10 Cool Summer Meals

10 Cool Summer Meals that are chill to make and cool to consume. Ditch the oven and make these light and hearty recipes!

Back during 2020 I initiated a walking every day ritual to get out of the house, get some movement in, and breath some fresh air. 

It was an easy, tangible goal that I could achieve even in the height of the uncertainty of COVID.

Walk away from the house and walk back.

My daily walk benefitted me *so* much, I’ve kept it up for the past four years. 

Until this summer. 

For shame, I really have fallen off of my daily walk ever since we got back from Wyoming in June.

I want to blame the intense heat wave we’ve experienced here in Maryland.

And while that totally contributes (I’m about to sound like a cliché here), it’s the *humidity* that really sends me running back into my air conditioned foyer. 

M and I joke about this area being a swamp, because the air is thick, wet, and makes your nose and lungs work to suck it in for respiration. 

So while I don’t want to say I’m ready for fall, I’m definitely ready for easier breathing, cooler temps, and walks that I enjoy. 

Speaking of the heat and humidity, it’s the worst time of year to turn on your oven!

I made that mistake last week and the AC had to work double hard to cool down the kitchen. 

If you, too, are looking for some chill meals to make this summer that don’t require an oven or much cooking at all, I got you.

Check out these 10 Cool Summer Meals that are light, fresh, and cool, but hearty enough to pass for the main meal. 

Bookmark this recipe round up for a heat wave!

1. Smashed Cucumber & Black Soybean Salad

Smashed Cucumber & Black Soybean Salad with raw vegetables in sesame sauce served over grains with avocado. Perfect for light lunch or dinner!

2. Vegan Poke Bowl with SunButter Sauce

Vegan poke bowl with quinoa, marinaded tofu, pickled onions, and a spicy oil-free SunButter sauce. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner!

3. Avocado & Roasted Red Pepper Sushi

Vegan Avocado & Roasted Red Pepper Sushi with avocado and roasted red pepper in sushi rice and seaweed wraps. Perfect for date night dinner!

4. Rainbow Rice Noodle Bowls

Rainbow rice noodle bowls packed with colorful veggies, edamame, and gluten-free rice noodles with an oil-free creamy miso tahini dressing.

5. Rainbow Rice Paper Wraps with Black Sesame Sauce

Rainbow rice paper wraps with crunchy raw veggies and baked tofu with black sesame sauce. Perfect for a light and fresh summer meal!

6. Easy Mexican Macro Bowls

Easy Mexican Macro Bowls packed with plant-based protein, leafy greens, and summer vegetables. Perfect to meal prep for workweek lunches.

7. Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto pasta salad made with Chickapea Penne Pasta in a delicious vegan pesto with juicy heirloom tomatoes. Perfect for a summer main or side!

8. Kimchi Summer Rolls

Kimchi summer rolls with crunchy raw veggies and cooked rice noodles with kimchi and almond butter sauce. Perfect for a light and spicy wrap!

9. Sushi Quinoa Power Bowl

Bring the plant-based sushi bar to your house in 30 minutes! Toasted quinoa, steamed edamame, raw veggies, and avocado with a 2-ingredient dressing.

10. Chopped Greek Wrap

Chopped Greek Wrap with vegetables and chickpeas wrapped in a tortilla with lots of vegan tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a refreshing lunch!

More Vegan Recipe Round Ups

• 15 Apple Recipes To Make Today

• 10 Vegan Zucchini Recipes

• 20 Pumpkin Recipes To Make Today

• 10 Overnight Oats Recipes

• Easy No-Bake Dessert Ideas

• Summer Salad Inspiration

• 10 Immunity Boosting Recipes

• 10 Vegan Protein Packed Breakfasts

• 10 Vegan “Reset” Recipes

• 10 Homemade Vegan Candy Recipes

• Vegan Hiking & Camping Recipes

• 7 Vegan Pizzas To Make

• 10 Vegan Date Night In Dinners

• 5 Warm Salads To Make

• 10 Warm Breakfast Bowls To Make

• 15 Vegan Soups & Stews

I Want To Hear From You

If you make anything from this 10 Chill Summer Meals, let me know!

Give me a shout on Instagram and use #floraandvino to show me your creations.

For more Recipe Round Ups, check out my Vegan & Gluten-Free Appetizer Round Up and Vegan Meal Prep Recipe Round Up!

Check out my Pinterest page to pin more recipes like this one to make later!

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XO Lauren