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When it’s just too hot to turn on the stove, these cold dinner ideas save the day. They’re light, refreshing, and still filling—perfect for summer evenings when you want to stay cool.
From hearty salads to chilled wraps and protein-packed bowls, these recipes will help you skip the heat without skipping flavor.
1. Greek Chicken Salad Bowls
Grilled (or rotisserie) chicken, chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onions, and feta served over a bed of romaine with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon. It’s fresh, zesty, and satisfying without being heavy.
Olivia’s Tip
Make the dressing ahead and store it separately until serving to keep everything crisp.
Get the Greek Chicken Salad Bowls recipe.
2. Tuna Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with canned tuna, sweet peas, celery, and a light mayo-mustard dressing. It’s creamy, chilled, and full of protein—a no-cook dinner that feels complete.
Olivia’s Tip
Use shell or rotini pasta so it grabs the dressing and mix-ins better.
Get the Tuna Pasta Salad recipe.
3. Caprese Sandwiches
Fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves layered on a crusty baguette with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. Simple, juicy, and satisfying.
Olivia’s Tip
Toast the bread lightly to keep it from getting soggy if packing ahead.
Get the Caprese Sandwiches recipe.
4. Chicken Caesar Wraps
Chopped grilled chicken, romaine, parmesan, and Caesar dressing wrapped in a tortilla. It’s cool, crunchy, and filling without heating the kitchen.
Olivia’s Tip
Use cold rotisserie chicken to cut down prep time.
Get the Chicken Caesar Wraps recipe.
5. Lentil Tabbouleh Bowls
Cooked lentils mixed with chopped parsley, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon juice. Light but packed with fiber and flavor. Serve over greens or in pita.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill for at least an hour to let flavors blend before serving.
Get the Lentil Tabbouleh Bowls recipe.
6. Shrimp Ceviche Lettuce Cups
Chilled shrimp tossed with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and avocado, served in crisp lettuce leaves. It’s citrusy, fresh, and low-carb.
Olivia’s Tip
Use pre-cooked shrimp to keep it truly heat-free.
Get the Shrimp Ceviche Lettuce Cups recipe.
7. Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Mashed chickpeas, celery, red onion, and mayo or Greek yogurt, piled onto whole-grain bread or in lettuce wraps. Creamy, crunchy, and plant-based.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a dash of Dijon mustard for extra flavor without extra salt.
Get the Chickpea Salad Sandwiches recipe.
8. Cold Peanut Noodle Salad
Cooked noodles tossed with a peanut butter–soy–lime dressing, shredded carrots, and cucumbers. Chilled and full of savory-sweet flavor.
Olivia’s Tip
Rinse noodles under cold water after cooking to stop the heat and keep the dish cool.
Get the Cold Peanut Noodle Salad recipe.
9. Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Classic egg salad spooned into crunchy romaine or butter lettuce leaves. A cool and protein-rich dinner without bread or fuss.
Olivia’s Tip
Add chopped pickles or relish for extra tang.
Get the Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps recipe.
10. Cold Roast Beef and Horseradish Sandwiches
Layer thin-sliced roast beef, arugula, and horseradish mayo on a crusty roll. It’s savory with a little kick—hearty without being hot.
Olivia’s Tip
Add thin cucumber slices for a fresh crunch.
Get the Cold Roast Beef and Horseradish Sandwiches recipe.
11. Quinoa and Veggie Bowl
Chilled cooked quinoa tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and a lemon vinaigrette. It’s filling but feels light and clean.
Olivia’s Tip
Add chickpeas or grilled tofu for a bigger protein boost.
Get the Quinoa and Veggie Bowl recipe.
12. Smoked Salmon Bagel Plates
A deconstructed bagel sandwich with cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and cucumber slices on the side. Feels like brunch, but works for dinner too.
Olivia’s Tip
Swap bagels for crackers if you’re keeping it extra light.
Get the Smoked Salmon Bagel Plates recipe.
13. Cold Chicken Taco Salad
Shredded cold chicken tossed with black beans, corn, lettuce, and salsa-ranch dressing. Crunchy, spicy, and super easy to throw together.
Olivia’s Tip
Pack the chips separately and add last so they stay crispy.
Get the Cold Chicken Taco Salad recipe.
14. Asian Chopped Salad with Edamame
Chopped cabbage, carrots, scallions, and edamame tossed in a sesame-ginger vinaigrette. It’s crunchy, protein-packed, and keeps well in the fridge.
Olivia’s Tip
Use pre-shredded slaw mix to save time.
Get the Asian Chopped Salad with Edamame recipe.
15. Hummus + Veggie Pita Plates
Scoop of hummus with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and pita wedges on the side. It’s like a mini Mediterranean picnic at home.
Olivia’s Tip
Add hard-boiled eggs or feta for more protein.
Get the Hummus + Veggie Pita Plates recipe.
16. Cold Orzo with Spinach and Lemon
Tiny orzo pasta tossed with fresh spinach, lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of garlic. Bright, fresh, and it works great as a side or base.
Olivia’s Tip
Toss the orzo while still slightly warm so it soaks up all the flavor, then chill.
Get the Cold Orzo with Spinach and Lemon recipe.
17. Curried Chicken Salad
Cold chopped chicken mixed with curry powder, Greek yogurt, raisins, and chopped apples. Sweet, savory, and great served over greens or in a sandwich.
Olivia’s Tip
Use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
Get the Curried Chicken Salad recipe.
18. Italian Antipasto Salad
Chopped salami, cheese cubes, olives, pepperoncini, cherry tomatoes, and greens tossed in Italian dressing. Cold, salty, tangy, and hearty enough for dinner.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill the dressing ahead and shake well before serving.
Get the Italian Antipasto Salad recipe.
19. BLT Pasta Salad
Cooked pasta mixed with bacon bits, chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and ranch or mayo dressing. A fun twist on the sandwich—cold and creamy with a crunch.
Olivia’s Tip
Stir in the lettuce right before serving so it stays crisp.
