72 Hot Weather Recipes to Beat The Heat (2023)
The hot summer nights are upon us, which means one thing – the last thing you want to do is to cook in front of a stove and have the oven going. So here are some healthy hot weather recipes to beat the heat. From breakfasts and snacks to summer dinners and desserts, you came to the right place.
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Hot Weather Recipes
Note: you can click on the table of contents above to find the category you’re looking for quickly.
Some of my favorite easy summer dinner ideas are no bake options. We like to keep it simple in our home so here are some easy recipe ideas:
- Grilled chicken with a veggie tray (raw veggies and dip are always a good idea and take no effort) and it’s the perfect summer weeknight meal!
- BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
- Chicken fajita salad
- Veggies, chips with salsa, and dip (I have a few salsas and dip recipes below under the snacks heading).
Another option is to have a meal delivery service do the work for you! Fresh and Lean is a meal subscription services that puts you in charge. From high protein meals to Paleo to plant based, they have a ton of options. Check out Fresh and Lean here.
No Bake Breakfast Ideas
From overnight oats to chia pudding, there are plenty of options for a cooler no bake breakfast.
Some of these healthy recipes include:
- Greek yogurt with berries (or whatever fresh fruit you have), nuts, and honey.
- Cereal topped with greek yogurt or protein powder (try it, it’s so good).
- Smoothies (try these spinach smoothie recipes).
Brownie Batter Overnight Oats
Packed with protein, fiber, and chocolate this brownie batter overnight oats will keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout your morning.
Click here for the recipe
Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats
This healthy recipe for meal prep lemon poppyseed overnight oats is so easy! All you have to do it put the ingredients in a jar, stir it, cover, and refrigerate and you have a grab and go breakfast for the week. Gluten free and made with greek yogurt for a boost of protein.
Click here for the recipe
Strawberry Rhubarb Protein Overnight Oats
Need an easy overnight oats recipe? These healthy strawberry rhubarb overnight oats made with protein powder are a great way to start the day. Make them ahead of time in a jar for a meal prep breakfast and snack!
Click here for the recipe
Hot Weather Snacks
From chips and salsa made with fresh ingredients and fresh herbs to fruit from the farmers market with a little ice cream, summer has the best snacks.
Sitting on the patio on a sunny day with a spread of snacks and a cocktail, you just can’t beat it.
Air Fryer Salsa
Here's how to make a homemade restaurant style salsa. This is a simple salsa recipe that's bursting with flavors. This is perfect for eating with chips or for topping all of your favorite Mexican dishes! The recipe can be doubled or tripled as desired.
Click here for the recipe
Balsamic Beet Hummus Recipe
This healthy balsamic beet hummus recipe is a vegan holiday appetizer perfect for party snacks or for dipping crackers while watching TV.
Click here for the recipe
Protein Tzatziki Sauce
This high protein healthy tzatziki sauce recipe is a healthy dip for vegetables, pitas, or a sauce for rice and chicken. The best part? It's easy to make.
Click here for the recipe
Peach Crostini – Inspired Epicurean
Peach crostini that is just juicy enough to taste like late summer and elegant enough to serve for a crowd. Perfect for any occasion!
Click here for the recipe
Mango Habanero Salsa with Pineapple
Ripe mangos, sweet pineapple and spicy habaneros create a perfect trio fresh flavors in this delicious mango habanero salsa with pineapple recipe.
Click here for the recipe
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Classic and elegant Caprese Salad with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and basil drizzled with a sweet balsamic vinegar reduction.
Click here for the recipe
Yellow Squash Tots with Garlicky Yogurt Dip
Yellow squash tots are a great way to use up summer squash! Enjoy these healthy vegetable tots as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. Kids love them, too!
Click here for the recipe
Keto Taco Stuffed Avocado Boats
These Keto Taco Stuffed Avocado Boats are a tasty twist on Mexican tacos but using avocado taco boats! An easy low carb meal using taco stuffed avocados!
Click here for the recipe
Orange Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche
Orange Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche is a refreshing spin to traditional Ceviche.A medley of citric acids enhance this easy “No Cook” appetizer!
Click here for the recipe
Vegetarian Summer Rolls with 3 Dipping Sauces
Vietnamese vegetarian summer rolls with avocado, tofu & fresh veggies. Serve them with 3 dipping sauces – peanut sauce, hoisin & Vietnamese dipping sauce!
Click here for the recipe
Recipes for the Grill
There’s something about grilling on a hot summer day. Whether it’s frozen burgers or bbq chicken with a side of greek salad, there are plenty of options. Try one of these easy summer dinner recipes.
Don’t forget to try these 15 Healthy Skewer Recipes Perfect for Summer.
GRILLED PEACH AND PROSCIUTTO PIZZA
Gluten free Peach and Prosciutto Pizza is a wonderful balance of sweet and salty on pizza dough. It is top 8 allergen free, with a vegan option in our adaptation section. Perfect for those summer pizza nights.
Click here for the recipe
Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce
Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers with Chimichurri sauce that will feed a crowd! The chimichurri sauce doubles as a marinade and is full of flavor.
Click here for the recipe
Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple | Gluten-Free & Paleo
These honey garlic shrimp and pineapple skewers are made with a gluten free & paleo marinade, then baked, grilled, or made on the stovetop.
Click here for the recipe
Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Grilled chicken with avocado salsa is a perfect weeknight dinner or for get-togethers. Tender chicken loaded with fresh avocado salsa.
Click here for the recipe
Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
Shish tawook are grilled Middle Eastern chicken skewers, marinated in yogurt, lemon and warm spices creating a bright and flavorful kabob.
Click here for the recipe
Grilled Peaches – Inspired Epicurean
August is National Peach Month and we are having some fun with the grill pan! Grilled peaches offer a taste of peach cobbler with fewer calories. Yum…
Click here for the recipe
Summer Smoothies and Drinks
I can’t talk about healthy summer recipes without mentioning smoothies.
They’re cool, the quick, they’re easy. They can be a breakfast, lunch, snack, or even a delicious dessert. They’re versatile and a staple for hot summer recipes.
Make sure you check out the following smoothie round ups:
Pineapple Avocado Smoothie
This pineapple avocado smoothie is a delicious protein shake with a tropical twist. Blended with hidden vegetables like cauliflower and avocado this creamy drink is healthy too! High fiber and lots of protein.
Click here for the recipe
WATERMELON JUICE WITH LIME AND MINT
The best homemade mocktail for summer! Homemade watermelon water (or watermelon juice) blended with lime and fresh mint is the most refreshing, hydrating, electrolyte-packed drink to sip on. It's a homemade agua fresca in 15 minutes, done and done!
Click here for the recipe
Strawberry Cauliflower Shake
If you're looking for ways to add more veggies to your diet try this strawberry cauliflower smoothie recipe. Hidden vegetables that taste like dessert? Yes! It's a high in protein that's perfect for post workout too.
Click here for the recipe
Summer Salads and Bowls
Hearty summer salads are my go-to in the summer. You can flavor them in so many ways (I love Mexican and southwest flavors). They don’t have to be just a bed of greens either: mix in rice or quinoa, create burrito bowls and make sure there’s a ton of leftovers for lunch.
Chicken salad or tuna salads are other popular go tos that take minimal effort.
Whether you are having a simple salad for a side dish you a massive bowl as a meal. They’re easy weeknight dinners that don’t take long to prepare.
Short on time and need a weeknight dinner recipe fast? Grab a bagged salad from the store and serve it with your protein of choice and you’re done.
Mexican Quinoa Salad
This healthy Mexican quinoa salad recipe makes a delicious summer bbq side dish or a high fiber and high protein meal that's perfect for meal prep!
Click here for the recipe
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This Greek inspired Mediterranean Quinoa Salad recipe is perfect for picnics, bbqs, or as a healthy meal prep recipe for lunches and dinners.
Click here for the recipe
Thai Chicken Veggie Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce
If you love spiralized vegetable pasta then you're going to love this Thai Chicken Veggie Noodle Salad. It's made with a creamy peanut sauce that is quick and easy to whip up. Made with zoodles, carrot noodles, plus more veggies this healthy salad recipe is full of goodness! Perfect for work lunches or a quick dinner idea.
Click here for the recipe
spicy southwest salad
This spicy southwest salad is what dreams are made of! With an easy spicy ranch dressing, perfectly seasoned chicken, and tons of vegetables, it’ll be your new go-to salad at home!
Click here for the recipe
KALE WILD RICE SALAD
This kale wild rice salad combines fresh fruit and vegetables with wild rice for a healthy lunch or side salad. Easy to make, this vegan salad is full of flavour with a deliciously zingy ginger dressing
Click here for the recipe
Stone fruit caprese salad (without tomatoes) – Throughthefibrofog
This baked stone fruit caprese salad without tomatoes makes the most of summer fruits, and combines with creamy mozzarella and basil.
Click here for the recipe
MELON SALAD WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA AND PINE NUTS
This Melon Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Pine Nuts is a light and refreshing side dish for the hot days of summer. The tangy sweet lemon honey vinaigrette adds a zip of flavor to the cool salad.
Click here for the recipe
Turmeric cauliflower salad – Throughthefibrofog
This turmeric cauliflower salad combines roasted, spiced cauliflower with fresh vegetables and quinoa for a healthy and fun lunch or light dinner.
Click here for the recipe
Curried Chicken Papaya Salad – EF/GF, Vegan option, Top 8 Free
Curried Chicken Papaya Salad is the perfect warm weather meal. This dish is egg free, gluten free, and top 8 allergen free.
Click here for the recipe
Easy Chickpea Mediterranean Chopped Salad – apaigeofpositivity
This fresh, clean, and crisp Easy Chickpea Mediterranean Chopped Salad is so tasty, versatile, and meal prep friendly!
Click here for the recipe
Strawberry Quinoa Salad – apaigeofpositivity
This delicious superfood Strawberry Quinoa Salad is perfect for your lunch rotation. It’s packed with fresh fruit and creamy feta cheese and avocado.
Click here for the recipe
The BEST Loaded Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries
The ONLY Broccoli Salad recipe you need! This loaded broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, almonds, cheese, and a creamy dressing will blow your mind!
Click here for the recipe
Citrus Salmon and Mango Salad – apaigeofpositivity
You’re going to love the fresh and bright flavors in this Citrus Salmon and Mango Salad. It’s a great dish to have in your meal prep rotation!
Click here for the recipe
Quick and Easy Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Tangy Dressing
This Vietnamese noodle salad is made with vermicelli rice noodles, fresh herbs & vegetables then tossed with a delicious Vietnamese dressing!
Click here for the recipe
Mediterranean Couscous Tuna Bowls
Mediterranean Couscous Tuna Bowls – a quick 15 minute no-cook meal packed with flavor! A perfect lunch or dinner for busy people who want to eat well.
Click here for the recipe
Chile Lime Shrimp Bowls – apaigeofpositivity
These Chile Lime Shrimp Bowls are equal parts zesty, citrusy, and delicious! Make a big batch as part of your meal prep routine and enjoy all week long.
Click here for the recipe
Marinated Vegetable Salad (Vegetable Ceviche)
Fresh, flavorful, citrusy Summer Vegetable Ceviche! A fun take on ceviche with this marinated vegetable salad, perfect for summer BBQs!
Click here for the recipe
Coleslaw Orzo Salad
A light twist on orzo salad. This Coleslaw Orzo Salad has a light & tasty citrus orange dressing and toasted almonds for crunch. An easy summer side dish!
Click here for the recipe
Ripe Papaya Salad
A colorful and nutritious ripe papaya salad for your dinner table tonight! This vegan papaya salad takes just 10 minutes to prepare with no baking or cooking and not even preparing a separate salad dressing.
Click here for the recipe
Cajun Chicken Avocado and Mango Salad
This Cajun Chicken Avocado Mango Salad is loaded with fresh vegetables and topped with a spicy grilled chicken and creamy avocado.
Click here for the recipe
Easy Summer Green Salad {keto, paleo, Whole30, AIP, vegan} – Wholesome Family Living
If you looking for a simple salad to quick throw together for dinner, look no further than this no fuss, easy summer green salad!
Click here for the recipe
Shrimp Avocado and Spinach Salad
This shrimp avocado and spinach salad make the perfect lunch or a light dinner. The keto avocado ranch dressing is what sets it apart! Low-Carb Shrimp Salad If you are ever in the mood for seafood but don’t want to spend time in the kitchen, then this salad recipe is just for you! It comes together…
Click here for the recipe
Rainbow Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
These crisp, crunchy, and colorful Rainbow Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps make the perfect lunch. Full of delicious fruits and veggies, they’re great for meal prep!
Click here for the recipe
Grilled Shrimp Corn Salad
Grilled Shrimp and Corn Salad made with tender juicy shrimp and irresistible grilled corn. Flavored with a simple lime vinaigrette, this easy recipe is going to be your next favorite summer salad.
Click here for the recipe
Mediterranean Watermelon Salad
A quick and bright Mediterranean watermelon salad with creamy feta, quick pickled onions tossed in a tangy sumac honey dressing.
Click here for the recipe
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
A healthy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad for a light lunch or side dish. Lots of fresh veggies, herbs, and a light lemony dressing give this quinoa salad flavor.
Click here for the recipe
Barley Salad In Instant Pot
This healthy, wholesome Instant Pot Barley Salad is packed with flavor from lime and garden-fresh parsley. Barley Salad In Instant Pot.
Click here for the recipe
Thai Chicken Salad
This Low Carb Thai chicken salad recipe has a low-carb peanut dressing that you are going to love! It’s low-carb and slightly-spicy for a fun meal. Calling all pad Thai fans! This salad is for you! If you really love the spicy peanut sauce from your favorite Thai restaurant, then you are going reall…
Click here for the recipe
Summer Chickpea Salad with Feta and Vegetables
Make this Chickpea Salad with Feta and Vegetables in 15 minutes for a quick, healthy lunch or light dinner.
Click here for the recipe
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl (copycat recipe)
This is our take on the famous chipotle burrito bowl. It is an easy weeknight recipe that everyone is sure to love!
Click here for the recipe
Summer Orzo Salad
This Summer Orzo Salad is a fun twist on pasta salad. This orzo salad with tomatoes has fresh herbs and a light lemon vinaigrette. Best side dish!
Click here for the recipe
Cantaloupe Feta Mint Salad – apaigeofpositivity
Best enjoyed as a side salad, this Cantaloupe Feta Mint Salad is fresh, cool, and perfect for your next picnic or backyard barbeque.
Click here for the recipe
Cold Soup Recipes
I get it, hot soup on a hot day? It doesn’t make a lot of sense. That’s why so many restaurants serve cold soups like gazpacho, cucumber soup, etc. Try making them at home with these recipes made with simple ingredients.
The Best Vegan, Gluten-Free Summer Gazpacho
Delicious summer gazpacho made with simple, fresh ingredients – perfect cold soup for the warm weather and ideal for your summer BBQ needs!
Click here for the recipe
Cold vegan zucchini soup (AIP, paleo, whole30)
Try this refreshing healthy summer cold vegan zucchini soup recipe. It is easy, fresh, gluten free, AIP, paleo and whole30 compliant!
Click here for the recipe
Chilled Cucumber Soup- Vegan, GF/DF, Top 8 Free
This chilled cucumber soup is the perfect quick summer meal. It is gluten free, vegan, dairy free, and top 8 allergens free.
Click here for the recipe
Summer Sides
I like to keep my sides simple during the summer. They’re typically a salad (see the salad section above) or a vegetable that’s grilled, raw fresh vegetables, or prepared without the oven.
Here are a few ideas:
- sweet corn (ps: here’s how to cook corn in the Instant Pot)
- green beans
- potatoes
- asparagus
- healthy greek pasta salad
- brown rice
- cherry tomatoes with a little olive oil, fresh basil, and balsamic
Kimchi Slaw
This kimchi crab slaw is a unique slaw recipe for its additional Asian ingredients that give it that extra crunch and tangy, umami flavor.
Click here for the recipe
Low Carb Panzanella Salad with Mozzarella and Bread – Side Dishes
Low Carb Panzanella Salad is a Tuscan chopped salad with the two main ingredients being tomatoes and bread. I used a low carb bread
Click here for the recipe
Tilapia with Avocado and Corn Salsa
A flavorful fish dish with a tangy, crunchy, creamy topping. Light and healthy dinner that is truly delicious!
Click here for the recipe
Plant-Based Fiesta Coconut Shrimp – Inspired Epicurean
Coconut shrimp? This plant-based coconut shrimp is a special version that will dazzle the taste buds and have you coming back for more!
Click here for the recipe
Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Salad
If you have lots of summer squash, you HAVE to try this Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Salad! An easy grilled summer squash salad for any day.
Click here for the recipe
Summer Dessert Recipes
Let’s face it, any dessert is sure to be a crowd pleaser but here are a few options to keep you cool during the warm summer nights.
coconut mint ice cream w/fresh mint
Coconut mint ice cream with fresh mint is the perfect no-churn ice cream recipe for summertime! Fresh mint ice cream is so simple and easy!
Click here for the recipe
No Added Sugar Mango Cherry Popsicles
These Mango Cherry Popsicles are made entirely of fruit and a touch of fruit juice so there is no added sugar, artificial sweetener or colouring involved.
Click here for the recipe
Frozen Yogurt Bark With Berries & Chocolate
Perfect for breakfast on the go, frozen yogurt bark is easy to make and healthy too.
Click here for the recipe
No-Bake Cookies {keto, paleo, vegan} – Wholesome Family Living
If you are looking for a simple sweet treat that has few ingredients and is fast to make, these no-bake cookies are the perfect dessert!
Click here for the recipe
Tropical Popsicles (Coconut Mango Passion Fruit)
Coconut mango passionfruit popsicles. These tropical lollies are easy to make, dairy free, refined sugar free with minimal ingredients.
Click here for the recipe
Vegan Strawberry Ice cream bars
Creamy vegan strawberry and coconut ice cream. Fresh and perfect for summer, these ice cream bars are gluten-free and easy to make.
Click here for the recipe
Gluten Free Fruit Pizza – apaigeofpositivity
Gluten Free Fruit Pizza is a lightened up dessert perfect for summer. Seasonal fruit like berries make this dreamy treat tasty and refreshing
Click here for the recipe
Banana Chocolate Popsicles
These banana chocolate popsicles are a refreshing frozen treat, perfect for summertime. They’re gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and so easy to make. These popsicles are a great way to use up ripe bananas during the warmer
Click here for the recipe
No-Churn Banana Ice Cream
This no-churn banana ice cream tastes just like banana bread in ice cream form. It’s sweet, delicious, and refreshing!
Click here for the recipe
Lemon Popsicles
These lemon popsicles have that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. They’re an easy, refreshing, frozen treat for summer!
Click here for the recipe
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Such an incredible round up of recipes. Perfect for the dog days of summer.