After a long day at work or running errands, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking dinner. Cold dinners are a great alternative to hot meals, especially during the warmer months. They are easy to prepare and require minimal effort, making them perfect for busy weeknights. If you’re in need of some cold dinner ideas, look no further! In this article, we’ll share 10 quick and delicious recipes that are sure to satisfy your hunger.
10 Quick and Delicious Cold Dinner Ideas:
- Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken
This classic Italian salad is refreshing and flavorful, and can be easily turned into a complete meal with the addition of grilled chicken. Here’s how to make it:
- Slice fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes, and arrange them on a plate.
- Top with fresh basil leaves and grilled chicken.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, versatile, and delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of chopped celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and serve on top of a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich.
- Greek Yogurt and Berry Parfait
This cold dinner idea is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth. It’s also healthy and packed with protein. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup of mixed berries
- 1/4 cup of granola
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Instructions:
- In a parfait glass or bowl, layer the Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and granola.
- Drizzle with honey and serve chilled.
- Chicken Caesar Wrap
This wrap is a great alternative to a traditional Caesar salad. It’s portable, filling, and easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cooked chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup of romaine lettuce
- 2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast and Caesar dressing.
- Lay the tortilla on a flat surface and add the romaine lettuce and chicken mixture.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and serve.
- Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon
Avocado toast has become a popular breakfast item, but it also makes for a great cold dinner idea. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 avocado
- 1/4 cup of smoked salmon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toast the bread to your liking.
- Mash the avocado in a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toasted bread.
- Top with smoked salmon and serve.
- Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto skewers are a great appetizer or side dish, but they can also be turned into a complete meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup of sliced salami
- 1/4 cup of sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup of olives
- 1/4 cup of marinated artichoke hearts
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
- Thread the mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, salami, pepperoni, olives, and artichoke hearts onto the wooden skewers.
- Serve chilled with a side of bread or crackers.
- Chickpea Salad
Chickpea salad is a healthy and filling cold dinner idea that’s packed with protein and fiber. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup of diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup of diced tomato
- 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and parsley.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix well and serve chilled.
- Gazpacho Soup
Gazpacho is a cold soup that’s perfect for hot summer days. It’s refreshing, healthy, and easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup of diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve chilled with a side of bread or crackers.
- Asian Noodle Salad
This cold dinner idea is packed with flavor and is perfect for those who love Asian cuisine. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz. of cooked soba noodles
- 1/2 cup of shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup of shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup of sliced scallions
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked soba noodles, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, scallions, and cilantro.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet. They’re filling, delicious, and easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 lb. of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of cooked rice
- 1/4 cup of chopped onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, parsley, diced tomatoes, salt,and pepper.
- Stuff the mixture into the halved and seeded bell peppers.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
- Let cool and serve chilled.
FAQs
- Can I make these cold dinner ideas ahead of time?
Yes, most of these cold dinner ideas can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
- Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
Most of these recipes can be easily modified to suit vegetarians or vegans. Simply substitute meat or animal products with plant-based alternatives.
- Can I add additional ingredients to these recipes?
Yes, you can add additional ingredients to these recipes to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion
Eating a cold dinner doesn’t have to be boring or unsatisfying. With these cold dinner ideas, you can enjoy delicious and healthy meals that are easy to prepare and perfect for warm weather. From antipasto skewers to stuffed bell peppers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So next time you’re in need of a cold dinner idea, give one of these recipes a try!
