6 Easy No-Fuss Summer Meal Ideas
Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash
I absolutely love the summer. The time outside, gardening, hearing birds while I drink my morning coffee, it’s all so wonderful. But let’s be honest, the summer has felt extra hot. It almost seems like every other day we find ourselves with heat warnings and unseasonable temperatures. Not to mention with all of the summer activities we fill our schedules with, cooking inside can quickly feel like a daunting task.
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Today, I wanted to share with you some of my favourite, easy, no-fuss summer meal ideas that won’t cause your kitchen to heat up to unreasonable temperatures.
6 Easy No-Fuss Summer Meal Ideas
1. Barbecue
There’s something quintessentially summer about firing up the barbecue on a hot summer day. The time spent outside, the smell, the delicious food, it really adds up to a perfect evening. Barbecuing can be an enjoyable way to prepare a summer meal, while not having to heat up your house with the stove. Whether it’s burgers, chicken skewers, or even corn on the cob, barbecuing offers a way to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without heating up the kitchen. Plus, cleanup is often quicker, and you can enjoy your meal outside on the deck or under a tree.
2. Sandwiches
Picture this: an easy summer picnic, complete with a platter of sandwiches, fresh fruit, and maybe a cold drink.There’s something about a fun sandwich that can make a summer evening feel extra special. Try wraps, baguette, or even open-faced options topped with veggies, cheese, or leftover grilled meats. They’re a cooling, satisfying meal that feels casual yet special when enjoyed outside or at the kitchen table with a light salad on the side.
3. Salads
Salads are cool, refreshing, and easy to make. The best part? You can make them as simple or as hearty as you like. Preparing various types of salads ahead of time can make for a quick and enjoyable dinner. Toss together fresh greens, add your protein of choice, and top with seasonal produce like berries, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes. Leftovers store well in the fridge and can even be packed for a quick lunch the next day!
4. Prepared Meals
Having meals prepared can make those hot, busy, summer evenings so much easier. This could look like visiting your local deli to pick up some prepared meals, or spending an afternoon on a cooler day making meals for the week and store extras in the fridge or freezer. Dishes like casseroles, stir-fries, or even homemade pizza dough can be prepped ahead and simply reheated when needed, keeping dinner quick and low-stress.
5. Breakfast for Dinner
This used to be a favourite in our house when the children were little. Preparing eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc. can bring a whole new flare to the evening meal. The kids always found it fun and exciting, but it was also simple and quick. It’s a playful twist on a typical meal, and most breakfast items cook quickly and don’t require much time over a hot stove. The whole family can get involved in prepping, making it a fun way to wind down together.
6. Order a Pizza
Sometimes ordering a pizza can be convenient and also enjoyable on a busy evening. Pick out your favourite toppings and enjoy. You can even make it feel a little more special by laying out a few sides like a simple salad, fresh fruit, or sparkling water. Whether you're dining indoors or enjoying it on the back porch, pizza night is a summer staple.