10 Dinner ideas when it’s hot.

10 Dinner ideas when it’s hot: Lighten up your Summer meals with these Delicious options” – When the temperature rises, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. “Dinner ideas when it’s hot” include refreshing and light meals such as grilled vegetables and fish or chicken, cold noodle salad, Caprese salad, gazpacho, and ceviche.

These meals are easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your hunger without weighing you down. These dinner ideas will not only keep you cool but also provide a delicious and satisfying meal. So, next time you’re looking for dinner ideas when it’s hot, try one of these delicious and refreshing dishes. Your taste buds and body will thank you!

10 Refreshing Summer Dinner Ideas to Beat the Heat.

10 Summer Dinner Ideas that are light on the stomach and easy to prepare. To help you beat the heat, we have compiled a list of 10 refreshing summer dinner ideas that are easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your hunger without weighing you down. These dinner ideas are delicious and provide a healthy and satisfying meal. So, next time you’re looking for dinner ideas when it’s hot, try one of these 10 refreshing options.

Here are 10 Dinner ideas when it’s hot.

1. Grilled vegetables and fish or chicken.
2. Cold noodle salad, such as soba or ramen noodles with a soy-based dressing.
3. Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
4. Gazpacho or other chilled soup.
5. Ceviche with fresh fish and citrus juice.
6. Grilled fruit skewers with a yoghurt dip.
7. A big salad with lots of fresh greens and a light vinaigrette.
8. Tacos filled with grilled fish or chicken and topped with a fantastic salsa.
9. BBQ Ribs with a side of coleslaw.
10. Grilled Lamb Chops with mint salsa.

1. Grilled Vegetables and Fish or Chicken:

Grilled vegetables are a perfect addition to any summer dinner. They are easy to make and can be prepared in a variety of ways. For a quick and easy dinner, slice vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant and toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes or until they are tender and slightly charred. Serve the vegetables alongside grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• Tomato sliced, Onion sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 1 lb fish fillets or chicken breasts, cut into 4 portions
• 4 (6-8 oz) fish fillets or Chicken
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions for vegetables for grilling:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the vegetables into bite-size pieces.
3. In a large bowl, toss the bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Grill the vegetables for about 8-10 minutes or until they are tender and slightly charred.
5. Carefully remove the vegetables from the grill using tongs.

Prepping Fish or Chicken for Grilling:

1. Start by thawing the fish or chicken if it’s frozen. If using chicken, remove the skin if desired.
2. Rinse the fish or chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the fish or chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or herbs.
4. Brush the fish or chicken with olive oil or melted butter to help prevent sticking on the grill.
5. Let the fish or chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before grilling. This will help to develop flavour and tenderness.
6. When ready to grill, remove the fish or chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
7. Preheat the grill to the desired temperature and make sure the grates are clean and oiled.
8. Place the fish or chicken on the grill and cook according to the recipe’s instructions, turning occasionally, until the fish or chicken is cooked through.

Note:

• For fish fillets, it’s best to grill them skin-side-down first to prevent sticking.
• Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165F.
• Fish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145F.
• You can also use skewers to grill vegetables and fish or chicken, this will make it easy to turn the skewers on the grill and it will also look more presentable.

Serve the grilled vegetables and fish or chicken on plates, with a sprinkle of lemon juice or your favourite sauce. Enjoy your Grilled Vegetables and Fish or Chicken.

2. Cold Noodle Salad:

A cold noodle salad is a refreshing and easy dinner option for hot summer nights. Soba or ramen noodles are a great option, as they cook quickly and have a nice texture. Rinse them under cold water to cool them down. Toss the noodles with a soy-based dressing and add in your favourite veggies like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dried thin noodles, such as soba or vermicelli
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and grated
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped
• For the dressing:
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1. Cook the noodles:

Bringing a pot of salted water to a boil is the first step in cooking the perfect al dente noodle. Adding salt to the water not only enhances the flavour of the noodles but also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. To achieve the best results, use a large pot of water and bring it to a rolling boil before adding the noodles. This will ensure that the noodle cooks evenly and has enough room to move around freely.

Step 2. Prepare the ingredients:

While the noodles are cooking, prepare any additional ingredients such as vegetables, meats, or sauces. Cut the ingredients into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.

Step 3. Mix the dressing:

In a small bowl, mix together all the dressing ingredients such as oil, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and any other seasonings you desire. Whisk until the dressing is well combined.

Step 4. Assemble the salad:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, chopped ingredients, and dressing. Toss everything together until the noodles and ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5. Chill:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to develop.

Step 6. Serve:

Before serving, give the salad a good toss and taste to see if you need to adjust the seasoning. Serve cold, garnished with chopped herbs or sliced scallions if desired.

Note: The exact ingredients and proportions for the cold noodle salad may vary based on your personal preference, but the above steps should give you a good starting point.

3. Caprese Salad:

Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for dinner ideas when it’s hot. It’s made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, which are all in season during the summer. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a plate. Top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 lb fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8-10 leaves of fresh basil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash and slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch rounds.
2. Arrange the slices on a plate alternating between the tomato and mozzarella cheese.
3. Tear the basil leaves into small pieces and sprinkle over the top of the salad.
4. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the top of the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flavour.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, juicy flavours of the summer season.

4. Gazpacho:

Gazpacho is a chilled soup that is perfect for hot summer nights. It’s made with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and bread, which are all in season during the summer. Simply blend all the ingredients together in a blender or food processor, then chill the soup before serving. Gazpacho is a popular chilled soup from Spain, made from a blend of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, bread, and garlic, typically served cold and perfect for hot summer days.

This healthy and flavorful soup is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or a refreshing starter, gazpacho is the perfect option for a hot summer day. Serve with crusty bread or garnish with fresh herbs, avocado, or croutons for added texture and flavour. Enjoy the taste of summer in every spoonful!

Ingredients:

• 6 ripe tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 red onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 slices of white bread
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of sherry vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by peeling and roughly chopping the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
2. Add the chopped vegetables to a large blender or food processor.
3. Peel and crush the garlic cloves and add them to the blender.
4. Soak the slices of bread in a little bit of water, then add them to the blender.
5. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
6. Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl and stir in the olive oil and sherry vinegar.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it is well chilled.
9. Serve the gazpacho in chilled bowls, garnished with croutons, diced cucumber, and diced red pepper, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy gazpacho!

5. Ceviche:

Ceviche is a popular dish from Latin America that is perfect for hot summer nights. It’s made with fresh fish, citrus juice, and a variety of herbs and spices. Simply marinate the fish in a mixture of lime juice, cilantro, and chilli peppers for a few hours, then serve with tortilla chips or on top of a salad.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh fish, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeno, ño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the fish, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, red onion, and garlic.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fish is fully cooked and opaque.
4. Before serving, stir in the diced avocado and chopped tomatoes.
5. Serve with tortilla chips as a side.

6. Grilled Fruit:

Grilled fruit is a delicious and easy dinner option for hot summer nights. Simply thread chunks of your favourite fruits like pineapple, watermelon, and peaches onto skewers. Grill them over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side, or until they are slightly charred. Serve them with a yoghurt dip made with Greek yoghurt and honey for a sweet and refreshing dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint of strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 large peach, pitted and sliced
• 1 large nectarine, pitted and sliced
• 1 small pineapple, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium cantaloupe, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium honeydew melon, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium watermelon, peeled and cubed
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1 orange, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the fruit pieces onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, alternating between different types of fruit.
3. Brush the fruit skewers lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
4. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the fruit is slightly charred and tender.
5. Squeeze the lemon, lime, and orange wedges over the fruit for added flavour.
6. Serve the grilled fruit skewers immediately, as a delicious and healthy summer dessert or snack.

This grilled fruit skewer recipe is perfect for warm summer nights, family barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. The sweet and juicy fruit is a great way to enjoy the flavours of the season, and the grill gives it a delicious smoky char that elevates the taste to the next level. So go ahead and try this simple and delicious recipe today!

Grilled Fruit FAQ

7. Traditional vinaigrette:

Traditional vinaigrette is a classic dressing made from a combination of oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing is commonly used in salads and marinades, and its simplicity and versatility make it a staple in many kitchens. The oil and vinegar can be varied to suit different tastes and preferences, with options ranging from olive oil and balsamic vinegar to avocado oil and citrus vinegar. The addition of herbs and spices can also enhance the flavour of the vinaigrette. Preparing a traditional vinaigrette is easy and can be stored in the refrigerator for later use. Its tangy and bright flavour makes it a perfect dressing for various dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons of vinegar (balsamic, red wine, or apple cider)
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs (such as basil, parsley, or thyme) (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic (if using) until well combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stir in the freshly chopped herbs (if using) and mix well.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
6. When ready to use, give the vinaigrette a good shake or stir before serving.

Get Creative with Vinaigrette Variations

• Add a splash of honey or agave nectar to balance the acidity of the vinaigrette.
• Use different types of oils and vinegar to create unique flavour combinations.
• Add a pinch of dried herbs or spices, such as dried oregano, paprika, or cumin, for additional flavour.

This classic dressing is a great addition to any salad or marinade, and its simplicity and versatility make it a staple in many kitchens. Enjoy!

Traditional Vinaigrette FAQ

8. Tacos filled with grilled fish or chicken and topped with a cool salsa:

Tacos are a classic dinner option that is perfect for hot summer nights. Fill them with grilled fish or chicken and top them with a cool salsa made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and lime juice. Add some avocado and cilantro for a delicious and refreshing dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 tacos shells
• 1 lb of fish fillet or chicken breast
• 1 tsp of cumin powder
• 1 tsp of chilli powder
• 1 tsp of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp of sour cream

Instructions:

1. Heat a grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix the spices, salt, pepper, and olive oil to make a marinade.
3. Marinate the chicken or fish for 30 minutes.
4. Place the chicken or fish on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the avocado, lime juice, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream to make the salsa.
6. Warm the taco shells in a pan for 30 seconds on each side or until crispy.
7. Fill the taco shells with the grilled chicken or fish and top with the salsa.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This recipe is a delicious twist on traditional tacos, perfect for any summer barbecue or evening dinner. The grilled chicken or fish is full of flavour and combined with the fresh and tangy salsa, it’s a perfect balance of heat and cool. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and leave everyone satisfied.

Tacos FAQ

9. BBQ Ribs with a side of coleslaw:

BBQ ribs with a side of coleslaw is a classic American dish perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings. The ribs are slow-cooked over low heat until they are tender and juicy, then slathered in your favourite BBQ sauce. The cool and crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing balance to the rich and savoury ribs, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. With its finger-licking flavour and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a staple in your summer menu.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. pork ribs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the coleslaw:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the pork ribs with salt and pepper and brush with BBQ sauce.
3. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the coleslaw by mixing together the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir until evenly coated.
7. Serve the BBQ ribs hot with a generous serving of coleslaw on the side.

This BBQ ribs and coleslaw recipe is a perfect summer dinner option, as the juicy and tender ribs paired with the crisp and cool coleslaw make a great balance of flavours and temperatures. Enjoy this classic BBQ dish and stay cool in the heat!

BBQ Ribs FAQ

10. Grilled Lamb Chops with mint salsa:

Grilled Lamb Chops with fresh mint salsa is a delicious and flavorful summer dish. Perfect for outdoor barbecues, this dish combines tender and juicy lamb chops with bright and zesty salsa made from mint, lemon juice, and garlic. The combination of the smoky flavour from grilling and the cool and refreshing mint salsa makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 lamb chops
• Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Mint Salsa:

• 1 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
2. Season the lamb chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder and olive oil.
3. Place the lamb chops on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the mint salsa by mixing together all of the ingredients in a bowl.
5. Once the lamb chops are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
6. Serve the lamb chops with the mint salsa on the side.

Total Time: 15-20 minutes

Enjoy your juicy and flavorful Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Salsa, perfect for a summer meal!

Grilled Lamb Chops FAQ