Feeding your family in the summer is usually more laid back due to different schedules, warmer weather, and the abundance of fresh produce. After spending an afternoon outside, or just avoiding a hot stove and oven, it is refreshing to assemble a no-cook meal sometimes. For menu inspiration think of climates and cultures with hot weather and what they would serve for a no-cook meal: the Mediterranean, island nations (Pacific and Caribbean), Latin and South America, Africa, Australia, India, and East Asia (Thailand, Vietnam). You could even use these as family dinner theme nights, and plan the menu accordingly. Another fantastic resource for summer menu inspiration is Mark Bittman’s list of Summer Dinners (some are no-cook, some have minimal cooking).
Ways to beat the heat:
- Cook ahead (double batch)
- Roasted or grilled chicken, pork, or beef.
- Grilled or roasted vegetables.
- Grains: rice, quinoa, couscous, orzo (all can be prepared ahead and served as a cold side or in a cold salad).
- Assemble
- Mezze: hummus, pita, feta, olives, dolmas.
- Antipasto: salami, sautéed or roasted peppers, mozzarella (try smoked mozzarella, too), artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cold cuts: ham, turkey, roast beef, sliced tomatoes, onion, cheddar and/or jack cheese, cracker or bread.
- A buffet of breakfast staples like hard-boiled eggs, toast, sliced fruit, yogurt, and granola.
- Sandwich bar: bread, condiments, fillings.
- Cold seafood: shrimp cocktail, ceviche, smoked salmon, fixings like lemon, capers, and sauces.
- Use the blender
- Smoothies: play around with different combinations of fruits alone, or fruit and vegetable.
- Cold soups: gazpacho, cucumber, strawberry, melon.
- Make salads – there are many reasons that salads are a summer staple:
- Easy to prepare without cooking.
- Can be made in an infinite number of ways with any combination of ingredients, proteins, carbs, and dressings.
- An entire meal can be made up of a variety of salads or one large salad bar.
Stay Cool!
