Updated June 29, 2017
Get the recipe: Summer Cucumber and Dill Salad opens in a new tab
I know what you’re thinking — it’s the middle of the day and the temperatures are already climbing high, the air conditioning is struggling to keep up, and you still have to figure out what to make for dinner. Summer weather is often enough for us to throw up our hands and hit the take-out counter, but there are plenty of options for putting together a great meal that don’t involve laboring over a hot stove or oven.
Salads are a no-brainer, and adding a few new ingredients will make them exciting again. Going a step further in using summer’s fresh produce means diving into a big bowl of gazpacho or other chilled soups — super refreshing plus super easy equals a big win! Don’t forget about other raw foods opens in a new tab as well. This is an ideal time to explore all the ways you can beat the heat in the kitchen.
Try a few of these cool recipes the next time you’re in a standoff with the oven.
