Cold recipes are exactly what you need when the weather’s hot and turning on the oven sounds like a terrible idea. These are the kind of dishes that taste great, keep things simple, and actually make you look forward to eating at home. They’re easy to pull together, full of flavor, and perfect for lazy afternoons or quick lunches. No overthinking—just straight-up good food that works when you want something cool and refreshing.
Mango Avocado Salad
This mango and avocado salad is ready in 15 minutes and dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette. Its chilled ingredients and quick prep make it a solid option when the weather is hot.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
Summer Gazpacho
Gazpacho made from blended summer vegetables is chilled before serving. It’s especially useful when hot meals feel too heavy during peak heat.
Get the Recipe: Summer Gazpacho
Raw Carrot Salad
A carrot salad with a crisp texture and lemon-based dressing comes together in just 10 minutes. Its raw components and refreshing flavor make it a practical cold side during warm days.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad
Zucchini Soup
Zucchini soup made with basic ingredients is finished in under 30 minutes. Served cold, it works well for quick meals when the heat makes cooking less appealing.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Soup
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
A creamy pimento cheese sandwich comes together in 5 minutes with no stove required. It's a straightforward, cool option for days when staying out of the kitchen feels like the best plan.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Cold Moussaka with Kalamata Feta Sauce
Layers of potato, eggplant, and spiced beef finished with bechamel hold up when served cool. It’s a way to enjoy something hearty without the heat of a fresh-from-the-oven dish.
Get the Recipe: Cold Moussaka with Kalamata Feta Sauce
Ramen Noodles Cold Salad
Ramen noodle salad with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing is served cold. It’s a lighter choice that still has texture and flavor when the weather is hot.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodles Cold Salad
Chilled Mango Melon Soup with Pickled Cucumber
Mango and melon are blended into a chilled soup, paired with pickled cucumber and prosciutto skewers. It’s a refreshing combination that works well in the heat.
Get the Recipe: Chilled Mango Melon Soup with Pickled Cucumber
Gluten Free Pear and Brie Quiche
Pear and brie quiche with leeks and thyme is baked ahead and served cool. It suits summer meals where you want something prepared in advance but still refined.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pear and Brie Quiche
Cold Avocado Soup
This cold avocado soup falls between a soup and a dip, with a smooth, bright texture. Its minimal prep and cool temperature make it well-suited for hot days.
Get the Recipe: Cold Avocado Soup
Marinated Olives with Feta
Olives and feta marinated with herbs come together in minutes for a simple appetizer. Served chilled, it’s a low-effort option when the heat calls for something cool and light.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Olives with Feta
Cucumber Gazpacho
Creamy cucumber gazpacho made with avocado and cashews is brightened with herbs and lime. It’s a chilled option that works well for hot-weather lunches or light dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Gazpacho
Cold Bulgarian Soup
This Bulgarian soup combines cucumbers, kefir, dill, walnuts, and feta in a cold mix. Its cool, tangy base makes it well-suited for hot days.
Get the Recipe: Cold Bulgarian Soup
Broccoli Crunch Salad
Broccoli salad with crunch and a light dressing is ready in 15 minutes. Best served cold, it’s a quick side for days when cooked vegetables feel too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
Pressed picnic sandwiches layered with meats, cheese, and condiments are served cold. Made in advance, they’re practical for warm days when simplicity helps.
Get the Recipe: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
Chicken Caesar Salad
Chicken Caesar salad brings together romaine, Parmesan, and a tangy dressing for a filling meal. Served cold, it works especially well on days when hot food isn’t appealing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad
Cold Haddock in Carrot Lemon Sauce
Haddock with a lemony carrot-onion sauce creates a one-pot dish that works served cold or at room temperature. It suits hotter days when lighter meals are more comfortable.
Get the Recipe: Cold Haddock in Carrot Lemon Sauce
Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche
Mexican shrimp ceviche with citrus and vegetables is light and crisp. It’s a refreshing cold dish that fits well into hot weather routines.
Get the Recipe: Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche
Cold Strawberry Soup
Chilled strawberry soup with hints of orange and mint works as a fresh starter or dessert. Its cool profile fits especially well during hot afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Cold Strawberry Soup
Pesto Tortellini Salad
Tortellini pasta salad made with fewer than 10 ingredients is ready in 20 minutes. Its chilled form works well as a side dish when it’s too hot for something warm.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad
Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto skewers with meats, cheeses, and vegetables are easy to assemble. Their chilled, bite-sized nature makes them fitting for warm-weather meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers
Easy Macaroni Salad
Classic macaroni salad with mayo, vegetables, and pasta holds up well when made ahead. Served cold, it's a solid side for outdoor meals during hot weather.
Get the Recipe: Easy Macaroni Salad
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Shrimp and cucumber are paired in this chilled appetizer, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a low-effort dish for when the heat makes stove time unappealing.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Corn in a Cup
Sweet corn tossed with cheese, mayonnaise, and Tajín makes a fast, no-cook side. Served cold, it’s a quick fix when something fresh is needed during high temperatures.
Get the Recipe: Corn in a Cup
BLT Pasta Salad
BLT pasta salad captures the essence of the classic sandwich in a cold format. It’s a quick and cool dish that works well for warmer days.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad
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