cold meals for summer

When those summer days get REALLY warm, turning on the oven can feel like a total chore. Nobody wants a hot kitchen when it’s already sizzling outside!

But that doesn’t mean you can’t have an AWESOME meal. Cool, refreshing dishes are the way to go.

They’re tasty, often simple to make, and keep things feeling light and breezy. I’ve put together a list of some FANTASTIC cold meal ideas perfect for summer.

You’ll find all sorts of options, from super quick lunches to satisfying dinners that require NO heat at all. So, get ready to explore these 27 cool and easy meals designed to beat the heat.

1. Sauerkraut Salad

Sauerkraut Salad

This Sauerkraut Salad offers a delightful mix of tangy and sweet tastes. It features crisp veggies and sauerkraut, all perfectly tossed in a delicious sweet dressing.

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2. Keto Blueberry Cheesecake

Keto Blueberry Cheesecake

Indulge in this delightful Keto Blueberry Cheesecake. It features a creamy filling with fresh blueberries and a tangy sour cream topping. This low carb and sugar free dessert perfectly satisfies your sweet cravings.

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3. Healthy Taco Salad (Gluten Free)

Healthy Taco Salad (Gluten Free)

This Healthy Taco Salad (Gluten Free) offers a truly hearty and satisfying meal.

It transforms the classic taco salad into a delicious and genuinely good-for-you option.

Enjoy this wholesome recipe that keeps you feeling great.

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4. Mud Pie Ice Cream Dessert

Mud Pie Ice Cream Dessert

Mud Pie Ice Cream Dessert is an outrageously delicious treat. This easy mud pie recipe features layers of creamy ice cream and rich fudge, all on a delightful Oreo cookie crust. It’s truly a decadent ice cream cake experience.

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5. Pecan Praline Ice Cream

Pecan Praline Ice Cream

Pecan Praline Ice Cream offers a wonderfully sweet and satisfying treat. This delightful low carb ice cream features a creamy base filled with delicious pieces of praline. It’s the perfect simple dessert to enjoy.

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6. Tiramisu

Tiramisu

Enjoy classic Tiramisu with this simple recipe that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen.

This elegant no-bake Italian dessert is much easier to make than you might think.

Impress friends and family with this delightful treat.

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7. Kompot Juice

Kompot Juice

Discover the delightful taste of Kompot Juice, an easy homemade recipe.

This traditional Russian family favorite is simple to create using fresh berries and apples.

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8. Keto Greek Salad

Keto Greek Salad

Enjoy a vibrant Keto Greek Salad, packed with delicious chicken. This delightful meal features a homemade Greek salad dressing that truly brings out its flavor. It’s a perfect low carb and gluten free choice for a satisfying dinner.

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9. Acai Bowls Recipe

Acai Bowls Recipe

This Acai Bowls Recipe is a wonderful way to brighten your morning.

This vibrant smoothie bowl blends acai, fruit, and beets for a uniquely wholesome treat.

Top it with crunchy granola and a touch of honey for perfect flavor and texture.

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10. Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie

Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie

Savor the classic taste of a homemade PB&J in this delightful Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie.

Packed with protein and mixed berries, it’s a wonderfully kid-friendly option for breakfast or a snack.

This peanut butter smoothie is also perfect for adding extra hidden nutrition.

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11. Mixed Berry Smoothie

Mixed Berry Smoothie

Enjoy a delicious Mixed Berry Smoothie that’s super easy to make.

This healthy berry smoothie recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and comes together in minutes.

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12. No Bake Oreo Bars

No Bake Oreo Bars

These delightful No Bake Oreo Bars offer an easy dessert experience with minimal effort. You can quickly whip up this simple treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Enjoy the classic taste of Oreo in a wonderfully convenient no-bake form.

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13. Chocolate Cottage Cheese Ice Cream (ice cream)

Chocolate Cottage Cheese Ice Cream (ice cream)

Enjoy a guilt-free pleasure with this creamy Chocolate Cottage Cheese Ice Cream. It’s a surprisingly delicious and healthy treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This refreshing ice cream is an ideal dessert, especially during warmer days.

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14. Coronation Chicken Salad

Coronation Chicken Salad

Enjoy the delightful Coronation Chicken Salad, a traditional British dish created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. This delicious chicken salad blends tender chicken with a light curry dressing, sweet chutney, grapes, and crunchy almonds. It’s wonderfully versatile, perfect for sandwiches or served simply on a bed of fresh greens.

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15. Homemade Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Homemade Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Homemade Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a delightful and simple treat to whip up.

These yummy ice cream cookie sandwiches are perfect for making ahead and freezing for later.

Everyone will enjoy these refreshing homemade delights, especially on a warm day.

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16. Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad

This classic Broccoli Salad is packed with fresh broccoli florets, crisp apples, smoky bacon, and sunflower seeds.

It’s all coated in a delicious creamy dressing, making it a perfect, crowd-pleasing dish for any potluck or family gathering.

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17. Za’atar Crusted Goat Cheese Salad

Za'atar Crusted Goat Cheese Salad

Enjoy the unique flavors of our Za’atar Crusted Goat Cheese Salad. This delightful goat cheese and apple salad features creamy za’atar crusted goat cheese atop fresh arugula with crisp apple slices and pecans. It’s perfectly finished with a light Sherry Vinaigrette.

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18. Blueberry Overnight Oats

Blueberry Overnight Oats

Blueberry Overnight Oats offer a simple and delicious way to begin your day.

This easy recipe creates tasty blueberry oats that are ready in minutes.

Enjoy these blueberry oats chilled, warm, or as a perfect on-the-go breakfast.

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19. Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

Enjoy a healthy, yet indulgent treat with this amazing Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie. This creamy chocolate cherry smoothie tastes just like the classic candy and comes together quickly.

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20. Tuna Salad

Tuna Salad

This creamy Tuna Salad is packed with yummy flavor. It features a secret ingredient that makes it extra delicious. Enjoy this versatile tuna salad on its own, in a sandwich, or as a tasty wrap filling.

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21. Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Indulge in a delightful scoop of Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream.

This rich and creamy treat is sugar free, making it perfect for your low carb and keto lifestyle.

Enjoy this fantastic dessert without any guilt.

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22. Coconut Cream Pie Bites

Coconut Cream Pie Bites

Get ready to enjoy delicious Coconut Cream Pie Bites. These mini coconut treats come complete with a simple graham cracker crust. Best of all, they’re ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.

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23. Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are incredibly simple to make.

The amazing strawberry jam in the middle truly makes these cheesecake bars a standout dessert.

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24. Keto Pasta Salad

Keto Pasta Salad

This Keto Pasta Salad offers a light and healthy spin on a classic summer side. You’ll love this flavorful zucchini pasta salad as a refreshing, low-carb alternative. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a hearty salad without missing the traditional pasta.

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25. Banana Smoothie

Banana Smoothie

Craft your perfect Banana Smoothie with this versatile recipe.

Easily customize it by adding protein, peanut butter, chocolate, or your favorite fruits.

You can even switch up the yogurt flavor for a delicious drink that’s all your own.

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26. No Bake Raspberry Pretzel Pie

No Bake Raspberry Pretzel Pie

This No Bake Raspberry Pretzel Pie delivers the perfect blend of sweet and salty.

It features creamy cheesecake and fresh raspberry jello atop a delicious pretzel crust.

This easy no-bake dessert is sure to be a new favorite.

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27. Mint Oreo Ice Cream

Mint Oreo Ice Cream

Whip up a batch of delicious Mint Oreo Ice Cream right at home. This incredibly easy recipe needs only five ingredients and no ice cream maker, making it perfectly creamy and scoopable. You’ll love the sweet, delightful textures in every bite of this homemade mint oreo ice cream.

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