Cold dinners are ideal for their convenience, minimal preparation, and ability to keep you cool during the hot summer months. As the temperature rises, the last thing you want to do is heat up your kitchen with a lengthy cooking session. Luckily, cold dinners offer a refreshing alternative that requires little more than assembling ingredients. These meals are perfect for keeping things easy and breezy during the summer.
Contents
- 1 Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- 2 Cold Sesame Noodles
- 3 Caprese Salad with Avocado
- 4 Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
- 5 Vietnamese Summer Rolls
- 6 Gazpacho
- 7 Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
- 8 Tuna Niçoise Salad
- 9 Watermelon and Feta Salad
- 10 Pasta Salad with Pesto
- 11 Shrimp Ceviche
- 12 Chicken Caesar Wraps
- 13 Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon
- 14 Cold Soba Noodle Salad
- 15 Hummus and Veggie Wrap
- 16 Mango and Black Bean Salad
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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A colorful and nutritious dish, the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad combines chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. To make it, mix drained chickpeas, diced vegetables, and crumbled feta in a bowl. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper for the dressing, then pour over the salad and toss well. This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal light dinner for hot evenings.
Cold Sesame Noodles
Cold Sesame Noodles offers a delightful blend of flavors with a creamy, nutty sauce coating tender noodles, topped with fresh veggies and herbs. Cook noodles according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water. In a bowl, mix tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Toss noodles in the sauce and garnish with sliced cucumber, carrots, and cilantro. This dish is as refreshing as it is satisfying, perfect for a summer night.
Caprese Salad with Avocado
A twist on the classic Caprese, this salad includes creamy avocado for added richness. Slice tomatoes, mozzarella, and avocado, and arrange them on a plate with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. The addition of avocado elevates this simple salad into a hearty and cooling meal.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
This protein-packed salad uses Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter touch. Combine cooked, shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, and slivered almonds in a bowl. Stir in Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve this salad chilled for a refreshing and healthy dinner option.
Vietnamese Summer Rolls
Fresh and vibrant, these summer rolls are packed with shrimp, herbs, and vegetables, served with a peanut dipping sauce. Soak rice paper wrappers in water until soft, then fill with cooked shrimp, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, mint, and cilantro. Roll tightly and serve with a peanut sauce made from peanut butter, hoisin sauce, and lime juice. These rolls are light yet filling, perfect for a no-cook summer meal.
Gazpacho
A classic Spanish cold soup, Gazpacho is made from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and garlic, blended until smooth and chilled. Blend tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and salt until smooth, then chill for a few hours before serving. This refreshing soup is a flavorful way to cool down on a hot day.
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
A nutritious and filling salad with quinoa, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. Cook quinoa and let it cool, then mix with black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and chopped cilantro. Dress with lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. This hearty salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a great dinner option.
Tuna Niçoise Salad
This classic French salad features tuna, hard-boiled eggs, green beans, potatoes, and olives, dressed with a Dijon vinaigrette. Arrange cooked and cooled potatoes, green beans, and hard-boiled eggs on a plate, then add canned tuna, olives, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with a vinaigrette made from Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil. A sophisticated yet simple dish that’s perfect for a light summer dinner.
Watermelon and Feta Salad
A refreshing mix of juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. Cube watermelon and feta cheese, then toss with fresh mint leaves and drizzle with balsamic reduction. This salad is a refreshing and unique combination, perfect for a summer evening.
Pasta Salad with Pesto
A delightful cold pasta salad with al dente pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and homemade basil pesto. Cook pasta and rinse under cold water, then mix with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and pesto made from basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. This vibrant pasta salad is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Shrimp Ceviche
A tangy and fresh dish where shrimp is “cooked” in lime juice and mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and avocado. Marinate shrimp in lime juice for about 20 minutes, then mix with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and avocado. Ceviche is light, refreshing, and perfect for a hot summer dinner.
Chicken Caesar Wraps
A portable and delicious option with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing wrapped in a tortilla. Fill tortillas with grilled chicken strips, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded Parmesan, and a drizzle of Caesar dressing. Roll up and serve. These wraps are convenient, tasty, and perfect for a quick, no-fuss dinner.
Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon
A trendy and nutritious meal with creamy avocado spread on toast, topped with smoked salmon and a sprinkle of dill. Mash avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then spread on toasted bread and top with smoked salmon and fresh dill. This dish is simple yet luxurious, ideal for a light and healthy dinner.
Cold Soba Noodle Salad
A Japanese-inspired dish with soba noodles, edamame, shredded carrots, and a ginger-soy dressing. Cook soba noodles and rinse under cold water, then toss with shelled edamame, shredded carrots, and a dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame oil. This salad is light, flavorful, and perfect for a refreshing summer meal.
Hummus and Veggie Wrap
A healthy and satisfying wrap with hummus, fresh vegetables, and greens, rolled in a whole wheat tortilla. Spread hummus on a tortilla, then add sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and spinach. Roll up and slice in half. This wrap is easy to make and full of crunchy, fresh flavors.
Mango and Black Bean Salad
A tropical twist on a classic bean salad, with sweet mango, black beans, red onion, and a cilantro-lime dressing. Mix diced mango, black beans, chopped red onion, and cilantro, then dress with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This salad is a refreshing and exotic option for a summer dinner.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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