Make These 3 Recipes Next Time The Heat Hits

It’s been hot. It’s been really, really hot. You probably don’t need me to tell you that: Last week, the US was gripped by an intense heatwave, and much of Europe has been experiencing the same elevated temperatures. Here in the UK, it’s set to reach 94 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday, and believe me when I tell you that we are NOT equipped for this kind of thing. 

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So, I reasoned it would be in my interests, and in the interests of everyone else who’s watching the thermometer creep up, to talk about what we should be eating – and how we can keep the oven off. Here are a few recipe ideas that can keep you cool, both while making them and eating them. 

Thai Noodle Salad

Courtesy of Marion’s Kitchen, this salad is a glorious mixture of glass noodles, sprightly herbs, and a sharp, punchy fish sauce-based dressing that delivers flavor with every bite. Marion Grasby uses salmon in her salad – and if you can bear the heat of a skillet for a couple of minutes, we’d do the same. If you have some leftover, even better.

You can also amp up this salad to make it even more effective at keeping you cool. Add in some julienned cucumber, which can make it even more refreshing and add to your overall daily hydration. 

Gazpacho

When I was discussing cold soups for summer a few weeks ago, gazpacho was the top of my list – and for good reason. Not only is it incredibly cooling, but it’s incredibly easy to make and deeply flavorful. A truly underrated soup, in my opinion! This recipe from Alton Brown (via YouTube) takes just a few minutes. Serve it with some crusty bread, and revel in the spoils of your efforts. 

Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad

This recipe, which comes from The Kitchn, is a chicken salad with a lot of uses. Made with an earthy, smooth, slightly sharp dressing (in which avocado features heavily), it’d be great in a sandwich, a sub, or mixed with pasta for a hearty lunch or light dinner. 

The chicken itself obviously presents a bit of a problem on hot days – but honestly, I’d recommend getting a rotisserie chicken and cutting out the cooking time. Grab one from Costco, and you’ll have enough for leftovers for a few days. Protein can often go out the window when it gets too warm out, so plan ahead.