19 Dinners That Won’t Overheat Your Kitchen

When it's too hot to think straight, dinners that keep the stove off and the kitchen cool are a lifesaver. No one wants to heat up the house just to get a meal on the table. These recipes are great for that in-between spot—quick to throw together, light enough for hot weather, and still solid enough to count as dinner. You don't have to settle for cold cereal or takeout just because the temps are climbing.

An image of vegan nicoise salad served on a big bowl. — Vegan Niçoise Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mexican Corn Salad

This Mexican corn salad has bold flavor and doesn’t need any cooking at all. It’s a solid way to keep meals cool when the heat is up.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Chickpeas take the place of tuna in this quick salad that works in a sandwich or bowl. It’s done in 10 minutes and keeps things simple when it’s hot.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Veggie Pinwheels

These veggie pinwheels are easy to roll and make a no-cook snack or light meal. Great for days when turning on the stove isn’t worth it.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pinwheels

Spinach Avocado Salad

Spinach, avocado, and fresh veggies get a citrusy finish in this quick salad. It’s perfect for hot days when you want something crisp with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Veggie Taco Salad

This taco salad comes together fast with fresh, no-cook ingredients. It’s a smart pick when it’s too hot to stand over a stove.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Taco Salad

Heirloom Caprese Salad

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl. — Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Peak-season tomatoes and mozzarella come together in this six-ingredient salad. It’s great for nights when you want something quick and cool.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad

Vegan Niçoise Salad

Chickpeas and crunchy vegetables turn this Niçoise-style salad into a no-cook meal. It’s a clean, simple way to keep dinner cool.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Niçoise Salad

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Black beans and a fast cilantro-lime dressing come together in minutes. A great choice when you want something fresh in under 10.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Simple Chopped Salad

An overhead image of vegan chopped salad in a bowl with a serving spoon in the middle. — Simple Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chopped vegetables make this salad come together with barely any prep. It’s what you reach for when it’s late and too hot to cook.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad

Crisp vegetables and a light dressing make this Italian chopped salad quick to pull together. It’s solid for outdoor dinners when you want something easy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

Sliced peaches, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella slices on a tray. — Peach Tomato Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Juicy peaches, basil, mozzarella, and lettuce make this salad bright and quick to throw together. It’s great for warm nights when the oven stays off.
Get the Recipe: Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish. — Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Crisp romaine, feta, dill, and scallions come together with lemon vinaigrette in this Greek-style salad. It’s an easy add-on when you're skipping heat.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Cobb Salad

This Cobb salad has chicken, avocado, bacon, and eggs, making it solid enough to count as dinner. It all comes together without touching the stove.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl. — Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken, walnuts, and cranberries mix into a salad that works in a sandwich or bowl. Great for hot days when you still want something filling and fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Shortcut Chicken Salad Sandwich

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table. — Shortcut Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Canned chicken salad is fast, flexible, and doesn’t need a single burner. Pair it with greens or bread for an easy lunch when the heat’s on.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad Sandwich

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels sprouts get tossed with crunchy extras and light dressing in this no-cook salad. It’s perfect when you want something fresh without turning on anything.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad

Feta Beet Salad

Beet salad with crumbled feta, pistachios and fresh herbs on a plate with serving spoon. — Feta Beet Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cooked beets, feta, pistachios, and herbs make this salad easy to throw together. It’s a good pick for keeping things cool while still bringing bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Tofu Spring Rolls With Apple

These tofu spring rolls are packed with crisp vegetables and need zero cooking. A solid choice for staying cool without skimping on texture.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Spring Rolls With Apple

Fattoush Salad

Fresh vegetables and lemon-mint dressing make this Fattoush salad quick and bright. Great for lunch or dinner when you’re avoiding extra heat.
Get the Recipe: Fattoush Salad