Best 10 Summer Foods To Enjoy During The Heat

This article is from our print magazine issued April 1st 2022. To order a copy of the magazine please do so here.

I don’t know about you, but I dread cooking in the summer. Between May through August, my meals need to be cold or grilled. If you need some summer cooking inspiration, read on for a list of fantastic summer foods that you can enjoy during the heat of summer.

1. Salad bowls

My favorite summertime lunch is a big salad; it’s quick, healthy, and doesn't need to be heated! Start with a big bowl of whatever greens you have on hand: spinach, arugula, or romaine. Take leftover meat from the night before, rotisserie chicken, or canned tuna, and add it into your greens. You can also use whatever vegetables, fruits, or nuts you have on hand, along with your favorite dressing. Using up leftovers, getting your veggies in, and staying cool are just a few benefits of daily summer salads.

2. Caprese salad

Is there anything more delicious than mozzarella combined with fresh tomatoes? With only a few ingredients needed, a Caprese salad is a super-easy summer side dish or light meal. After a trip to the farmers’ market, you can use farm-fresh tomatoes, basil, high-quality mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a quick and tasty treat.

3. Smoothies

While I love smoothies year-round, enjoying a cold smoothie in the summer feels especially good. Add in some fresh, in-season fruit to make it even better. For satisfying smoothies that keep you full throughout the morning, include ingredients from these four categories: protein, fat, fiber, and greens. Some excellent smoothie proteins include Greek yogurt or protein powder. Add in nut butter or avocado for healthy fats that keep you full. Flaxseed, hemp hearts, and fruit are great sources of fiber, and don’t forget a handful of greens for a dose of antioxidants.

4. Sweet tea

I’m not sure if there is anything better than an ice-cold glass of sweet tea on a summer afternoon. Sweet tea is easy to make, tastes great, and cools you down. For a twist on basic sweet tea, add lemonade or fruit.

5. Watermelon

Watermelon is one of my favorite fruits of all time, especially when it is in season. Not only is it super sweet in the summer, but it's hydrating as well. If you have some extra watermelon laying around, puree it in a blender, add a few drops of stevia, pour it into a popsicle mold, and throw it in the freezer. These watermelon pops are the best healthy summertime treat!

6. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are one of my favorite summer vegetables, and I particularly love them as a snack. Like watermelon, cucumbers can help you stay hydrated on hot and sweaty days. Slice them up, mix with Italian dressing, and keep them in the refrigerator all week for a quick, crunchy, and cold snack.

7. Sorbet

To prevent fresh fruit from going to waste, sorbet is a great option. Start by freezing the fruit; whether it’s bananas, strawberries, pineapple, or blueberries, anything you have on hand will work. Once the fruit is frozen, put it into a blender and add some lemon juice and honey. The consistency will be like ice cream (but way healthier!).

8. Corn on the cob

Maybe it’s the midwesterner in me, but corn on the cob is one of my favorite summertime foods. Towards the end of the summer, the corn is extra tender and sweet, and lots of butter and salt make it extra tasty. Corn on the cob is a must-have summer side dish that seems to go with everything.

9. Guacamole

When I have friends over for a summer gathering, homemade guacamole is always a crowdpleaser. Not only is it easy to make, but there’s no heating required. Simply mash up some avocados, add a bit of lime juice, salt, and pepper, and it is ready to go. Bonus points if you pair this appetizer with some margaritas, too!

10. Ice cream

It would be impossible to finish this article without mentioning everyone’s favorite summer dessert: ice cream. It can cool you down any time of the day, and between milkshakes, sundaes, or ice cream cones, there are so many ways to enjoy it!

Fresh produce, cold desserts, and icy drinks are just a few reasons to love the summer season. Serve yourself a scoop of ice cream (or three) and stay cool!Another fabulous meal to share with you wonderful people. Happy Eating.