ALBAWBA When it’s too hot to cook or you're simply in the mood for something cool, finding cold dinner options that are both filling and satisfying can be a challenge—especially if you're trying to avoid the typical salad. Here are some creative and hearty cold dinner ideas that will keep you full and refreshed.
1. Cold Noodle Bowls
Ingredients:
- Cooked and chilled soba or rice noodles
- Shredded chicken or tofu
- Julienned vegetables (carrots, cucumber, bell peppers)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, basil)
- Sesame seeds
- Spicy peanut or sesame dressing
Instructions:
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water and chill.
- Combine the noodles with shredded chicken or tofu and julienned vegetables.
- Top with fresh herbs and sesame seeds.
- Drizzle with your favorite dressing and toss to combine.
2. Gazpacho with Toppings
Ingredients:
- Ripe tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Diced avocado, hard-boiled eggs, croutons, and cooked shrimp for toppings
Instructions:
- Blend tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and garlic until smooth.
- Add olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Serve with a variety of toppings like diced avocado, hard-boiled eggs, croutons, and cooked shrimp for added texture and protein.
3. Charcuterie Board Dinner
Ingredients:
- Assorted cheeses (brie, cheddar, gouda)
- Cured meats (salami, prosciutto, ham)
- Crackers and bread
- Fresh fruits (grapes, berries, figs)
- Nuts and olives
- Honey and jams
Instructions:
- Arrange cheeses and cured meats on a large platter.
- Add crackers, bread, and an assortment of fresh fruits.
- Fill in gaps with nuts, olives, and small bowls of honey and jam.
- Serve chilled for a satisfying and interactive meal.
4. Sushi Rolls and Sashimi
Ingredients:
- Pre-made sushi rolls or homemade if you're adventurous
- Assorted sashimi (salmon, tuna, yellowtail)
- Pickled ginger
- Soy sauce
- Wasabi
- Seaweed salad
Instructions:
- Purchase pre-made sushi rolls and sashimi from a trusted store or make your own.
- Serve with pickled ginger, soy sauce, and wasabi.
- Add a side of seaweed salad for extra texture and flavor.
5. Mediterranean Mezze Platter
Ingredients:
- Hummus and baba ganoush
- Stuffed grape leaves
- Falafel
- Pita bread
- Fresh vegetables (cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers)
- Feta cheese
- Olives
Instructions:
- Arrange hummus, baba ganoush, and other dips in small bowls.
- Add stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and pita bread to the platter.
- Fill in the gaps with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and olives.
- Serve chilled for a variety of flavors and textures.
6. Cold Quinoa and Bean Salad
Ingredients:
- Cooked and chilled quinoa
- Black beans
- Corn
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped red onion
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then chill.
- Mix chilled quinoa with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
- Add chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Toss well and serve cold.
7. Chicken or Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- Cooked and shredded chicken or canned tuna
- Greek yogurt or mayo
- Diced celery and red onion
- Grapes or dried cranberries
- Salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon juice
- Large lettuce leaves
Instructions:
- Mix shredded chicken or tuna with Greek yogurt or mayo, diced celery and red onion, grapes or dried cranberries, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Spoon the mixture onto large lettuce leaves.
- Wrap the lettuce around the filling and serve.
These cold dinner ideas are perfect for hot summer evenings or anytime you're craving something light yet satisfying. Enjoy these meals as a refreshing change from traditional salads while still feeling full and nourished.
