30 Dinner Recipes for When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking (And It’s Too Hot Anyway)

Think salads can’t serve as a hearty and complete (not to mention delicious) meal? Think again. I take a loose approach to defining what constitutes a salad, and if you agree that a diverse array of ingredient goodness fits the bill, then this filling and flavorful halloumi salad is right up your alley. It’s the ultimate celebration of summer.

When you’re lucky enough to be working with an ingredient at its finest, peak-season flavor, let it shine. Case in point, this pile-up of perfect tomatoes. With nothing beyond a simple dressing to complement their flavor, the ruby red stunners are displayed at their sweetest and arguably, best.

While kale is still often associated with virtuous (re: bland and boring) salads that lack imagination, this Mediterranean-inspired take couldn’t be more different. You get a nice bit of crunch and texture contrast from the radishes, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas. And then there’s that honey-tahini dressing…

If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I’m an olive girl. Any way I can have ’em, I’ll take ’em. Marinated in za’atar, fresno chile, and citrus juice is just about the perfect solution. Hummus adds the perfect creaminess, making it easy to go back for seconds, thirds…

Caprese salads can be iterated endlessly, and I love this creamy, texture-varied take on the classic. Avocado is a seamless addition to the tomatoes and burrata. It’s summer in a salad.

This is not your run-of-the-mill green salad. I love that it stays within the same color palette while still having so much varied texture and flavor. A creamy ginger-sesame dressing layered atop baby greens, shaved parmesan, and salted pistachios will make you think you’re enjoying a much more indulgent meal.

In my world, Caprese is the perfect salad. The formula combines a little richness with fruity, fresh flavor. This version is a slight (but significant) step up. If you need an easy, but oh-so-satisfying lunch option to keep in your weekday repertoire, this masterpiece is it.

I love snappy, spicy sides that are dominated by one of my favorite veggies. Yes, cucumbers might be a humble option, but when thinly sliced and paired with a zippy dressing that knows the benefit of a little acidity, a tasty treat ensues.

This salad is a study in contrasting textures. With the fennel’s fresh flavor, a touch of creaminess from the cheese, and the almonds’ crunch, you can bet this salad satisfies.

This simple board with ricotta cheese and fresh pears is absolutely delicious and aesthetically pleasing. The sweet and rich ricotta pairs perfectly with fresh fruit, and the nuttiness from the pistachios is a savory finishing touch.

This salad is the perfect blend of tangy, juicy, and crunchy. With all of the delicious fruit packed into this summer salad, feta acts as a simple moderator, allowing you to hone in on each individual flavor. Although this salad takes a few more steps than your average Caesar salad, the end result is definitely worth the effort.

Greek salads are the ultimate summer side dish, and this recipe is no exception. Out of all the dinner ideas for hot summer nights we’ve rounded up, this might just be the best. (Though the final call is up to you.) Juicy watermelon is a refreshing complement to crunchy cucumbers and sweet tomatoes. Top this salad off with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of honey to enhance your tangy and sweet flavors.

I’m a sucker for bruschetta on a hot summer day, and it just doesn’t get easier to enjoy it than with this recipe. With under ten ingredients, you have a simple and balanced snack or side dish to fuel all your summer fun.

If you haven’t yet hopped on the radicchio train, now’s your chance. This salad is a true stunner, filled with a variety of different ingredients that curate an appetizing, texture-filled bowl.

This Mexican chopped salad can easily be thrown together with ingredients you likely have in the fridge or pantry. The recipe is bound together with a honey-shallot dressing, which can be used and stored for all your summer salad recipes. Dinner ideas for hot summer nights on the fly? Brilliant.

While winter is technically when citrus is at its best, this salad packs so much additional flavor that you’ll love it in the summer, too. It’s proof that when you combine deliciousness with gorgeous presentation, beautiful things can happen. With just a few ingredients tossed together, you have a meal that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.

Camille Styles Food Editor, Suruchi swears by this dish as an easy, streamlined, and make-ahead option for any summer gathering. In her words, “It’s the crispy sweet, spicy, and tangy appetizer you’ve been looking for!” I couldn’t agree more.

I’ve spent countless hours curating bowls with healthier ingredients—it’s kind of my favorite pasttime. As the base, this bowl uses quinoa as a rice alternative for an added protein that pairs well with plenty of toppings like black olives and cherry tomatoes.

Pasta or salad? We simply can’t decide which bowl takes the cake for the best side dish of the summer. When I hear the expression “food is fuel,” I think of dishes like this pasta salad. It’s the perfect blend of healthy carbs and nutrient-filled greens.

A bowl night is a great night, especially with a house full of picky eaters. These soba noodle bowls can be filled and topped with a variety of ingredients—like crispy tofu and crunchy walnuts—that will keep everyone full and happy.

I’ve been a fan of Thai peanut dressing for years, and this recipe is the perfect chance to try it if you haven’t! This twist on a chicken salad is filled with healthy and nutritious ingredients to help you recharge after a day in the sun.

Hummus is one of my favorite dip options to put on the table during the summer. With fiber and protein, it’s a great addition to any bowl or dish or to enjoy on its own with carrots or celery. Paired with a delicious vinegarette and a variety of textured toppings, this bowl uses nutrient-filled ingredients like kale and broccolini to create the green bowl of your dreams.

Mango & Coconut Soba Noodle Salad

I’ve made some version of this soba noodle and mango salad for the past few summers and, without fail, people go nuts over it. Full of thai flavors like lime, peanuts and a profusion of herbs, it’s really the crunchy coconut throughout the salad that takes it over the top and makes people stop and say,

Ricotta toast is Camille’s latest obsession, and with sourdough added to the mix, we’re 100% on board. It’s simple, streamlined, and delicious every time. Not to mention, gorgeous.

Sweet potatoes are one of my year-round kitchen staple ingredients. A lighter alternative if red meat burgers aren’t your jam, these sweet potato falafel burgers are a great vegetarian option for pool parties or backyard barbecues.

Chicken salad has always been one of my go-to meals when I’m not quite sure what to cook. This meatless version of a classic recipe can be eaten alone or thrown together between two slices of sourdough or whole wheat.

Carne Asada is a dish that didn’t exist in my kitchen until I moved to Texas—but needless to say, I’ve been changed since trying this recipe. These beautifully grilled, tender slices of meat are marinated to perfection in a blend with ingredients including honey, soy sauce, chili powder, and cilantro.

If you haven’t tried marinating your chicken with yogurt, summer’s the best time to start. The marinade creates a juicy, flavor-infused chicken breast with zesty lemon and lime and a bit of sweetness from the honey.

These spring rolls are the perfect combination of hot and sweet. With delicious tempeh smothered in a honey sriracha sauce, simply roll your protein with veggies of your choice in rice paper and enjoy!

These wraps are my go-to summer lunch solution. I love how the cool, crisp lettuce provides a contrasting crunch to the herby chicken burgers. If you really want to step it up, enjoy some mint tzatziki on the side.