Summer in South Africa means long, sunny days, and the last thing you want is to turn your kitchen into a sauna while preparing meals. These quick, no-cook or low-cook recipes for quick summer meals will help you stay cool, save time, and still enjoy delicious meals.
Dive into our favourite quick summer meal ideas:
1. Chilled salads.
Summer is salad season, and South Africa’s fresh produce makes it easy. Try a watermelon, feta, and mint salad topped with toasted sunflower seeds. Pair it with a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty, refreshing flavour. It’s nutritious, hydrating, and perfect for hot days.
2. Wraps and sandwiches.
Tortilla wraps and sandwiches are lifesavers during summer. Fill a whole-wheat wrap with shredded rotisserie chicken, avocado, lettuce, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Or, go vegetarian with hummus, grilled veggies, and rocket for a light yet filling option.
3. No-cook pasta salads.
Cook your pasta the night before and toss it with cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh basil, and mozzarella on the day. Finish with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a meal that’s quick and satisfying.
4. Seafood without sweat.
Ceviche is a fantastic dish that doesn’t require cooking. Marinate fresh fish or shrimp in lime juice, and mix in chopped onion, tomatoes, and coriander for a meal that’s as cool as it is flavourful.
5. Dessert without the oven.
Keep things sweet with no-bake treats like fruit skewers dipped in melted dark chocolate. Alternatively, blend frozen bananas with a dash of cocoa powder for a creamy, guilt-free “ice cream.”
With these ideas, you’ll breeze through summer cooking while keeping the heat at bay!
Sweepsouth Pro Tip:
Spend less time scrubbing the kitchen after cooking! Book a SweepStar to handle the post-meal mess, so you can get back to enjoying the summer vibes.
ALSO SEE: SUMMER READY HOME – PREPARING YOUR SPACE FOR HEAT AND HUMIDITY.
