They say if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. But what if it’s summer and you need to get dinner on the table? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep things cool without compromising on deliciousness – from fresh, no-cook dinners to making the most of those long summer evenings.
Stick with salads
A dinner that lets the best of the season shine and requires minimal cooking? That’s a win-win. Salads are the ideal summer meal to celebrate seasonal veg while keeping cool. Plus, watermelon, tomato and cucumber are water-dense, making them especially refreshing. For inspiration, we’ve collected the best summer salad recipes perfect for taking alfresco.
Switch the oven off
Find new ways to cook that don’t need the oven. This summer, we love getting creative with our barbecue, microwave and air fryer, to give our ovens a well-earned break. From low- and no-cook dinners to recipes that make the most of fresh veg and store-cupboard staples, there are plenty of ways to keep the heat outside.
Wait until evening
Stretch out those summer evenings with dinner served a little later. Waiting until the day cools to cook means less heat in the kitchen – and more time to savour the evening. For us, that looks like a drink packed with plenty of ice and the joy of good conversation.
The dark side
We know that natural light is gorgeous, but when the temperature rises, reach for your blinds. Keeping them closed during the hottest parts of the day will help keep the kitchen cooler. Then open windows once the sun goes down to catch that much-needed breeze.
Think frozen
Frozen produce is your friend here. Frozen veg won't wilt in the heat, while frozen berries make the ideal snack – try them blitzed with Greek yoghurt into homemade ice cream. Plus, the bags can double up as handy ice packs.
Take it outside
We love an excuse to eat outside – especially as it’s often cooler than indoors. Any outside space will do: try a coffee on your balcony, picnic in the park or barbecue in the garden (with an invite to the neighbours, of course).
Summer cooking doesn’t have to mean sweating over the stove. With these tweaks and a little planning ahead, you can keep things cool and spend more time enjoying the sun.
Taste the summer
Choose from 28 healthy, seasonal meals.
