The weather is warming up and with it goes my last shred of desire to step into the kitchen. Unfortunately, my appetite does not take a vacation, so I’m always looking for things to eat when it’s too hot to cook. We’ve rounded up our favorite foods to eat on a hot day.
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Gazpacho
Truth be told, I’ve never had gazpacho, but this cold tomato soup sounds like the perfect summer lunch. The only appliance you’ll need is a blender.
Try this: Gazpacho Recipe from NYT Cooking
Watermelon salad
Honestly, the worst part of a salad is the lettuce, and this cuts that out completely! Watermelon, cucumber, feta, and mint. Avocado if that’s your thing.
Try this: Watermelon Salad Recipe from Love and Lemons
Ceviche
Ceviche is a cold salad typically made with fresh fish, peppers, cilantro and red onion. Honestly, we’re here for all of the cold salads this summer.
Try this: Food and Wine Classic Ceviche Recipe
Fruit smoothies
I love a smoothie and every time I make one I wonder to myself why I don’t make more! Keep your freezer stocked with frozen fruits and you’re set!
Try this: Basic Fruit Smoothie Method + recipes
Bonus Recipe: Infused Water
While you have your fruits handy, try some of these infused water recipes for a refreshing drink throughout the day.
Hummus and Veggie Platter
Recently on TikTok I saw a woman who makes a platter of cut vegetables and dip to snack on all week. I love this idea for summer snacking! If I take a day to prep it, I’ll snack from it all week!
Try this: NYT Cooking Hummus Recipe
Buy this: Divided Veggie Platter with Lid – perfect for refrigerating cut veggies!
Cold Noodle Salad
A salad with carbs? Yes, please.
Try this: 20 Noodle Salads that are Perfect for Lunch
Caprese salad
We love a simple but elegant meal. Perfect for guests or just elevating your own weeknight dinner! Do yourself a favor and try the Trader Joe’s Balsamic Glaze.
Try this: Pioneer Woman Caprese Salad Recipe
Greek yogurt and berries
It was a true hallelujah moment when I stumbled upon dairy free greek yogurt in the store last week! But if you’re not in the dairy free camp, greek yogurt packs the shelves. Drizzle with a little honey and you’re set!
Try This: Easy Yogurt Breakfast Bowls
Tuna salad
Confession: I buy a LOT of single serving tuna packs. They’re great to have on hand for a quick, protein filled lunch or snack. Add a pile of Ritz crackers and you’re golden.
Or, you could take a few minutes and make your own!
Try this: Best Tuna Salad recipe from The Food Network
Cold cuts and cheese plate
This is the kind of thing I would serve to guests, but never think to serve to my own family. That changes now! Call it charcuterie, call it antipasto – the difference is basically the meat to veggie ratio. You do you.
Try this: How to make a charcuterie board.
Shrimp cocktail
Yet another item I’ve never made in my own home. Maybe the theme for this summer needs to be treating family meals like we’re entertaining!
Try this: Best Shrimp Cocktail Recipe from Bon Apetit
Chilled soups
Okay, we’ve already got gazpacho on this list, but chilled soups come in lots of varieties!
Try this: 9 Chilled Soup Recipes
Summer rolls
Writing this post has really worked up and appetite, let me tell you! These are the perfect light, refreshing but also hearty summer meal!
Try This: Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce.
Bruschetta
I think I’m going to declare this a summer of snacks. Can we survive on a steady diet of appetizers? I’m down to find out. Confession: I usually buy the pre-made fresh bruschetta at Trader Joe’s but you can absolutely make your own.
Try This: NYT Cooking Bruschetta Recipe
Grilled veggies
Okay, technically this one requires heat. But! You can absolutely make these outside on a grill. Olive oil, salt and pepper will make any vegetable delicious.
Plus, grilled vegetables are great served cold the next day, so make extra while you’re cooking dinner!
Buy this: BBQ Grilling Basket – Keeps your veggies from falling through the grates.
Pesto pasta salad
I love a cold pasta salad for lunch. Our usual recipe is Italian dressing, pasta, cucumbers and tomatoes. There’s something about switching it up for pesto that makes this feel like a fancy weekday meal. Bonus: If you’re dairy free, try the vegan pesto from Trader Joe’s!
Try This: Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe from Cookie and Kate
Iced coffee or tea
Is this food? No. Does it feel like a treat to be enjoyed on a patio? Yes.
Try This: Make Iced Coffee at Home
Frozen fruit popsicles
I’m going to be honest here. In this house, we’re big fans of the Outshine brand of popsicles. They’re made with real fruit and genuinely delicious. However, if you want to be an over achiever, you can certainly make your own!
Try This: Make fresh fruit popsicles at home.
Ice cream or sorbet
I mean, duh, right?
Try this: 17 No Churn Ice Cream Recipes
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Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy your midlife besties! Join us on Patreon every Monday where we’re talking everyday life, pop culture, and more!
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