Whether you've run out of time or interest, some evenings cooking a hot meal can feel like a massive undertaking. As the weather heats up, you may also want to skip heating up the whole house by using the oven. Cold dinners to the rescue!
We found nine dishes that come together quickly — some you can even prep ahead and serve straight out of the fridge — for those evenings when you're headed to ballgames or ballet lessons.
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These dishes are so delicious you'll want to get them in the rotation even during cold winter months!
What's your favorite dish to serve cold?
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Chicken Taco Wrap
Grilled chicken, tomato, and avocado are all nestled inside a tasty tortilla shell in this Chicken Taco Wrap With Hummus recipe from Chrissy at The Taylor House. Roasted garlic hummus adds tons of flavor but very little fat.
Sesame Noodles
Ali of Gimme Some Oven says her recipe for Sesame Noodles is delicious served cold and can be topped with your choice of veggies. Sriracha or hot chili oil add a nice, spicy kick to the dish. So long, take-out!
Caesar Chicken Tortellini
Des at Life Ambrosia says this Caesar Chicken Tortellini makes an ideal dinner on a busy weeknight. While you could serve it warm, it's just as delicious chilled.
Buffalo and Blue Cheese Chicken Salad Pockets
Buffalo and Blue Cheese Chicken Salad sandwiches are going to be a huge hit on a warm night — especially with the wing fans in your home. Serve it over lettuce or stuff it inside a yummy pita, suggests Brianne of Cupcakes and Kale Chips.
Chilled Gazpacho
Emily at Jelly Toast finds chopping the veggies that go into this Gazpacho very therapeutic. Serve this mouth-watering soup with garlic bread and top it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and enjoy a cool and refreshing supper.
Tomato, Spinach, & Bacon Quiche
Julie at This Gal Cooks makes this Tomato Bacon Spinach Quiche for dinner and then serves any leftovers the next morning for breakfast. Genius! Make it ahead and allow it to cool.
Broccoli Cranberry Salad
Broccoli Cranberry Pasta Salad isn't only good for you, it's amazingly colorful! Jovita at Yummy Addiction swaps out regular mayo and substitutes Greek yogurt, meaning less calories but still tons of flavor. It's more filling than you'd think!
Classic BLT
Is there anything as crisp and delicious as a BLT Sandwich? Crunchy and a little sweet, thanks to the tomato, this is a dinner the whole family can enjoy. Create an assembly line and layer away! Hint: If you have a ripe avocado on hand, add it in for a scrumptious BLTA.
Southwestern Shrimp Salad
Southwestern Shrimp Salad, created by Alea at Premeditated Leftovers, is so delicious, you'll think you've gone to an upscale restaurant for dinner. Taco seasoning spices up this fancy entree. The honey-lime dressing is one you'll want to make for plenty of other dishes as well.
