18 20-Minute Cold Dinners For A Hot Day
18 20-Minute Cold Dinners For A Hot Day
Beat the Heat with These Refreshing Cold Dinners
Summer is here, and the heat is on! When the temperatures soar, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking up a storm. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 18 quick and easy cold dinners that’ll keep you cool and satisfied in no time. Each of these recipes can be prepared in 20 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy days when you need a break from the heat.
Vegan Superfood Grain Bowls
This nutrient-packed grain bowl recipe comes together in 15 minutes with the help of a few convenience-food shortcuts like prewashed baby kale, microwavable quinoa, and precooked beets. Pack these ahead to keep on hand for easy meal-prep lunches or dinners on busy nights.
Raw Vegan Zoodles with Romesco
Trying out a raw vegan diet or just looking for an easy no-cook recipe? This spiralized zucchini noodle dinner with red pepper sauce is refreshing, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious! Plus, it couldn’t be easier to make. Just whir up the 5-ingredient sauce in your food processor or blender, toss and serve!
Chickpea & Quinoa Grain Bowl
It seems grain bowls have as many variations as there are stars in the sky, and there is no wrong way to build one! But we prefer to keep things classic and simple with hummus, quinoa, avocado, and loads of veggies!
Meal-Prep Curried Chicken Bowls
Curry doesn’t have to take hours to prepare. With the help of our sheet-pan meal-prep chicken (see associated recipe) and some cooked whole grains, you can make these meal-prep bowls in just a few minutes! Keep them in the fridge for an easy dinner on a busy weeknight or for healthy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Quinoa Avocado Salad
Protein-packed quinoa pairs with creamy avocado in this refreshing grain salad. It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish to bring on a picnic or take to a potluck. Or pack it for lunch or enjoy it as a light dinner.
Roasted Veggie & Hummus Pita Pockets
These satisfying and tasty pita-pocket sandwiches are packed with roasted veggies and greens. A spread of hummus adds creaminess and keeps everything from falling out.
Loaded Chicken-Quinoa Salad
Turn simple precooked ingredients into a delicious one-dish meal, high in fiber and with plenty of protein to keep you feeling satisfied.
Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas
In this cucumber, tomato, Swiss cheese, and chickpea salad recipe, a healthy green goddess dressing is made from avocado, buttermilk, and herbs. The extra dressing is delicious served with grilled vegetables.
Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dressing
This high-fiber vegetarian grain bowl is packed with colorful veggies and plant-based protein to keep you feeling energized and satisfied.
Salmon & Avocado Poke Bowl
Poke (pronounced poh-kay), the bite-size marinated fish salad famous in Hawaii, is so popular that it’s sold by the pound in supermarkets. Now it has crossed the Pacific to become the meal-in-a-bowl du jour, served in eateries from Los Angeles to New York. But it’s easy to make at home with this quick recipe. Sriracha and Chinese-style mustard add a touch of heat to the classic poke seasoning of soy sauce and sesame oil. Serving it over a brown rice salad makes it a meal.
Chickpea & Veggie Grain Bowl
This high-fiber vegetarian grain bowl is packed with colorful veggies and plant-based protein to keep you feeling energized and satisfied.
Vegetarian Italian Hoagies
Traditional Italian subs feature meat but this delightfully easy sandwich packs a punch with artichoke hearts, red onion, and zesty pepperoncini instead. We love it for dinner as well as lunch. If you’re packing the hoagies to take along, keep the ingredients separate and assemble right before eating to avoid soggy bread. Serve with tomato and cucumber salad.
Chicken, Quinoa & Veggie Bowl
With a whopping 19 grams of protein, this one-dish meal will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
Turkey, Corn & Sun-Dried Tomato Wraps
Fresh corn kernels, tomatoes, and lettuce fill these hearty turkey wraps. This wrap is great for picnics or when you need to have dinner on the run. Add some crumbled feta or shredded Cheddar for another layer of flavor. Serve with carrot sticks, sliced bell pepper or other crunchy vegetables plus your favorite creamy dressing.
Salmon Salad Sandwich
Salmon salad served on tangy pumpernickel bread makes for an easy dinner—a double batch will give you lunch the next day.
Conclusion
These 18 cold dinner recipes are perfect for hot summer days when you need a break from the heat. Each one is quick, easy, and packed with nutrients to keep you feeling satisfied and energized. Whether you’re a busy professional or a stay-at-home parent, these recipes are sure to become a staple in your household.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A: Yes, many of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
Q: Are these recipes gluten-free?
A: Most of these recipes are gluten-free, but please check the ingredients list to confirm.
Q: Can I customize these recipes to suit my dietary needs?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ingredients or adjust portion sizes to suit your dietary needs.
Q: Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
A: Many of these recipes are vegetarian and vegan-friendly, but please check the ingredients list to confirm.
Q: Can I make these recipes for a large group or party?
A: Yes, most of these recipes can be easily scaled up to feed a large group or party.
