Chill out with these cool meal ideas that pack plenty of flavor.
cooking yet are hearty enough to keep you feeling satisfied after you’re finished.
Check out these cold dinner ideas that’ll make your summer meals a whole lot cooler.
Photo:Greg DuPree
Can’t stand to turn on the oven to crisp the pitas for this tasty dinner salad?
Pop them in the toaster or use pita chips instead.
Cornbread Panzanella
This chopped salad is a classic hot weather staple.
Victor Protasio
Watermelon Poke Bowl
What’s more refreshing than watermelon on a summer evening?
Chicken Satay Lettuce Wraps
Satay lettuce wraps come together in a flash and are full of flavor.
To avoid heating up your kitchen, grill the chicken thighs outdoors or userotisserie chickenas a stand-in.
Greg DuPree
Pick the best quality salmon you might afford for restaurant-worthy results.
But it’s a super fast and incredibly flavorful meal that’s delicious at room temp.
Prepare for dinner or serve it as a side at your nextsummer barbecue.
Greg DuPree
Chickpea and Chorizo Salad
Victor Protasio
The only cooking required for this sophisticated dinner salad?
Two minutes to crisp up the chorizo.
Smoked Salmon Flatbread
Consider this the breakfast-for-dinner, chilled version of pizza.
Victor Protasio
Just crisp the naan under the broiler (or in your air fryer!)
Lemony Pasta Salad With Cucumber
Looking for the next cold salad to bring to all your get-togethers?
Japanese-Style Shrimp Salad
Precooked shrimp makes this hearty salad an assembly-only easy dinner idea.
Caitlin Bensel
Pair them with simple fixings like cucumbers,avocado, romaine lettuce, and a creamy soy-mayo dressing.
We recommend serving onsourdoughor seven-grain bread, but any hearty loaf will do.
Grilled Halloumi Salad
Halloumiis a popular meat substitute that is high in protein.
Daniel Agee
SwapFarrowith your favorite grain for a bowl that can be added to your weekly rotation.
Prep it early in the day when the temps are cool, then enjoy for summer dinner.
White Bean and Farro Salad
White beans blend with arugula and feta in this light summer salad.
Fred Hardy.
End-of-Summer Salad
This easy cold dinner features all the best produce from summer in one amazing salad.
Use precooked shrimp to help reduce your cooking time.
If you’re not into grilling the chicken yourself, you’re able to substitute a rotisserie chicken.
Jennifer Causey
Bonus: It can be made with whatever produce you have on hand.
If not, grilling your chicken in advance will keep your kitchen cool.
Swap the avocado and bulb fennel for whatever produce you have on hand.
Victor Protasio
Either way, this classic salad is hard to mess up.
verify to pick the freshest tomatoes and use them before they get mealy.
Chickpea-Tuna Salad
Tired of the typical tuna salad sandwich?
Victor Protasio
Any stone fruit will work if you might’t find quality nectarines.
Baby Kale and Chicken Caesar
Baby kale adds welcomed texture and nutrition to this Caesar salad.
Skip making your own croutons (we won’t tell!)
Greg DuPree
and pile on the rotisserie chicken for a quick, satisfying meal.
Pickled Tuna-Salad Sandwiches
Sandwiches for dinner are ideal when you’re looking for something light yet filling.
Serve with pita and a protein of choice for a complete meal.
Greg DuPree
Spring Green Salad
No cold dinner list would be complete without a traditional green salad.
This unique take pairs romaine and cucumber with edamame, pistachios, and mint for a one-of-a-kind flavor.
For a protein boost, serve with quinoa.
Make it up to three days ahead to have dinner on hand when you need it.
Each slice has layers of texture thanks to creamy avocado, tuna salad, celery, and sourdough.
Not an avocado fan?
Greg DuPree
Swap them for fresh tomatoes.
One reviewer said her guest, who is ‘not usually a salad person,’ loved it!
To preserve the salad’s texture, serve and eat immediately.
CAITLIN BENSEL
Jennifer Causey
Jennifer Causey
Victor Protasio
Fred Hardy
Jennifer Causey
Victor Protasio
Greg Dupree
Caitlin Bensel
Greg DuPree
Victor Protasio
Greg DuPree
Caitlin Bensel
Mark Lund
Greg DuPree
Victor Protasio
Greg DuPree
Greg DuPree
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
Jen Causey
Heami Lee
