A collection of summer-inspired “no-oven-required” salads and slaws to help you beat the heat. Enjoy summer deliciously!
No Oven Needed
Living in Arizona for over 2 years I’ve come to TRULY appreciate air conditioning! Today it’s 103F and tomorrow it’s to be 106F. It’ll remain at these temps (or higher) until August/September. This means the kitchen oven will be sparingly turned n.
80% of all meals will be cooked outside on the grills, in the pizza oven, in the Instant Pot, or in the Instant Pot Slow Cooker. The remaining 20% will be no-oven-required like the side salads and slaws below.
Watermelon Berry Feta Salad
Say HELLO TO SUMMER YUM with this Watermelon Berry Feta Salad! Watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries mixed into a refreshing & delicious salad topped with fresh mint, feta cheese, and a honey-lime glaze. Kick it up a notch with a balsamic drizzle too!
Stone Fruit Summer Salad with Burrata & Prosciutto
Say hello to summer deliciously with this stone fruit salad with shaved prosciutto, luscious burrata, and 2 types of basil!
Cold Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas and Dill
My Mom’s cold tuna noodle casserole is creamy, and packed with tuna chunks, green peas, and the brightness of dill!
Rainbow Baby Tomatoes & Roasted Corn Summer Salad
This tomato corn salad will be on repeat all summer long as it’s so easy to make and everyone loves it!
Spinach Albacore Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
Transforming albacore canned tuna into a light, healthy and delicate salad with the most amazing vinaigrette!
Perfect For Cookouts
When I think of dishes like this I think of what’s a good thing to make for a cookout or bbq. I’m going to be as real as it gets here. While I TRULY appreciate it when someone brings a dish to a party I’m having, it’s a HUGE inconvenience to bring something that requires the host to:
- Assemble or heat it up for you
- Provide ice to keep it chilled (like mayo things)
- Dig around for spare spatulas, serving spoons, or the like
It’s harsh to hear but unless you’ve never ever hosted a party of any size, it can be A LOT of work. Don’t add more.
- Bring a couple of $1 disposal utensils or spatulas.
- Ice…BRING ice and a cooler
- When bringing a hot dish, bring it so you can just plug it in there (like a slow cooker) or that is meat to be eaten warm/room temp.
Cucumber Chickpea Summer Salad
This Cucumber Chickpea Summer Salad is perfect for a cookout, side dish, or main dish on a warm evening! Want protein, this is amazing with shrimp and chicken!
Tropical Fruit Avocado Pepper Salsa
Creamy avocados, fresh mangos, papayas, pineapple, and jalapenos make this one of the best summer salsas!
Honey Mustard Coleslaw
The Best Honey Mustard Coleslaw! Just 5 ingredients are needed to make one of the best coleslaws you’ve ever had! Perfect as a side, snack, or on sandwiches!
Crunchy Asian Cabbage Ramen Noodle Salad
We all grew up loving the iconic ramen cabbage slaw but with a choice of 2 different dressings: Classic & Upgraded!
Quinoa Summer Salad
Delicate quinoa mixed with summer veggies in a light Italian dressing perfect on a summer day!
Not All Salads Need Lettuce
Maybe it’s an age thing but when I talk with folks it’s interesting to discuss ‘salads’ with folks and then mention a ‘non-lettuce’ salad with them. Depending on their age/generation I get “Oh yes that’s awesome!” or “No, salads are lettuce, tomatoes, onions, etc“.
I’m fortunate as I’m on that age cusp where I believe both types/styles are salads. What about you?
Pittsburgh Slaw
The Iconic Pittsburgh slaw with no mayo, and lots of vinegar tang, and is seriously delicious!
Mexican Veggie Rice Bowls
These Mexican Veggie Rice Bowls are flavor-packed with seasoned rice, roasted corn, black beans, garden-fresh salsa fresca, Cotija, and a kiss of lime. Perfect for meal prep and a light, and healthy lunch!
Grilled Italian Salad and Pizza = Perfection!
Grilled romaine hearts brushed with seasoned oil, topped with lemon juice, shaved parmesan, pepperoni, and croutons
The Best Classic Diner-Style Coleslaw
Retro diner-style coleslaw with that perfectly balanced sweet & tangy dressing mixed with cabbage, carrots, onions, and seasonings.
Classic Tuna Fish Salad
5 simple pantry ingredients are all it takes to give you a truly amazing tuna fish salad! Healthy, light, and incredibly delicious!
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