Nutritious Cold Entrees to Beat the Summer Heat

Summer heat can make us crave cool, refreshing dishes that are also nutritious and delicious. Here are some cold entree ideas that are perfect for those hot days and that your kids will enjoy eating and helping prepare.

1. Chicken and Grape Salad

A delightful combination of cooked, shredded chicken, seedless grapes, chopped celery, and toasted almonds, all mixed with a light yogurt dressing. Serve this refreshing salad on a bed of lettuce or in a whole-grain wrap. Kids can help by mixing the ingredients and assembling the wraps.

2. Greek Salad with Quinoa

Turn a traditional Greek salad into a satisfying meal by adding protein-packed quinoa. Combine cooked quinoa, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. This cold entree is full of flavor and nutrients, and kids can help by measuring and mixing the ingredients.

3. Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

A colorful and tasty noodle salad that’s perfect for hot summer days. Cook whole-grain spaghetti or soba noodles, rinse under cold water, and toss with thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots. Add a savory sesame dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Kids can help by washing and prepping the vegetables and whisking the dressing.

4. Caprese Skewers

Transform the classic Caprese salad into a fun, kid-friendly finger food by threading cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto wooden skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or a simple vinaigrette. This cold entree is easy to assemble and fun for kids to help put together.

5. Avocado, Black Bean, and Corn Salad

A hearty, protein-packed salad that’s perfect for a light summer meal. Combine diced avocado, black beans, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro with a zesty lime dressing. Serve with whole-grain tortilla chips for scooping. Kids can help by rinsing the beans, shucking the corn, and stirring the salad.

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These cold entree ideas will not only help you beat the summer heat, but they’re also nutritious, delicious, and fun for kids to eat and help prepare. Keep things fresh and interesting in the kitchen by involving the whole family in meal prep, and remember to cherish the simple moments spent together.

As you go about your day, remember to extend kindness to those around you, as everyone has their own unique story.