Cold dinners have become a thing lately and in the midst of a summer heat wave, it’s easy to see why! Scroll social media and you’ll find endless pasta salads, wraps, and sandwiches that require little (if any) cooking. These are some of my favorites!
The best cold dinners for hot days.
By the end of a hot summer day, I don’t want to turn on the oven. And on a really hot day, I don’t even want to eat something warm. A cold sandwich piled with juicy ripe tomatoes or a salad loaded with crisp veggies is the move.
Now, some of the recipes below do require a little bit of cooking, whether it’s boiling eggs or baking chicken. Usually I do this in the morning when the kitchen is cooler. Then I get a head start on putting together dinner!
Avocado Chicken Salad
Creamy avocado and Greek yogurt make this chicken salad feel fresh instead of heavy. Serve it on toasted bread, tucked into lettuce cups, or scoop it up with crackers for an easy dinner that comes together in minutes.
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Caprese Sandwich
Peak summer tomatoes don't need much help. Layer them with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a good spread on crusty bread for a sandwich that proves simple ingredients really can make the best meals.
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Italian Pasta Salad
Pasta salad isn't just for potlucks. This version is hearty enough to be dinner, with plenty of bold flavors that make it just as good straight from the refrigerator the next day.
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Healthy Egg Salad
Egg salad is one of the easiest high-protein lunches and dinners you can make ahead. Serve it on toast, in wraps, over greens, or with crisp vegetables for dipping.
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Quinoa Salad
This is one of those recipes that somehow gets better after a night in the refrigerator. It's packed with fresh vegetables and makes an excellent base for grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas if you want an even heartier meal.
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Chicken Caesar Wrap
Take everything you love about a Caesar salad and tuck it into a wrap! It's satisfying enough for dinner but still light enough for a hot summer evening.
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Chef Salad
A great chef salad is a complete meal. Loaded with protein, crisp vegetables, and plenty of texture, it's one of the easiest ways to clear out the refrigerator while making dinner feel intentional.
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