24+ Amazing Recipes When It’s Too Hot To Cook (List)

When the heat is on, heating up your kitchen can feel unbearable! Does the thought of slaving over a hot stove make you want to retreat to the comfort of an ice-cold drink instead? You’re not alone!

A collage of refreshing summer recipes, featuring smoothies, salads, sushi, and fruit platters, highlighting 24+ easy meal ideas for hot weather when cooking is undesirable.

1. Zesty Chickpea Salad

Zesty Chickpea Salad Recipes

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Chickpea Salad from A Zesty Bite.

Cooking Time: 10 min.

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Chickpea Salad from Love and Lemons.

Cooking Time: 20 min. Rating: 5.

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Chickpea Salad Recipe from Nora Cooks.

Cooking Time: 20 min. Rating: 5.

Source: Google.com

Chickpeas are amazing little powerhouses of protein that shine in this zesty salad! Toss canned chickpeas with your favorite chopped veggies, like cucumbers, bell peppers, and ripe cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with a simple lemon vinaigrette that you can whip up in no time.

This salad is not only vibrant, but it also packs a punch with refreshing flavors that will leave you feeling revitalized. Serve it chilled for a delightful lunch, or pair it with grilled chicken if you’re feeling a bit indulgent. It’s dietary-friendly and colorful, sure to brighten your table!

2. No-Cook Gazpacho

No-Cook Gazpacho Recipes

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No-Cook Gazpacho from Veggiecurean.

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Wolfgang Puck’s No Cook Gazpacho from Food.com.

Cooking Time: 15 min. Rating: 5.

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Rustic Gazpacho from Nutrition By Carrie.

Cooking Time: 1 h 20 min.

Source: Google.com

What better way to beat the heat than with a chilled bowl of gazpacho? This traditional Spanish soup requires no cooking at all! Simply blend ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions with olive oil, vinegar, and a splash of hot sauce for a kick.

Perfect for a summer appetizer or a light lunch, this refreshing dish is as vibrant as summer itself. Serve it in pretty bowls, and add a few croutons or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of flavor and presentation. Your guests will be begging for the recipe!

3. Summer Roll Bowls

Summer Roll Bowls Recipes

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Summer Roll Noodle Bowls from Iowa Girl Eats.

Cooking Time: 25 min. Ingredients: Creamy peanut butter, gluten free, chili sauce, jumbo shrimp, noodle.

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Summer Roll Noodle Bowl from Get On My Plate.

Cooking Time: 30 min. Rating: 5. Ingredients: Creamy peanut butter, rice noodles, shrimp, hoisin sauce, bean sprouts.

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Spiralized Summer Roll Bowls with Hoisin Peanut Sauce from Skinnytaste.

Cooking Time: 10 min. Rating: 5. Ingredients: Creamy peanut butter, red cabbage, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha.

Source: Google.com

Summer Roll Bowls are versatile, fresh, and oh-so-fun to make! Start with rice noodles, then layer in shrimp, fresh herbs, and your favorite vegetables like carrots and snap peas. Finish it off with a drizzle of peanut or hoisin sauce for that delectable touch.

This wholesome and crunchy meal can be customized according to your taste! Mix and match the ingredients to suit what you have on hand; toss in some avocado or add in some sliced mango for a sweet twist. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate!

4. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Fruit And Yogurt Parfaits Recipes

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Make Ahead Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits from Simply Sissom.

Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Frozen berries, honey, granola, plain yogurt.

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Fruit & Yogurt Parfait from Feel Good Foodie.

Cooking Time: 40 min. Rating: 5. Ingredients: Vanilla greek yogurt, granola, fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries.

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Fruit and Yogurt Parfait from One Happy Dish.

Cooking Time: Vanilla greek yogurt, granola, strawberries, blueberries, fresh mint. Rating: 5. Ingredients: Vanilla greek yogurt, granola, strawberries, blueberries, fresh mint.

Source: Google.com

When you want something light, refreshing, and utterly delightful, fruit and yogurt parfaits are the answer! Layer creamy yogurt with your favorite seasonal fruits such as berries, peaches, or even tropical pineapple.

Not only is this a delicious way to cool down, but it’s also packed with nutrients. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of granola can take this parfait to the next level. Enjoy it for breakfast or a midday treat; it’s honestly hard to resist!

5. Ceviche with Crunchy Tortilla Chips

Ceviche With Crunchy Tortilla Chips Recipes

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Ceviche Verde with Homemade Tortilla Chips from Saveur.

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Spicy Hamachi Ceviche with Lime & Crispy Tortilla Chips from DishGen.

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Shrimp Ceviche with Flour Tortilla Chips from The Pink Papaya.

Source: Google.com

Light, bright, and oh-so-refreshing, ceviche is a fabulous way to enjoy seafood without the heat! Marinate fresh fish or shrimp in lime juice with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The citrus does all the cooking for you!

Pair your ceviche with crunchy tortilla chips for an exciting appetizer or light meal, and watch your guests dive in joyfully. It’s vibrant, looks stunning on any table, and requires only a bit of chopping. The effort is well worth it!

6. Greek Panzanella Salad

Greek Panzanella Salad Recipes

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Greek Panzanella from Food Network.

Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 min. Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Red wine vinegar, feta cheese, french bread, dijon mustard, red bell pepper.

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Greek Panzanella Salad from Two Peas & Their Pod.

Cooking Time: 30 min. Rating: 5. Ingredients: Red wine vinegar, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, french bread, kalamata olives.

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Barefoot Contessa’s Greek Panzanella from Food.com.

Cooking Time: 35 min. Rating: 5. Ingredients: Red wine vinegar, feta cheese, french bread, dijon mustard, red bell pepper.

Source: Google.com

This deliciously simple Greek-inspired salad combines crusty bread, ripe tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and olives in a tangy dressing. You can use leftover bread or even grill it beforehand for additional flavor!

Every bite offers a mouthful of Mediterranean warmth. It’s refreshing yet filling and perfect for a summer picnic! Serve it alongside grilled meats for a complete meal or enjoy it solo for a lighter option.

7. Shrimp and Mango Lettuce Wraps

Shrimp And Mango Lettuce Wraps Recipes

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Shrimp and Mango Salsa Lettuce Wraps from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.

Cooking Time: 23 min. Rating: 4.9.

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Vietnamese Shrimp & Mango Lettuce Wraps from EatingWell.

Cooking Time: 35 min. Rating: 5.

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Shrimp Mango Lettuce Cups from Food Network.

Cooking Time: 35 min. Rating: 4.5.

Source: Google.com

Who can resist the combination of succulent shrimp and sweet mango in a crisp lettuce wrap? Simply toss cooked shrimp with diced mango, cilantro, and lime juice for a party-worthy dish that’s easy to enjoy!

These wraps are exciting, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Instead of heavy tortillas, the lettuce keeps it light and fresh. Serve them with a spicy dipping sauce or eat them as is for a guilt-free treat!

8. Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers Recipes

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Caprese Skewers from Love and Lemons.

Cooking Time: 15 min. Rating: 5.

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Best Caprese Skewers from Allrecipes.

Cooking Time: 15 min. Rating: 4.7.

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Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle from Iowa Girl Eats.

Cooking Time: 25 min. Rating: 4.8.

Source: Google.com

With layers of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, Caprese skewers are a classic favorite that require no cooking. Drizzle them with balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation and a punch of flavor!

These handheld delights are perfect for gatherings or even a cozy night in. Simply assemble them on skewers for an eye-catching appetizer that impresses without the effort. They’re a lovely bite-sized treat packed with fresh taste!

9. Cold Quinoa Salad

Cold Quinoa Salad Recipes

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Favorite Quinoa Salad from Cookie and Kate.

Cooking Time: 40 min. Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Red wine vinegar, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olive oil.

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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Peppers, Cucumbers, Olives and Feta from The Mediterranean Dish.

Cooking Time: 25 min. Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Feta cheese, bell peppers, lemon, kalamata olives, green.

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The Best Quinoa Salad from Inspired Taste.

Cooking Time: 25 min. Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Baby bok choy, apple cider vinegar, pine nuts, maple syrup, broccoli stems.

Source: Google.com

Take your salad game to the next level with a cold quinoa salad. Combine fluffy quinoa with diced vegetables, nuts, and herbs, then dress it with a zingy dressing of lemon and olive oil. It’s a filling yet light option that can be made ahead and served cold!

This nutritious powerhouse is not only good for you but also tastes amazing. It’s perfect for meal prep or picnics, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully as it chills. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or as a side for your summer barbecues!

Staying cool in the kitchen doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor.

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