This summer, breeze through mealtime with our delightful cold dinner ideas that are as easy to prepare as they are delicious. From Thai-inspired mango chicken lettuce wraps to a classic Niçoise salad, these no-bake summer recipes are perfect for savouring the season’s best flavours, even in the thick of a heatwave. So, step away from the oven and let’s dive into some deliciously chilled dinners!
Thai-Inspired Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Perfect for a quick dinner, these Thai-Inspired Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a cool mix of sweet, tangy, and savoury. Rotisserie chicken, fresh mango, crisp iceberg lettuce, and a zesty peanut dressing come together to create a dish that will help keep you cool on those hot summer nights.
Summer Tomato Gazpacho
Gazpacho is the ultimate summer soup, served cold and packed with the vibrant flavours of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. This version is a refreshing blend of garden-fresh ingredients, blended to perfection and seasoned with a hint of garlic and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it with a fresh baguette and enjoy the essence of summer in a bowl.
Italian Grinder Salad
Also known as a Chopped Sub Salad, our Italian Grinder Salad features slices of salami, ham, turkey, and mozzarella cheese layered with crisp, chopped lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. This salad is a satisfying and flavourful dinner that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Classic Niçoise Salad
A classic for a reason, the Niçoise Salad is a French gem that’s parfait for summer. Crunchy green beans, ripe tomatoes, baby potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and olives are all brought together by a light vinaigrette and topped with chicken (or other protein of your choice). This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious mix of textures and flavors that will transport you to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean.
Dill Pickle Potato Salad
Pickle lovers, this potato salad recipe is for you. Alongside the usual culprits – potatoes, mayo, diced celery and green onion – it calls for the baby dills and pickle brine for a tantalizingly tangy flavour. Hard-boiled eggs add extra substance to your plate. (Bonus: it tastes even better the next day.)
Grilled Shrimp & Peach Ceviche
Ceviche gets a fruity and fresh update in our dish. Pre-cooked and peeled shrimp, along with juicy peaches, are marinated in a zesty lime and cilantro dressing, creating a sweet and tangy combination that’s both invigorating and satisfying. Garnish with crumbled roasted seaweed snacks to enhance the overall flavour (and wow factor). Our Grilled Shrimp & Peach Ceviche can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient dinner idea that works equally well for a busy work night or summer party.
Thai-Inspired Rice Noodle Salad
Cool down with our Thai-inspired Rice Noodle Salad, a vegetarian dish that won’t heat up your kitchen!. Rice noodles are tossed with a mix of fresh veggies and mango mixed with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Topped with crunchy peanuts, this salad will keep you coming back for more.
Canadian summers are all about enjoying the outdoors and savouring the season’s best. These cold dinner recipes are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a breeze to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner at the cottage or just looking for a quick, no-cooking-required meal, these summer dishes are sure to hit the spot.
