Could we please go back to spring? Wow it has gotten CRAZY warm here! Not really complaining here but really June is not always swimming weather here & I am sure I would have been just fine at the pool this afternoon.
Switching to summer mode puts me in the “I am NOT turning on that oven” mood.
I just don’t like to cook when it is warm. So I change the way I approach meal time.
#1SALADS, SALADS & more SALADS
Our favorites
- Mexican Bean Salad
- Taco Salad
- Grilled Chicken Salad(below)
- Bean & Tomato Salad
- Mexican Bean Dip & iceberg lettuce
We try to vary the salads from week to week so next week I will post a different one but my absolute favorite salad is SO easy!
#2Crockpot meals
This week it was Lemon Chicken, BBQ Chicken & Swiss Steak
#3 Favorite Freezer meals Not this might require me to turn on the oven but most of the time I throw the meal in the crockpot in the morning(often still frozen) and let it cook all day. But even if it needs the oven the work in the kitchen while it is warm is minimized!
A win for those really hot days. I'd rather be by the pool--wouldn't you?
Grilled Chicken Salad
boneless skinless chicken breasts—as many as your family will eat
Romaine &/or Green leaf lettuce or choose a prepared mix from the store(we love the Aldi organic spring mix!) to make it super easy
1/4 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. slivered Almonds
dressing—use your favorite, most of my family doesn’t even use this!
- Now for the easy part.
- Make your salad—stick it in the ‘frig.
- Grill the chicken(keeps the kitchen cool). Put it all on the table.
- EAT!
If I am feeling like I can handle it I will cut up watermelon to go with this.
Just sweet enough to finish the meal off! Enjoy!
What are some of your favorite ways to stay cool with meals in the summer?