Cold eats for hot days

On hot summer days, the idea of turning on the stove or oven can be unpleasant. Here are a few meal ideas for times it’s too hot to cook.

Gazpacho
There are many variations of this cold Spanish soup, but most include cucumber, tomato, bell pepper and garlic. To make your own, combine your choice of vegetables in the blender and season with some salt, pepper, a splash of red wine vinegar and olive oil. Top with toasted croutons for an authentic, traditional touch.

Salad
There are almost infinite ways to make a delicious salad, so let your imagination guide you. Start with a base of leafy greens, potatoes or pasta. Add seasonal veggies and a protein like pre-cooked chicken or grilled tofu. For a simple dressing, mix lemon juice with extra virgin olive oil.

Spring rolls
Let everyone in the family make their own fresh spring rolls. Simply assemble the ingredients you want to use including rice paper wrappers, vermicelli rice noodles, julienne style veggies and your choice of protein, then combine them to make your rolls.

If you find rice paper wrappers hard to work with, substitute them with lettuce leaves. Use a premade sweet chili sauce for dipping, or try your hand at a peanut sauce using natural peanut butter, soy sauce and garlic.

Some days it can feel too hot to eat, let alone prepare a meal. Keep yourself and your family nourished with one of the above eats, or simply prepare a platter of fruits, vegetables and cold meats. Bon appétit!