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30 Dinners That Beat The Heat! Easy No Sweat Meals For The Family!

Whether you are firing up the grill to keep the heat out of the kitchen, taking advantage of prepared proteins (like rotisserie chicken, or jarred tuna), or maybe using a smaller appliance, like an air-fryer, we have 30 dinner ideas that will get your family fed without breaking a sweat. And of course, some feature no cooking at all! Vegan and plant-based recipes, too.

Cold Soba Soup With Watercress & Radishes

up close cold soba soup with radish
Photo credit: DĆ©dĆ© Wilson from FODMAP EverydayĀ®.

Based on vegetable broth and enriched with tofu, this soup features soy sauce, ginger, Sriracha, watercress, peas, daikon, and of course, slurpy soba noodles. Get the recipe for Cold Soba Soup with Watercress & Radishes.

Gazpacho

gazpacho in a bowl, garnished with basil, and two sizes of clear glasses for sipping; two kinds of sherry vinegar in background
Photo credit: DĆ©dĆ© Wilson from FODMAP EverydayĀ®.

Classic gazpacho with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and a zippy drizzle of sherry vinegar. Get the recipe for Gazpacho.

Air-Fryer Gluten-Free Fish Sticks

air fryer low FODMAP fish sticks on marbled background and brown plate
Air-Fryer Gluten-Free Fish Sticks. Photo credit: DĆ©dĆ© Wilson from FODMAP EverydayĀ®.

Do you think fish sticks only come in a box from the supermarket freezer aisle? Our Air-Fryer Gluten-Free Fish Sticks are going to be an eye-opener! These fish sticks are coated with crushed potato chips! It doesnā€™t get crunchier or more delectable than that. Perfect with our homemade Tartar Sauce. All in less than 30 minutes! Get the recipe for Air-Fryer Gluten-Free Fish Sticks.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Pork Chops

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Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

These air fryer teriyaki pork chops are a great option for aĀ quick, healthy, and delicious meal that everyone in the family will love. With minimal prep,Ā 10 minutesĀ of cooking time, and 5 simple ingredients, these pork chops will become a go-to dinner item in your home because of how simple it is to prepare, and how much flavor this recipe packs. Get the recipe for Air Fryer Teriyaki Pork Chops. Try this with simple white rice.

Okroshka ā€“ Cold Summer Soup

okroshka-serving.
Photo credit: Nataliia Chavez.

Okroshka soup made with boiled and fresh vegetables, eggs, fresh summer herbs, and cooked meat is a healthy Eastern European dish. This cold summer soup is a perfect option for hot summer days when the thought of spending too much time near the hot stove is not as exciting. Get the recipe for Okroshka ā€“ Cold Summer Soup.

Summer Sweet Corn Gazpacho

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Photo credit: Kyleigh Sage

This summer sweet corn gazpacho is a creamy, cold soup full of flavor from fresh summer vegetables! Topped with fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, and basil, itā€™s light, fresh, and perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day! Get the recipe for Summer Sweet Corn Gazpacho.

Chili Lime Chicken Salad

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Photo credit Living Chirpy.

A bed of fresh shredded lettuce with little cubes of Roma tomato, a deliciously succulent Chili Lime Chicken Breast, some avocado, topped with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a drizzle of cilantro sour cream is all it takes to make our Chili Lime Chicken Salad. Get the recipe.

New England Lobster Rolls

lobster-rolls.
Photo credit The Foodie Physician.

Get my tips on how to make the best mouthwatering New England lobster rolls at home.  A delicious blend of succulent lobster meat, creamy dressing and buttery rolls, this coastal delight is the quintessential summer dish! Get the recipe.

Cold Italian Sliders

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Photo credit Sandra Flegg.

This easy Cold Italian Sliders recipe has the most delicious deli meats of salami, pepperoni, and ham. Seasoned with Italian seasonings, topped with provolone cheese and everyoneā€™s favorite sub sauce. Perfect at any gatherings for an easy to eat lunch or dinner, or as a fun appetizer at parties. Get the recipe.

Mediterranean chicken, cucumber, and tomato salad

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Photo credit Alex Evink.

This Mediterranean chicken, cucumber, and tomato salad is packed with veggies, protein and fiber! It comes together quickly, especially if using leftover chicken, for a quick summer lunch or dinner on a busy weeknight. Light, refreshing, full of flavor and texture ā€“ itā€™s a meal I turn to time and time again. Get the recipe.

Shrimp Louie Salad

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Photo credit Marina Dsouza.

Shrimp Louie Salad is a delicious lunch salad with shrimps and a creamy tasty dressing, similar to thousand island dressing. I am addicted to this salad! Get the recipe.

Ramen Noodle Salad

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Photo credit Chrisy Toombs.

With the perfect balance of salty and sweet, this ramen noodle salad features a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, sweet oranges, and crunchy toasted ramen. Get the recipe.

Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl

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Photo credit The Foodie Physician.

Get ready to dive into this delicious Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl– a restaurant quality dish that’s easy to make at home!  Fluffy rice is topped with pieces of succulent, marinated ahi tuna, colorful vegetables, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. It’s a delicious fusion of flavors and textures that you can customize to your liking. Get the recipe.

Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken Vegetable Kebobs

closeup-of-grilled-chicken-and-vegetable-kebobs-on-a-white-platter.
Photo credit: DƩdƩ Wilson.

These Lemon Herb Grilled Marinated Chicken Vegetable Kebobs are easy to assemble and cook and everyone seems to love them. Kebobs just look like summer to us! These Grilled Chicken Vegetable Kebobs are comprised of skinless, boneless chicken breasts, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes and zucchini all marinated in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil, lemon juice and fresh herbs. Get the recipe for Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken Vegetable Kebobs.

Watermelon Poke Bowl

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Photo credit Food Pleasure Health.

Plant-based take on a poke bowl using watermelon cubes marinated in flavorful dressing. Itā€™s a light and refreshing meal packed with flavors, colors, and different textures. No cook recipe that can be customized for your lifestyle and taste buds! Get the recipe.

Pecan Chicken Salad

Chicken-Pecan-Salad.
Photo credit Shelley Fulton.

If I had to pick the #1 salad my family makes ALLLLL the time on constant repeat, it would have to be this Pecan Chicken Salad with apples, cranberries and goat cheese. Mmmm ā€¦ and the real magic is in the quick Maple-Balsamic Dressing. Itā€™s all a breeze to throw together and is completely adaptable ā€¦ and CRAAAAZY delicious, every single time! Get the recipe.

grilled chicken strawberry salad

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Photo credit Elysia Cartlidge.

Thereā€™s nothing more refreshing during the summer than a delicious grilled chicken strawberry salad! With fresh strawberries, feta, avocado, pecans, marinated chicken, and homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette, this strawberry chicken salad recipe is bursting with flavor in every bite! {Gluten-free}. Get the recipe.

Chicken Papaya Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Low FODMAP Chicken Papaya Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing on oval platter; marble surface
Photo Credit: DƩdƩ Wilson.

This is not your typical chicken salad! Juicy ripe papaya, along with pieces of rotisserie chicken, baby greens, fresh cilantro, and a slightly sweet poppyseed dressing. Makes a filling lunch or a light dinner. Get the recipe.

Asian Chicken Salad

overhead view of Low FODMAP Asian Chicken Salad in wooden bowl; plate and wooden serving implements in background
Photo Credit: DƩdƩ Wilson.

This peanut butter dressing, that contains fish sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, lime and sambal oelek is hugely flavorful. It pairs perfectly with shredded cooked chicken, cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, scallions, and fresh cilantro. Get the recipe.

Chicken Salad with Gruyere Green Beans, Tomatoes & Basil

chicken salad with Gruyere, Green Beans, Tomatoes & Basil in a blue and white bowl-2
Photo Credit: DƩdƩ Wilson.

This is an unusual chicken salad, elegant enough for a light summer dinner main dish for guests. A very mustardy dressing coats cooked chicken, tender-crips cooked green beans, juicy tomatoes and small batons of Gruyere cheese, showered with fresh basil. A study in color, flavor and texture contrast ā€“ that comes together in a flash. Get the recipe.

Swordfish & Bell Pepper Kebobs With Lemon Dill Marinade

swordish-kebobs-on-a-blue-and-white-oval-platter.
Photo credit: DƩdƩ Wilson.

We love swordfish for its meaty texture ā€“ which also happens to make it quite suitable for skewering. These Swordfish and Bell Pepper Kebobs feature the fish alternating with sweet, bell pepper. The slightly sweet, crunchy vegetable contrasts beautifully with the fish, which will remain moist if you take care not to over cook. Get the recipe for Swordfish & Bell Pepper Kebobs with Lemon Dill Marinade.

Air Fryer Black Bean Taquitos

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Photo credit: Alexandra Caspero.

Black Bean Taquitos made in the air fryer! Crispy vegan taquitos made in the air fryer with just a handful of ingredients. Get the recipe for Air Fryer Black Bean Taquitos.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

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Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

If there is one dinner idea that everyone in your family can get on board with, it’s these crispy air fryer chicken wings. With some ingredients that you probably already have on hand, you can have a delicious meal ready and on the table in 30 minutes! Get the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Wings. We like these served with hot sauce, carrot sticks and Blue Cheese Dressing.

Vegetable Polenta Kebobs With Chimichurri Sauce

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Photo credit: Alexandra Caspero.

Vegetable Polenta Kebobs with Chimichurri Sauce! Perfect for cookouts this summer! Served with herbed rice, this vegan and gluten-free dish is a must make. Get the recipe for Vegetable Polenta Kebobs with Chimichurri Sauce.

BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

closeup Chopped BBQ salad in clear glass bowl.
Photo credit: DĆ©dĆ© Wilson from FODMAP EverydayĀ®.

Just look at this salad! Our Chopped BBQ Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of chicken, tomatoes, avocado, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and crisp, crunchy lettuce. It is accompanied by a creamy dressing made with our Sweet & Sticky BBQ Sauce, mayonnaise, lactose-free sour cream and tangy lime juice. Textures, colors and flavor all in one! Get the recipe for our BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

overhead image of Low FODMAP Mediterranean Tuna Salad with Chickpeas on aqua placemat with wooden spoon alongside
Mediterranean Tuna Salad. Photo credit: DĆ©dĆ© Wilson from FODMAP EverydayĀ®.

We love canned tuna for its high protein, ease of use and the fact that if we have some in the pantry, we know there can always be a meal at hand. This recipe is a perfect example, combining tuna, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, and a light vinaigrette. Get the recipe for Mediterranean Tuna Salad.

Pan Bagnat

Pan bagnat closeup
Pan Bagnat. Photo credit: DĆ©dĆ© Wilson from FODMAP EverydayĀ®.

This has been affectionately called, ā€œthe best sandwich ever!” Start with good bread and we do suggest using high quality prepared tuna, such as Tonnino brand jarred tuna. In French “pan bagnat” means ā€œbathed breadā€, and indeed your bread will be bathed in dressing and all the yummy juices from your sandwich ingredients, including oil-packed tuna, hard-boiled eggs, roasted peppers and tomato, packed into a crusty loaf. The dressing is a mustardy vinaigrette using red wine vinegar and Garlic-Infused Olive Oil, with chopped anchovies and capers for powerhouse flavor. Get the recipe for Pan Bagnat.

Tropical Tempeh Kebobs

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Photo credit: Alexandra Caspero.

Grilled veggie kebobs with pineapple, mushrooms, peppers and tempeh! Slathered in a sweet and spicy pineapple-serrano sauce! Served with cilantro rice. Get the recipe for Tropical Tempeh Kebobs.

Salade Nicoise

low FODMAP salade nicoise on rectangular white platter
Salade Nicoise. Photo credit: DĆ©dĆ© Wilson from FODMAP EverydayĀ®.

Here we have the classic French composed salad, called Salade Nicoise. There are a few things to do before assembling it, but once everything is prepped, the assembly takes mere minutes. Steam your potatoes and green beans ahead of time. Hard-boil those eggs. Use high-quality canned or jarred tuna, and don’t forget the olives, tomatoes, and anchovies. Yes, we said anchovies! The beauty of this dish is that everyone can take a little bit of everything that they want, and nothing that they don’t. This makes a hearty lunch and even a light dinner. We love it on a hot summer night. Get the recipe for Salade Nicoise.

2-Ingredient Instant Pot Shredded Beef for Tacos

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Photo credit: Hannah Healy.

This 2-ingredient instant pot shredded beef tacos recipe is a great quick and simple meal. The tender beef and rich dynamic spices and flavors makes for a perfect taco! Get the recipe for 2-Ingredient Instant Pot Shredded Beef for Tacos.

Ā 

20 Homemade Sorbets, Sherbets, Granitas, Popsicles And Ices For Summer Fun!

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Photo credit xoxobella.

Ice cream and gelato get a lot of love, but sometimes we want an icy treat that is a bit lighter. Enter the world of Sorbets, Sherbets, Granitas, Pops, and Ices! And trust us: if you think these cannot be as satisfying as ice cream, we suggest you try our Chocolate Sorbet right now. Dairy-free, yet rich and creamy. Twenty in all featuring pineapple, strawberries, espresso, papaya, lime, cherries, banana, coconut and all the flavors you crave.

READ: 20 Homemade Sorbets, Sherbets, Granitas, Popsicles And Ices For Summer Fun!

18 Healthy Summer Snacks That Help You Beat The Heat & Sustain Energy

child kid eating popsicle.
Image credit Ivanna Lukiian via Shutterstock.

We are big snackers around here, and in the summer, we do like lighter snacks ā€“ and they are even better if they help cool us down. Luckily, there are loads to choose from, both sweet and savory. Are your favorites listed? Or, which new-to-you one will you try first?

READ: 18 Healthy Summer Snacks That Help You Beat The Heat & Sustain Energy

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Author

  • Dede Wilson

    DĆ©dĆ© Wilson is a journalist with over 17 cookbooks to her name and is the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners LLC, currently publishing through two online media brands, FODMAP EverydayĀ® and The Queen Zone.

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