10 Light Summer Dishes to Beat The Heat

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Hot days call for chill food. When the sun’s blazing and turning on the oven feels like a crime, it’s all about keeping things simple, fresh, and light. These recipes are the kind you’ll actually want to eat when it’s 90 degrees outside – nothing heavy, nothing fussy, just good food that keeps you cool and doesn’t weigh you down. Whether you’re hanging out in the backyard or just avoiding staying in the kitchen for long hours, these summer picks have you covered.

Balsamic Chicken Salad

This one’s for those summer nights when you want something fresh but still filling. Grilled balsamic-marinated chicken gets piled onto a bed of arugula with juicy tomatoes and creamy burrata – yeah, it’s as good as it sounds. Drizzle on that tangy dressing and dinner’s done. Full recipe: Balsamic Chicken Salad

Chicken Pasta Primavera

This one’s a total weeknight win. It’s got all the good stuff – tender chicken, bright spring veggies, and just enough creamy sauce to bring it all together without weighing things down. The mix of zucchini, asparagus, peas, and a splash of lemon makes it feel fresh and light, while still being super satisfying. Full recipe: Chicken Pasta Primavera

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

These juicy skewers are your backyard BBQ’s new best friend. With a homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce that hits all the sweet-savory notes, and a colorful mix of peppers, onions, and grilled pineapple, they’re a total crowd-pleaser. Full recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Tofu Summer Rolls

These fresh, crisp tofu summer rolls are exactly what you want when it’s hot and you’re not in the mood to eat a heavy meal. With crunchy veggies, seasoned rice noodles, herbs, and crispy pan-fried tofu all wrapped in rice paper, they’re light but filling in the best way. Full recipe: Tofu Summer Rolls

Baked Chicken with Lemon & Thyme

This sheet pan chicken is big on bright flavor without weighing you down. With a lemony marinade and fresh thyme, it’s a simple one-pan meal that’s surprisingly summery. Serve it with a green salad or on its own for a lighter take on roast chicken. Full recipe: Baked Chicken With Lemon & Thyme

Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

These fish tacos are basically summer wrapped in a tortilla. The fish is seasoned just right, pan-cooked for quick flavor, and paired with a sweet and spicy mango-peach salsa that brings serious tropical vibes. Add a drizzle of lime crema and you’ve got a light, bright, heat-beating dinner that feels a little special without any fuss. Full recipe: Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Teriyaki Salmon Bowls

This bowl brings together everything that’s good about summer eating: flaky salmon, crisp veggies, and a sweet-salty teriyaki glaze that takes barely any effort. You get tender roasted fish and a rainbow of toppings like cucumber, carrots, edamame, and scallions! Full recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Bowls

Chicken Fajita Wraps

These wraps are everything you want in a summer meal: quick, fresh, and totally satisfying without being heavy. Marinated chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions come together in a warm tortilla with sour cream, cheese, and a little lettuce crunch. Full recipe: Chicken Fajita Wraps

Mediterranean Israeli Couscous Salad

This vibrant couscous salad is everything you want on a hot summer day – cool, colorful, and full of bold Mediterranean flavors. With juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, pops of pomegranate, and creamy feta, it’s a refreshing change from your usual pasta salad. Full recipe: Mediterranean Israeli Couscous Salad

Greek Chicken Bites

These juicy little bites pack big flavor with barely any effort. Thanks to a quick marinade full of lemon, herbs, and red wine vinegar, the chicken turns out tender and full of zesty Mediterranean vibes. They’re super versatile too – pile them into pitas, serve with rice, or pair with a crisp summer salad. Full recipe: Greek Chicken Bites