When summer finally hits, the LAST thing you want to do is turn on the oven.
It just makes the whole house feel even hotter, and cooking becomes a total drag.
But you’ve still got to eat! And that’s where a good cold meal can be a LIFESAVER.
We’re not just talking about a sad bowl of lettuce or a boring sandwich, either.
Think about refreshing grain bowls, big, hearty salads, flavorful wraps, and even chilled soups that are ACTUALLY delicious.
These meals are perfect for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or to bring to a picnic.
So, to help you stay cool and eat well all season long, we’ve put together a list of our absolute favorites.
1. Shrimp Salad
This delightful Shrimp Salad is ideal for a light lunch or quick dinner.
It’s bursting with fresh flavor and comes together in 30 minutes or less.
You’ll love adding this simple shrimp salad to any potluck or picnic.
2. Deviled Eggs
Deviled Eggs are a classic, creamy, and tangy appetizer perfect for any occasion.
This easy recipe makes it simple to enjoy these delicious deviled eggs and impress your guests.
3. Chocolate Chia Pudding (High Protein)
This Chocolate Chia Pudding (High Protein) offers a truly delicious and healthy dessert option.
It’s an easy way to enjoy a sweet treat while boosting your protein intake.
Perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying high protein chia pudding.
4. Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Whip up this incredibly easy Chia Seed Pudding, perfect for a quick breakfast or a delightful dessert.
Made with just a few ingredients, this chia seed pudding is both nutritious and delicious.
5. Strawberry Popsicles Recipe
Cool down with our delightful Strawberry Popsicles Recipe.
This easy treat transforms wholesome kefir into a refreshing, sugar-free, and low-carb dessert.
It’s the perfect simple pleasure for any warm day.
6. Asian Salad with Chicken
Enjoy this vibrant Asian Salad with Chicken, featuring tender, marinated cabbage that stays wonderfully crunchy. This nutrient-packed Asian chicken salad is truly delicious and a colorful meal to savor.
7. Matcha Protein Shake
The Matcha Protein Shake offers the delightful taste of a matcha latte.
This protein-packed drink provides over 40g of protein for long-lasting energy.
Enjoy this delicious matcha protein smoothie as a satisfying treat.
8. Zucchini Pesto Pasta Salad
Enjoy a delicious Zucchini Pesto Pasta Salad, perfect for any summer gathering.
This versatile side dish features spiralized zucchini and flavorful pesto, making it a fantastic low carb, keto, and gluten free pesto pasta salad option.
9. Lobster Roll
This New England Lobster Roll features a classic lobster salad packed with tender, fresh lobster.
Served in toasted, buttery buns, it’s an easy-to-make dish guaranteed to be a favorite.
10. Best Spinach Salad Recipe
The Best Spinach Salad Recipe makes healthy eating incredibly easy.
All components of this delicious spinach salad can be prepped in advance.
Simply toss it together for a satisfying work week lunch or dinner that needs no side dishes.
11. Cucumber Tomato Salad w/ Lemon Dill Dressing
Enjoy a truly refreshing and light Cucumber Tomato Salad w/ Lemon Dill Dressing.
This delicious cucumber tomato salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a perfect quick side for any lunch, dinner, or summer get-together.
12. Coffee Ice Cream
Whip up this delightful Coffee Ice Cream for an incredibly easy treat.
Each spoonful offers a rich, creamy texture and bold coffee flavor.
13. Instant Pot Cauliflower Potato Salad
Enjoy a delicious twist on a classic with this Instant Pot Cauliflower Potato Salad.
This healthy, low carb, and gluten-free dish is perfect for your next potluck or barbecue.
14. Mango Salad
Enjoy this refreshing Mango Salad, a vibrant blend of fresh flavors tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.
This colorful salad is incredibly easy to prepare in minutes and consistently earns rave reviews.
15. Breakfast Charcuterie Board
This guide helps you create a beautiful Breakfast Charcuterie Board.
It combines delicious charcuterie and cheese with classic brunch items.
This is a simple way to build an impressive brunch charcuterie board for any gathering.
16. Cleansing Avocado Green Apple Smoothie
The Cleansing Avocado Green Apple Smoothie is a perfect way to start your day or reset your body. This nourishing avocado apple smoothie offers healthy fats and the natural sweetness of green apple for a revitalizing taste. Enjoy a delightful avocado smoothie that’s truly a refreshing green apple experience, without banana.
17. Mediterranean Kale Salad
This Mediterranean Kale Salad offers a vibrant and fresh taste, perfect for a healthy meal.
It’s an easy-to-make dish that brings a burst of delicious Mediterranean flavors to your table.
18. Fruit and Cheese Kabobs with Croissant Croutons
These Fruit and Cheese Kabobs with Croissant Croutons offer a delightful snack for any age.
Enjoy the perfect mix of sweet fruit and savory cheese, all brought together with flaky croissant croutons.
It’s a colorful and nutritious treat that comes together easily.
19. Curry Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Enjoy the delightful Curry Roasted Cauliflower Salad, featuring tender cauliflower roasted with curry powder and turmeric. This roasted cauliflower salad is perfectly balanced with protein-packed lentils and sweet, juicy grapes for an amazing flavor and texture.
20. Smoked mackerel salad
This Smoked mackerel salad is incredibly easy to prepare for any meal.
Enjoy this wholesome smoked mackerel and chickpea salad, packed with goodness for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
21. No Bake Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe
Discover the bright, tangy delight of the No Bake Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe. This easy lemon cream pie delivers a refreshing taste and a wonderfully creamy texture, all without needing an oven. It’s the perfect fuss-free dessert for any occasion.
22. Blackberry Smoothie
Blackberry Smoothie is a wonderfully healthy and satisfying treat.
Enjoy this delightful drink anytime for a delicious fruit-filled boost.
23. Shakshouka Egg Salad (dairy free)
This Shakshouka Egg Salad (dairy free) offers a unique and flavorful twist on a classic. This delicious egg salad blends familiar tastes with a hint of something special. It’s an inviting dish perfect for a satisfying meal or spread.
24. Mango Lassi
Discover the delightfully refreshing taste of a classic Mango Lassi, now made vegan. This sweet, Indian-style drink blends up effortlessly for a perfect treat. It’s truly a wonderful way to enjoy a vegan mango lassi.
25. Healthy Turkey Salad
This Healthy Turkey Salad offers a fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully light meal.
It’s the perfect choice when you want something satisfying that also keeps you feeling great.
26. Banana Cream Pie Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Discover the delicious taste of Banana Cream Pie Cottage Cheese Ice Cream. This unique recipe combines creamy cottage cheese with sweet banana for a surprisingly healthy dessert. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a guilt-free treat.