When it’s sizzling hot outside, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven and make your house even warmer. Summer is the perfect time for light, easy meals that don’t require much cooking or expense. Check out these tasty and affordable summer recipe ideas that will keep you cool while being kind to your wallet.
Cool and Crisp Salads
Salads make the perfect simple summer meal when topped with proteins like chicken, tuna, eggs or beans to make them more filling. They require no cooking and let you take advantage of fresh, in-season produce.
- Try this Chicken Caesar Salad (feel free to use your favorite bottled Caesar Dressing to make it even faster)
- or opt for a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Easy Protein-Packed Sandwiches
Who wants to fuss over complicated recipes when it’s hot out? Whip up a protein-packed sandwich for a no-fuss lunch or dinner. Go classic with an egg salad, or switch it up with a chicken salad sandwich (switch up ingredients how you like! Don’t like celery? Radish adds a great crunch. Toss in some grapes or some dried cranberries, sub walnuts for almonds or leave out the nuts).
Chilled Soups and Gazpachos
Chilled soups let you enjoy flavors and nutrients without any heavy cooking. This refreshing chilled cucumber soup is equal parts healthy and tasty. Gazpachos made from fresh veggies like tomatoes are another fantastic option like this classic gazpacho recipe.
Light Tuna or Chicken Salads
Tuna and chicken salads are the epitome of cool, light summer meals. Make them into sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or eat them with crackers. This protein-packed tuna salad from Spend with Pennies is delicious and can be varied to suit your tastes.
Veggie-Packed Skewers or Roll-Ups
Load up on fresh, in-season veggies with these fun, portable skewers or roll-ups. Rainbow veggie skewers make a healthy side or meatless meal. Simply use a skewer and put on tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, even add a couple cheese cubes or mozzarella balls in there for some extra protein. These are perfect for a picnic or beach day too!
For something handheld, these veggie roll-ups are stuffed with hummus, tomatoes, cucumber, crunchy carrots, bell peppers and spinach. Again, the vegetables can be swapped out, or you can try cream cheese instead of hummus for a different flavor.
The key to keeping your cool this summer is making meals that don’t require much if any oven, stove, or grill time. With a little creativity, you can whip up delicious light dishes that are big on flavor while being gentle on your budget. For the freshest, most affordable summer produce, be sure to check your local farmers markets and roadside produce stands. Not only will you be getting fruits and veggies at their absolute peak of ripeness and flavor, but you’ll be supporting local growers too – often at lower prices than the supermarket. With top-quality seasonal ingredients easily sourced nearby, it’s a breeze to beat the heat and save money with these refreshingly simple summer meal ideas!
