I don’t know about you, but I have very little desire to cook during the peak heat of summer. I genuinely enjoy cooking most of the time but on those hot an humid days it’s a real struggle. I try to incorporate as many easy and refreshing meals into our weekly menu as I can. This way there is little effort required and I can’t talk my way into eating out.

Today I am sharing a few of our favorite summer recipes that require little effort and are perfect for those hot summer days!

Caprese Salad (Vegetarian)

Caprese salad is truly one of my favorites! This is such an easy dish and is great on its own or can be used as a side salad as well. If  you want something a little more indulgent, put the salad on your favorite bread, pop it in the Panini press (or grill it on the stove) and you have a delicious Caprese Panini! Recipe here.

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Panzanella  (Vegetarian)

This dish is so easy it practically makes itself. I can through it together in under 30 minutes and we love it! Especially on nights we want to eat lighter or are having a meatless meal! Plus, its even better the next day for lunch or a side dish with dinner!Panzanella from Pioneer Woman, see recipe here

Grilled Chicken Salad Wraps

This is usually our “we know we should be healthy and have grilled chicken tonight” meal. But instead of just doing grilled chicken and veggies like we normally would, this wrap is a fun way to stay fairly healthy and get your veggies but so much tastier! (Yields 4-6 wraps)

Ingredients

• Whole Wheat Wraps
• 2 Grilled Chicken Breasts, chopped
• 2-3 Celery Stalks. coarsely diced
• 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, coarsely diced
• 3 Green Onion, diced
• 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries
• Light Mayo
• Plain Greek Yogurt (or you can use Sour Cream)
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions

• In a large bowl, mix together the chopped chicken, diced celery, green bell pepper, green onion and dried cranberries.
• Next add the light mayo and plain Greek yogurt, stir together.
• Add salt and pepper to taste (dill is tasty to add to!)
• Spread the salad on a whole wheat wrap, fold and enjoy!

Mediterranean Couscous Salad (Vegetarian)

This dish is perfect for summer. It is easy to through together, light yet filling and so delicious! As with the Caprese and Panzanella, this can easily be served as a main dish or on the side. See full recipe here.

Recipe Note: I am not crazy about feta so instead we used fresh mozzarella and it was still great!

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Chicken Avocado Caesar Salad

Not a ground breaking recipe, but this salad is one of my favorites! People have the idea that salads can’t be delicious but this will prove them wrong. Even my husband who is a major carnivore and used to despise having salad for dinner loves this one! I mean, it has bacon in it… what’s not to love? (Yields 2-4 Salads)

Ingredients

• 2 Grilled Chicken Breasts, chopped
• 1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 Avocado, cut in slices (or chopped)
• 1/2 Cup Shaved Parmesan
• Mixed Greens
• Favorite Caesar dressing (or any dressing)

Directions

• Place mixed greens in bowls
• Top with Chicken, bacon, and avocado
• Sprinkle with shaved parmesan
• Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper
• Drizzle with dressing of choice

**adapted from CafeDelites

Mint Lemonade

What better to go with summer recipes than a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade? I would honestly make this everyday, its SO good! I shared the recipe a few weeks ago and it seems like a favorite, definitely worth trying for your next summer celebration or even just a simple dinner at home!

Full recipe here

What are some of your favorite summer recipes?