Considering hot days where cooking is involved is a bit of a negotiation. You want to make a meal, but you don’t want to feel gross while doing it. Plus, who wants to clean a roasting pan? During the summer months in my house, dinner is usually light, fast, and something that requires minimal cooking.
We have quick sautés, sheet pan recipes, and cold noodles. Assembly dinners is a term some use to describe these types of meals, which sounds a bit lazy, but also, it is, and it totally works. Grab and prep a few, make a mess free turn of the stove and let it have some calm for a while
Contents
- 1) Tomato Sandwiches
- 2) No-Cook Gazpacho
- 3) Dinner with a rotisserie chicken
- 4) Caprese Platter
- 5) Shrimp Tacos
- 6) Cold Sesame Noodles
- 7) Greek Salad
- 8) Sheet Pan Sausage
- 9) BLT Salad
- 10) Pesto Pasta
- 11) Tuna Bean Salad
- 12) Tomato Corn Salad
- 13) Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- 14) Halloumi Veggie Skillet
- 15) Salmon Rice Bowls
- 16) Steak Salad
- 17) Veggie Quesadillas
- 18) Couscous Bowl
- 19) Zucchini Noodles
- 20) Sardine Toasts
- 21) Cold Soba Noodles
- 22) Breakfast for Dinner
- 23) Chicken Caesar Wraps
- 24) Antipasto Plates
- 25) Vegetable Fried Rice
- 26) Watermelon Feta Salad
1) Tomato Sandwiches
I will own the fact that I have done this as a dinner and felt a bit smug and sassy about it. Pick the best, juiciest looking tomatoes, add salt, and let them sit while they do their liquid secret- crush you a little. For some additional crunch, my recommendation is to add a crazy amount of mayo and toasted bread, There is no room for shyness right now. If you want more food, feel free to add a fried egg or some potato chips (it’s a little messy but really good).
2) No-Cook Gazpacho
With gazpacho, you can make a delicious dinner without even turning on the stove! Simply blend and chill tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil with a touch of vinegar and you’ve got yourself a summer treat. No one is going to grade you on the smoothness of your soup, so blend it as little or as much as you like. To give the appearance of a more filling meal, serve the soup with some bread and cheese.
3) Dinner with a rotisserie chicken
This is my summer emergency trifecta, and it has come to the rescue on evenings when I don’t feel like doing anything fun. Grab a rotisserie chicken, any type of cooked corn (microwave, boiled, etc.), and a bag salad you don’t hate (preferably one you like). Tear the chicken with your hands; it feels strangely satisfying. If you’re extra excited, drizzle some lemon over it and voila! It’s a plan.
4) Caprese Platter
Even though Caprese salad is a classic summer dish, adding peaches makes it feel fancy without any extra effort on your part. As you take a bite, you might find yourself thinking, “oh, right…”. Good oil & salt are non-negotiables here. I might throw in some prosciutto or toasted nuts if I want to take it from a snack to a dinner.
5) Shrimp Tacos
Given the standards I’ve set here, shrimp actually cooks so quickly it almost doesn’t count as me “turning on the stove.” Just mix the shrimp with a little chili powder, some minced garlic, & oil, & then sear them for a few minutes until they’re all opaque & cooked. Finish with a crunchy slaw and a squeeze of lime. Even if you forget the slaw, the lettuce and hot sauce will still do the trick.
6) Cold Sesame Noodles
I didn’t put too much effort into this dinner, but it’s still super tasty. If you’re feeling strategic, make your noodles in the morning and rinse them under cold water. Add a peanut sesame sauce and a ton of cucumbers. It might feel like cheating, but it’s best to let it sit for a bit. To make it heartier, add some shredded chicken, tofu, or a soft-boiled egg.
7) Greek Salad
Greek salad is almost a complete dinner; when you add chickpeas, it is a full dinner. Use crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and feta. That in fact has some flavor. A simple dressing of red wine vinegar, and even though olive oil is great as is, I like to add a little oregano as well. This is perfect for lonely little peppers and herbs yearning to be used.
8) Sheet Pan Sausage
I know: the oven. But it is a one-pan meal and you aren’t spending a lot of time on it so I suppose I can allow it. Slice sausage, toss with peppers and onions. Add oil along with some fennel or Italian seasoning, and roast until everything is browned at the edges. I get while you can eat it in a bun, on a bed of rice, or even standing at the counter while you are ‘tasting for seasoning.’
9) BLT Salad
An BLT is good, but there are some occasions I don’t want to fight with a messy sandwich. BLT salad: lettuce, tomato, bacon, and croutons (which are just sad toast). A little from a jar mayonnaise dressing with some vinegar sets the mood. It’s hard to leave the bowl when there’s an avocado in it.
10) Pesto Pasta
I have learned this little trick after making the mistake of making several different pots. Boil pasta, then toss green beans in for the last few minutes so they cook in the same water. Drain it, stir in some pesto, and add a quick squeeze of lemon to brighten it up. It’s good warm, but, its good at room temp, too, which is basically summer’s mission statement.
11) Tuna Bean Salad
This is what I prepare when I want to eat like an adult but did not grocery shop. Mix canned tuna (oil-packed if you can) with cannellini beans, red onion, parsley, lemon, and olive oil. It is inspiring, filling, and delicious. You can use the crackers, toast, or cucumbers slices intended for something else to scoop this up.
12) Tomato Corn Salad
If summer had a flavor, this would be it. Take some cooked corn (it can be fresh, frozen, or leftover) and combine it with some ripe tomatoes and an avocado. Season with salt and squeeze some lime juice over it to finish. The crunch of chips eaten is so satisfying! I served this to my friends and somehow the bowl was empty before we reached the table.
13) Chicken Lettuce Wraps
The concept is really straightforward. Although your prep work may lead to the collapse of the lettuce due to overfilling, this is not an issue. Cook ground chicken with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce until it is browned and smells good. Place some into fresh crunchy lettuce leaves and add any crunchy toppings you have like carrot, cucumber, or peanut. I like that although it is light, it does not feel like diet food.
14) Halloumi Veggie Skillet
Halloumi cheese seems like it has somewhere else to be. It will quickly brown, but it will not melt into a cheesy pool. Brown the slices, then add some quick cooking veggies like zucchini and cherry tomato. If you have them, a little squeeze of lemon and some herbs. For a moment, you may oddly feel capable and lucky. It is good with pita or couscous.
15) Salmon Rice Bowls
Cook the salmon (bake it, pan-sear it, or use leftover) and flake it into a bowl with rice and cool cucumber. If you drizzle some soy-sesame sauce (and maybe a bit of mayo) it becomes “real” and not just “stuff in a bowl.” This is great if you make extra rice and put it in the fridge for some quick meals later in the week. If you like spicy food, add a bit of chili crisp.
16) Steak Salad
While cooking steak may seem like a daunting task, it is actually quick and easy, plus provides great leftovers. Sear a small steak, let it rest, and thinly slice it atop a bed of arugula with some nectarines or plums. The sweet and juicy fruit paired with the bitter and spicy arugula is an oddly addicting combination. I prefer a sharper vinaigrette, perhaps one with mustard. That would really bring it to life.
17) Veggie Quesadillas
Quesadillas can easily be made in just a few moments. They can be packed with a variety of fillings, making them adaptable to your tastes, and are great to eat during the hot summer months. To make them, cook (or use raw) spinach, along with some cheese and other veggies of your choice. Then pan fry your creation until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can served it alongside some salsa or whatever toppings you have. This can be a really important task as the dish can be modified to the likings of picky eaters.
18) Couscous Bowl
Instant couscous is the ultimate comfort food. All you have to do is add boiled water and pretend you made it yourself. Next, mix in the diced cucumber, feta, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon (if you’d like). It tastes organized and neat as if you have your life together. While this bowl can be enjoyed as is, feel free to add roasted chickpeas or shredded chicken to make it heartier.
19) Zucchini Noodles
I won’t argue about whether they are pasta or not, because they are not, and frankly the point of disputing would be silly. Zucchini noodles tossed with burst cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan are fresh and fantastic. Keep the cooking time to a minimum to avoid slumpy and soggy noodles as we all know overcooked zucchini is the worst. If you are really hungry, toss in some regular spaghetti or just plain bread.
20) Sardine Toasts
I believe that that trying these toasts is a worthy challenge. Good sardines on toast with lemon and herbs are delicious and a bit decadent. They are made for days when it feels rude to stand over a hot stove. As for me, I like a little butter or even some mayo under the fish. Don’t judge me. I know you may be in gym shorts, but you’ll feel a little European. With a little tomato, it is great!
21) Cold Soba Noodles
Cold soba means dinner is going to be refreshing. Boil the noodles and rinse them under cold water. This will help them cool down as well as give a bouncy texture. Serve with a little dipping sauce made of soy sauce, and mirin (or sugar) and dashi if you have it. Finish with some sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chopped scallions. It is calm, cheerful, and safe for your kitchen.
22) Breakfast for Dinner
Eggs are sometimes the only option for dinner. This is how to prepare soft-boiled eggs to get that delicious oozy yolk. Place the egg on some toast and add the slices of tomatos that have been lightly salted and pepped. This meal is truly comforting and does not take a lot of effort and does not require the oven. If you have any fruit, place it on the table to give the illusion that it has been there the entire time.
23) Chicken Caesar Wraps
Though Caesar salads are wonderful, they aren’t very easy to eat while walking, while a Caesar wrap would work much better. Just grab some chicken, Whether it is rotisserie or some leftover chicken you have, add some romaine, your favorite dressing, and some Parmesan cheese. As crazy as it sounds, putting croutons in the wrap is a little unconventional. I’ve prepared these for dinner at the beach house where everyone is usually antsy and doesn’t want to sit at the table, and they go quickly!
24) Antipasto Plates
This is dinner for people who want to feel like they are eating at a friend’s party and are grazing. Arrange salami, mozzarella, melons, olives, and crunchy vegetables on a large board and have each guest assemble their ideal combination. It feels a little like clever shopping is a type of guilty pleasure. I especially enjoy this on humid evenings when the idea of boiling water feels like a personal attack.
25) Vegetable Fried Rice
Fried rice is something I make when I have some leftover rice and zero patience. I just microwave some rice, frozen mixed vegetables, and one or two eggs and stir fry them together until everything is warm and a bit toasted. I just add soy sauce and a bit of sesame oil and stop before I ‘fix’ it into blandness. People will ask for it again because it is super quick to make, of high quality, and very forgiving.
26) Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon and feta cheese may seem like an odd combination, but the truth is they complement each other perfectly. With the addition of mint and lime it creates a sweet and sharp refreshing flavor. If you add some quickly prepared chicken, whether grilled (if you’re outside) or pan seared (if you’re inside) it will definitely feel more like a light dinner than a heavy one. This salad is also great with toasted pita and chickpeas if you are vegetarian.
