10 Heatwave Dinners and Cold Meals For Hot Summer Days
Girl, it’s HOT outside – and WAY too hot to cook ANYTHING in the oven!
So let’s talk easy and quick summer meals and cold dinners to make when it’s a hot, humid, horrible heatwave kinda day!
Updated on June 17, 2025
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Cold Pinwheel Sandwiches –
As someone who loves enjoying light and refreshing meals during hot summer days, I find cold pinwheel sandwiches perfect!
They’re easy to make without heating up the kitchen, plus they offer a delicious combination of savory flavors from the ham, turkey, bacon, and creamy cheese.
These pinwheels are not just quick and inexpensive to prepare, but they’re also perfect for a picnic or an easy lunch, letting you spend more time enjoying the sunshine rather than cooking. See Pinwheel Sandwich recipes.
Pasta Salad –
When the summer heat is blazing, nothing beats the refreshing and comforting taste of a yummy cold pasta salad – like a BLT Pasta Salad.
This dish is like capturing the essence of a classic BLT sandwich and transforming it into a cool, creamy pasta salad, perfect for those scorching days.
The combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes melds beautifully with the tangy ranch dressing, making it both hearty and refreshing.
Plus, it’s easy to make and ideal for BBQs and potlucks, so you can enjoy more time with friends and less time in the kitchen. See Cold Pasta Salad recipes.
Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich –
On hot summer days, this copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich is a fantastic choice. It’s both refreshing and satisfying without requiring a lot of heat-intensive cooking.
The creamy and crunchy chicken salad, with its blend of perfectly grilled chicken, celery, and sweet pickle relish, is light yet filling.
Plus, having it on toasted honey wheat bread with crisp lettuce and tomato gives you all the deliciousness of a classic sandwich without overpowering you in the heat – recipe here.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad –
On hot summer days, the Honey Hot Chicken Salad is my go-to because it’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.
The fresh, crispy romaine lettuce and vibrant veggies keep it cool and crisp, while the hot honey chicken adds a sweet and spicy kick that feels just right.
Plus, it’s super quick to put together in under 30 minutes, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen sweating it out.
It’s the perfect balance of delicious and effortless, making it ideal for those WAY too hot weeknights – The full recipe is here.
Cold Cucumber Shrimp Salad –
On a hot summer day, this Cucumber Shrimp Salad is an amazing cold meal. It’s light yet satisfying, thanks to the protein-packed shrimp.
The crisp cucumbers and creamy dill dressing bring a delightful chill and flavor burst. Plus, there’s no cooking involved, keeping both you and your kitchen comfortably cool.
Whether you enjoy it as a lunch, side, or even in a sandwich, it’s a perfect match for summer’s relentless heat. See Cucumber Salad recipes here.
Italian Chopped Grinder Salad –
On those hot summer days when you want something light, refreshing, and still satisfying, this Chopped Italian Grinder Salad is just perfect!
It’s a hearty mix of crunchy lettuce, savory cold cuts, and fresh veggies, topped with a tangy, creamy dressing.
It’s not only easy and quick to prepare, but it also gives you all the delicious flavors of a classic Italian sub without the heaviness of bread, making it a delightful meal to enjoy when the temperature rises.
Plus, it’s lower in carbs, which is always a bonus! See all summer salad recipes here.
Dorito Taco Salad –
I think a Dorito Taco Salad is perfect for hot summer days because it’s both easy to assemble and refreshingly satisfying.
The combination of seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, and vibrant veggies keeps things light, while the zesty dressing and crunchy Doritos add a fun kick.
It’s a delightful way to spice up your typical summer salad routine and keep everyone cool and happy during those warmer months.
Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead, making it ideal for a quick meal or potluck gathering – recipe here.
Crunchy Cold Bean Salad –
I’ve got the perfect meal for you to try on those scorching summer days: Crunchy Bean Salad.
This salad is a fantastic choice because it’s refreshing and packed with a variety of vibrant, crisp veggies and creamy dressing. It’s ready in just 20 minutes without any need for cooking, which means you won’t be heating up your kitchen.
Plus, it’s versatile and can easily be customized with your favorite beans, proteins, or extra veggies. This makes it a cool, savory option, perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic dish, or even a lazy dinner plate when the weather is just too hot to handle. See Bean Salad Recipes here.
Bow Tie Chicken Pasta Salad –
One of my favorite cold meals I keep meal-prepped in the fridge almost all summer long!
So light, refreshing and PACKED with protein! See my recipe here.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos –
On hot summer days, Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos are a perfect meal choice and absolutely delicious!
Since the recipe uses a slow cooker, that means you won’t have to heat up your kitchen, keeping things cool and comfortable.
The vibrant flavors of lime and cilantro provide a refreshing taste that complements the warm weather.
Plus, with just five ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a stress-free and energy-efficient way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. See all summer crockpot meals here.
