Keep Your Kitchen Cool This Summer

It’s peak summer season and you know what that means… hot, hot, hot! If you’ve been daydreaming about splashing around in the kiddie pool or spraying yourself down with the garden hose, we’ve got a roundup of summertime recipes just for you.

When the temperatures begin to climb, the motivation to get in the kitchen and fire up the oven becomes less and less. We’re right there with you. That’s why we wanted to share some of our favorite “cooled down” recipes with you—minimal-to-no heat required! From simple summer salads featuring best-loved Mediterranean flavors to refreshing ideas for wraps and sandwiches, this cool collection of easy-to-make, easy-to-love recipes is sure to be your go-to for those scorching summer days.

Fresh Summer Salads + Dressings

Salads are a no-brainer when it comes to simple summertime recipes, but that’s why they can get a little monotonous. Sometimes all you need is a little inspiration to liven up the routine: a new leafy green, a new homemade dressing, a few new selections from your local olive bar, etc. We’ve got a few ideas to get you started.

Recipe: Creamy Avocado Dressing

Cool Wraps + Sandwiches

Put down the PB&J. These aren’t your typical deli sandwiches and wraps. We’ve got some ideas for taking classics to the next level. Sometimes all it takes is switching up your condiments and sauces—trade the mayo for some pesto, perhaps?—or upgrading your toppings to something a bit more inspiring, like Roasted Red Peppers or Marinated Artichokes. Really, you can’t go wrong, so get creative… and don’t forget to share your favorite flavor combinations with us @delallofoods. We’d love to see what you’re up to.

Recipe: Italian Chicken Wrap

Light Summer Meals + Snacks

No need to get the oven going for these winning cooled down recipes. Did you know you can make a yummy tomato pasta sauce without your saucepot? What about a killer cold gazpacho (soup)? Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways you can fill up and beat the heat, all at once. Here’s some of our favorites.

Recipe: Garden Greek Hummus Dip

Simple Summertime Sweets

One way to enjoy some summer sun is with a cool treat in-hand. Whether you’re relaxing in your backyard, at the beach or just inside your perfectly air-conditioned home, you might want to think about satisfying your sweet tooth with one of these easy summer dessert recipes. As an added tip, we always keep an extra bottle or two of balsamic glaze on-hand for fresh summer fruits (berries, melon, etc.) and cool, creamy treats like yogurt and gelato. So easy and so delicious.

Recipe: No Churn Tiramisu Ice Cream

Need some more inspiration? Check our gallery of recipes!