Chill Out: Tips and Recipes to Beat the Heat!
When the temperatures climb, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours in a hot kitchen. The secret to staying cool? Refreshing foods, easy meals and icy treats that keep the heat at bay. Here’s your ultimate guide to surviving and thriving this summer.
Grill, Chill and Skip the Kitchen Heat
Take the cooking outside whenever you can to keep your kitchen cool, and let the grill do the rest of the work - adding that irresistible smoky flavor to your favorite summer foods. Burgers, chicken, seafood, fresh vegetables, and even fruit shine on the grill.
While you’re at it, grill a little extra to toss into salads, layer into wraps or top hearty grain bowls for easy flavorful meals all week.
Cool Cuisine
Too hot to cook? Keep your cool with fuss-free favorites. Think crisp salads, chilled soups, wraps, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards piled high with cheeses, fresh fruit, veggies, crackers, hummus and cured meats - perfect for savoring on even the hottest summer days. Find your favorites below!
Cold Pasta, Grain and Green Salads
Salads don't have to be boring, especially when they keep you cool! Preparing a batch of cold pasta or grains is a great way to fill up without heating up your kitchen. These summer favorites are simple to make ahead and fully customizable with fresh vegetables, herbs, zesty dressings, and proteins like chicken, shrimp, or meat. Keep them in the refrigerator for quick, delicious lunches or dinners all week long.
Farro Tabbouleh Salad
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Tortellini Pasta Salad
BBQ Chicken Salad
You can even layer your ingredients into portable mason jars for a visually appealing and convenient meal on the go. Simply pack it with vibrant veggies, protein, and a tasty dressing, then shake it up when you're ready to eat!
Individual Caprese Pasta Salads
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Mason Jar Salad
Chilled Soups
Keep cool during hot days with refreshing chilled soups like Garden Fresh Gazpacho with Goat Cheese Toast from Farm Flavor. If you prefer a creamier option, try the Chilled Avocado Soup
from Avocados from Mexico.
Garden-Fresh Gazpacho with Goat Cheese Toast
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Chilled Avocado Soup
Wraps & Pinwheels
Wraps and pinwheels are an absolute game changer when temperatures rise. Effortless, fresh, and bursting with flavor, they are incredibly quick to assemble and endlessly adaptable, making them the ideal choice for a light, no-cook meal.
Check these recipes out, courtesy of American Dairy Association Mideast. To prepare these refreshing meals, gather the following essentials:
● Your choice of tortillas, flatbreads, or wraps
● Various spreads such as hummus, pesto, cream cheese, salsa, or guacamole
● A selection of fillings including cheeses, deli meats, vegetables, nuts, and herbs
● Optional toppings like seeds, sauces, or extra fresh herbs for a flavor boost
Southwest Chicken Wrap
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Cheesy Pizza Pinwheels
Slow Cooker Favorites
Avoid heating your home during peak summer heat by relying on your slow cooker instead of the oven or stove. This essential kitchen tool makes it easy to create tasty, effortless meals without warming up your living space. For a stress-free morning, try the American Dairy Association Mideast’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole, or serve Farm Flavor’s savory Brisket Sliders with Aioli Slaw for a satisfying evening meal.
Breakfast Casserole
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Brisket Sliders with Aioli Slaw
Charcuterie Boards
Keep it cool and casual! When it’s too hot to cook, let a beautiful summer charcuterie board do the heavy lifting. Mix and match your favorite savory and sweet bites for an effortless meal everyone will love.
Nature's Symphony
Smoothies
Beat the heat with a refreshing smoothie! You can even prep individual smoothie packs with your favorite fruits, greens, and add-ins, and store them in the freezer. Just blend with your liquid of choice for a cool pick-me-up at breakfast or lunch.
Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie
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Avocado Lime Smoothie
Frozen Fruit & Ice Cream Pops
Kids aren't the only ones who enjoy cooling down on a scorching day with homemade frozen fruit pops or ice cream pops. Watermelon Blueberry Pops from Price Chopper Market 32 Ready Magazine and American Dairy Association Mideast’s Banana Split Ice Cream Pops are the perfect frosty treats at any age!
Watermelon Blueberry Pops
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