August is the month when the heat is sticky and humid, making cooking meals feel dreadful. As summer is almost over and parents are getting the kids ready for school, you will want quick meals during the day. I know that in the summer I do not want to be in a warm house and then have to turn the oven on to cook a meal, making the house even warmer. However, even in the heat, the family needs to eat. If you are like me, you might want to use the delivery apps and not have to use the kitchen at all. Instead of doing this, let’s make some simple, quick, no-cook meals for yourself and the family.
- The Snack Board or Charcuterie Night
Who does not love finger foods? Calling dinner a “Snack Board” or “Charcuterie Night” makes dinner feel like a special event.
- The Base: Grab a large wooden cutting board, a baking sheet, or a serving platter.
- The Protein: Rolled-up deli meats (turkey, ham, salami), hard-boiled eggs (buy the pre-boiled so we do not use heat), cheese cubes, or a bowl of chickpeas.
- The Crunch: Sliced cucumbers, baby carrots, sugar snap peas, and pretzel crisps.
- The Dips: Hummus, ranch, or guacamole.
- How to serve it: Put the board in the middle of the table, hand everyone a plate, and let them build their own perfect combination.
- Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Wraps
I think rotisserie chickens are the easiest summer dinnertime. They are warm, fully cooked, and, even better, are budget-friendly.
- The Ingredients: Large flour tortillas, shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped lettuce, parmesan cheese, crushed croutons, and your favorite Caesar dressing.
- The Method: First, add the chicken, lettuce, cheese, and croutons with the dressing to a large bowl. Add the mixture into a tortilla, then tuck in the sides, and roll them up tight.
- Kid Tip: Cut them in half and serve them wrapped in foil so they don’t fall apart in their hands.
- Loaded Avocado & White Bean Salad
When you want a plant-based meal that still has protein and tastes refreshing, this is the meal for you.
- The Ingredients: 1 can of cannellini beans (rinsed and drained), 2 diced avocados, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and a handful of sweet corn (you can use thawed frozen corn or canned corn).
- The Dressing: A simple squeeze of fresh lime juice, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- How to serve it: Eat it straight with a spoon, scoop it up with tortilla chips, or spoon it over thick slices of bakery bread.
- Chopped Italian Hoagie Salad
All the flavor of a classic Italian hoagie, but served as a refreshing salad that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
- The Base: Chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce.
- The Mix-ins: Diced provolone cheese, chopped salami, pepperoni, deli turkey, and cherry tomatoes.
- The Dressing: Mix an Italian vinaigrette with a pinch of dried oregano.
- Chickpea & Feta Bowls
Quick and easy, yet bright and tangy. I love this meal, especially sitting outside while the children play.
- The Ingredients: 2 cans of drained chickpeas, 1 diced cucumber, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and some kalamata olives if your family likes them.
- The Quick Dressing: Toss everything in a simple Greek vinaigrette.
- How to serve it: Keep it simple in a bowl, or stuff the mixture inside soft pita pockets with tzatziki sauce.
- The Classic “BLT”
Crisp bacon makes a meal taste delicious! To keep this stove-free, use high-quality pre-cooked bacon (pop it in the microwave for 15 seconds) or cook a batch of bacon in the morning before the house heats up.
- The Assembly: Toast your favorite bread (I like whole-wheat honey), spread a layer of mayo, then add bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Pro Tip: To make this simple sandwich taste better, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt directly onto the tomato slices before assembling.
All these meals are simple and easy to make for the family. I know some kids are picky and will not eat this, but you can always add substitutes. Plus, you can have the family help create the meals and make it fun; this will allow children to learn to cook while keeping them entertained.