe. Made with simple ingredients, it comes together quickly, but will impress anyone you make it for because it tastes SO GOOD! Simply mix the shrimp, lime juice, and fresh veggies together and let the ceviche shrimp marinate or “cook” for a few hours before serving with tortilla chips.
Israeli Salad Snack Plate
This bento box meal is a simplified and hybrid version of Israeli breakfasts and Turkish breakfasts. It’s a nourishing and it’s perfect for breakfast or lunch!
Mediterranean Charcuterie Board
If you are looking for a simple yet impressive way to entertain guests, or just put out an awesome snack board dinner, this Mediterranean charcuterie board is the perfect option that requires no heat at all. Take it outside for an elevated picnic dinner.
Quinoa & Arugula Salad
You’ll find yourself making this cold quinoa arugula salad over and over again! Not only is it incredibly flavorful with its bright lemon vinaigrette, but it’s also ready in just 15 minutes of prep. Each serving of this vegan quinoa salad has a whopping 19 grams of plant-based protein making it a great make-ahead lunch or dinner side.
Black Bean Quinoa Salad
This quinoa salad with black beans makes a light and healthy meal, and it’s full of plant-based protein and flavor. It’s a great one to make ahead and eat right out of the fridge. Serve over greens if you want some extra veggies.
Cold Sesame Noodles
Hot summer nights call for cold sesame noodles! These noodles are deliciously seasoned with sesame oil and soy sauce and topped with raw, crunchy veggies.
Chicken Pasta Salad with Peanut Sauce
This easy and nutritious pasta salad is a meal in a bowl! Pasta, chicken, and veggies are drizzled with an addicting peanut sauce that you’ll want to lick straight from the spoon.
