When summer hits my town everything just gets sticky, sweaty and that leaves me totally exhausted.
When it’s in full summer and blazing out, the last thing I want to do is use the stove or hang around a hot oven.
After a long day juggling everything and by the time dinner rolls around, I need something quick and most importantly, cold too!
Ah, I can feel the coolness now!
If you’re like me, then I’m sure you want to some cold dinners in your summer meal rotation.
That’s why I’ve put together some of my favorite cheap cold dinner ideas.
These are simple meals that won’t leave you hot or overspending!
Chicken Caesar Wraps
These chicken Cesar wraps are easy to make. Grab a tortialla and spread some Ceasar dressing.
Add your chicken on top (this is perfect for leftovers).
Add romaine lettuce and some Parmasaan cheese.
Roll up the tortilla and slice it half or into bite-sized pieces.
To complete the meal, serve it with a side of chips or a cucumber salad for extra healthy eating.
Tuna Salad Lettuce Cups
If you’re a fan of tuna like I am, then try this cold dinner. Mix tuna and mayo with a bit of mustard.
Add chopped up pickles or celery and then scoop it into large lettuce leaves and fold them up like a taco.
That’s it! Serve with a fruit salad and you have a completely cool summer meal.
Caprese Pasta Salad
One of my favorite budget-meals are pasta salads.
For this recipe, cook the pasta and once it’s cool, toss it with fresh mazzarella, cherry tomatores and a bit of balsamic dressing or glaze.
If you have on hand, add some fresh basil and salt and pepper to taste.
To make this more filling, add olives or grilled chicken.
You can make it heartier by adding a handful of olives or grilled chicken.
Turkey And Hummus Pinwheels
Kids just love pinwheels and hey, they’re a fun outdoor dinner idea on a cool summer night.
To make these, spread some hummus on a tortilla and add some turkey slices, a bit of spinach and shredded cheese.
Roll it up and then slice it into small pinwheel sized pieces.
This works great with roast beef or chicken if you don’t have any turkey.
Enjoy this with some crunchy veggies or fruit.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
If it’s Greek, I’m in (and my family too).
For this cold dinner, mix cooked, shredded chicken with Greek yogurt, some lemon juice and diced celery.
Add some grapes or nuts and season with salt and pepper.
You’re left with a creamy and refreshing cold salad to beat those hot summer days.
Serve with some avocado slices.
Veggie And Cream Cheese Sandwiches
I don’t know about you but when it’s hot out, I’m never hungry
That’s why these tiny sandwiches will be a staple on my summer menu.
Spread cream cheese on bread (whatever you like) and top it with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and some leafy greens.
Season with salt and pepper.
You can switch up this dinner with different veggies like peppers or carrots if you like.
Cold Peanut Noodle Bowl
For a little variety, cook some noodles (I like using rice noodles for this) and chill them in the fridge.
When cool, toss them with a peanut butter sauce (it’s just peanut butter, soy sauce and a touch of honey).
Next, add shredded carrots, cucumbers and chopped peanuts.
For more protein, add grilled chicken or tofu.
Top with cilantro or a squeeze of lime.
Egg Salad On Whole Wheat Toast
If you have absolutely no time to cook, boil a couple of eggs and mash them with mayo, mustard and some relish, if you like that stuff (I don’t).
Spread the egg salad on some toasted bread (whole wheat) and add a dash of paprika.
It’s a quick meal that pairs nicely with a side of fruit.
You can add some lettuce or avocado for to these too!
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
My husband can eat chickpeas every day so I know he’ll devour this salad.
Toss a can of chickpeas (without the liquid) with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion and Kalamata olives.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and add some dried oregano and some salt.
Serve it with pita bread or some hummus for a complete meal.
Pita Bread With Hummus And Veggies
For a vegetarian dinner idea, spread hummus on a pita and then top it with your favorite veggies.
I like using sliced cucumbers, bell peppers and some feta cheese (it’s not a veggie, but it’s a must for this sandwich).
Go ahead and add Kalamata olives or even roasted red peppers for a different flavor.
This is a quick and light cold dinner that hits the spot.
Pair it with a side of fruit or a small salad.
Black Bean And Corn Salad
Another family favorite: black beans!
Plus, it’s such a great budget food that you can stretch for many meals.
Mix together a can of black beans, a can of corn, chopped red onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
Toss with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make a dressing.
Add avocado or a sprinkle of cheese and then serve!
Quinoa And Cucumber Salad
Cook some quinoa (according to its instructions) and let it cool.
Then mix in chopped cucumbers, red onion, chopped mint or parsley.
Mix olive oil and lemon juice and drizzle on the salad and then season with salt and pepper.
This salad is great to make ahead and serves as lunches too!
You can add feta cheese or some grilled chicken if you want to make it a bit heartier.
Turkey And Cheese Roll-Ups
For this pinwheel lay some deli turkey meat, lettuce and cheese on a tortilla.
You can first add a layer of cream cheese if you like!
Then roll it up and slice it into bite-sized portions.
It’s the simplest, no-cook dinner idea that you can eat on its own or pair with veggies.
Swap turkey for ham or roast beef if you’re in the mood for something different.
Serve with a side of carrot sticks with a side of humus.
Cucumber And Tomato Sandwiches
To make this cold dinner, spread butter or cream cheese on slices of bread, then layer sliced cucumber (thinly sliced) and tomatoes.
Add alfalfa sprouts and lettuce.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to season the sandwich.
Try adding some fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon.
Creamy Italian Pasta
Cook some short pasta like sprials and once cooled, mix Italian dressing.
Then add sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
You can swap out the dressing for a pesto if you’re craving something a bit more herby.
Serve it alongside a light green salad or some garlic bread for a full meal.
Chicken Salad Croissants
For an easy cold dinner, shred rotisserie chicken and mix it with mayo or yogurt. Then add some pesto and mix it up.
Spoon the mixture onto croissants to make your sandwich.
You can also add some sliced almonds for a crunchy twist.
These are perfect for a light lunch or dinner on a hot day.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
For a light cold dinner idea, mix cooked quinoa with diced cucumber, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onion.
Toss in some feta cheese and a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
Serve it with some pita or warm bread and get ready for seconds.
Cold Sesame Noodles
With this tasty cold dinner, cook noodles and toss them in a simple sesame dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a bit of honey.
Next, go ahead and add sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and top with sesame seeds.
Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for extra flavor.
Avocado Chicken Salad
If I can eat avocados every day, I would!
Mix cooked, shredded chicken with mashed avocado, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
Add a few diced tomatoes and some salt and pepper to season.
Serve it in a wrap or with tortilla chips for a simple and tasty dinner.
Greek Salad
In a bowl combine chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, chopped parsley, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano.
Add some grilled chicken or chickpeas and that’s it!
Chilled Tortellini Salad
Cook tortellini and let it cool, then mix it with diced vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers.
Toss with Italian dressing and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
You can add some pepperoni or grilled chicken for a heartier version.
This pasta salad is a quick and satisfying meal for a hot day.
Chickpea and Avocado Toast
Try this mixture: smash rip avocado on a slice of toasted whole-grain bread;
Then top with canned chickpeas, lightly seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
You can add some chopped tomatoes or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Cucumber, Feta, and Dill Salad
Every summer my MIL gives me handfuls of dill since she plants it in her garden.
So, I like to use it as much as I can!
Slice cucumbers thinly and toss in crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
You can add some red onion or olives for a more hearty dinner.
Grilled Veggie Salad
Get the BBQ going and grill some seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
You can add some goat cheese or feta for a creamy contrast.
If there are any leftover grilled veggies, add it to a sandwich or pasta salad.
Cold Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Bake chicken drumsticks ahead of time and chill them in the fridge.
When you’re ready to eat, just grab one for a quick, protein filled dinner.
Pair them with a dipping sauce, like ranch or BBQ, for some extra flavor.
This is a great way to make use of leftover chicken without heating up the kitchen.
Canned Bean Tacos
Heat a can of black beans or pinto beans and season with garlic powder, salt and pepper in the microwave with a bit of water.
Let them cool and then spoon them into soft taco shells with your favorite cold toppings, like shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.
You can also add some shredded cheese or guacamole.
Cold Avocado and Egg Breakfast Bowl
For a quick cold dinner, boil a couple of eggs and peel them, then slice and arrange them over a bowl of mashed avocado, chopped red onion and red bell pepper.
Top with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce or lemon juice.
Pair with some whole-grain toast or carrots and humus.
Chilled Cucumber Soup
I bet my kids will get a kick outta this soup!
Blend cucumbers with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of olive oil.
Chill the soup in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.
You can garnish with fresh dill or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Chilled Poke Bowl
Create a chilled poke bowl by layering sushi rice with tuna or salmon (or tofu for a vegetarian option), cucumber, avocado, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Drizzle some soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of wasabi if you like the heat (which I don’t).
Add some pickled ginger on the side to make this dish more authentic.
Chilled Spicy Crab Salad
Try this easy crab dinner that I’m sure your family will enjoy.
Mix imitation crab meat with diced cucumber, avocado, and a spicy mayo (mayo, sriracha, and a bit of lemon juice).
You can omit the spice if you have little ones like I do.
Serve it chilled in a bowl, topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Stay Cool with These Easy and Cold Dinners
With summer in full swing, there’s no need to heat up the kitchen when you can enjoy these COLD, no-cook dinners.
I can’t wait to try all of these during the hot summer days.
So next time you’re looking for a simple, satisfying meal, give one of these ideas a try!
