12 Delicious And Easy Recipes That Won’t Turn The Heat Up This Holiday
With the kitchen heating up during the holiday cooking frenzy, I’m always on the lookout for cold recipes that keep things cool while satisfying my family’s appetites. There’s something refreshing about dishes that can be prepped ahead of time, chilled to perfection, and ready to serve when the time is right. I love whipping up meals the day before, giving them a chance to marinate and soak up all those incredible flavors. The result? Effortless, flavorful dishes that are as convenient as they are delicious.
From crisp, vibrant salads and chilled pasta dishes to make-ahead desserts and refreshing no-bake treats, these recipes are the perfect solution for a busy holiday kitchen. Not only will your family and guests love the variety of cold options, but your home will also feel a bit more relaxed without the constant buzz of a hot stove or oven.
So why not take a break from the heat and dive into these delectable recipes best served cold? They’re perfect for adding balance to your holiday spread while giving you more time to enjoy the festivities. Trust me—your taste buds, tummy, and kitchen will thank you!
California Spaghetti
Have you tried California Spaghetti Salad? It’s a delicious mix of fresh veggies, tender spaghetti, and a homemade Italian dressing. So light and refreshing, and most definitely perfect for a refreshing meal or or your next potluck.
Get the Recipe: California Spaghetti Salad
Peanut Thai Noodle Salad
This noodle salad is a quick and colorful option for a weeknight dinner or anytime you’re craving a healthy salad. Packed with veggies and delicious zesty peanut sauce, it’s a satisfying choice that You’ll love!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Thai Noodle Salad
Grinder Salad
Bring the flavors of a favorite Italian sub to salad form for fresh and easy meals. You will love this when you don’t feel like cooking. You won’t miss the bun once you try the deli meats, cheeses and veggies tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s a super easy meal to make.
Get the recipe: Grinder salad.
Chopped Chicken and Blue Cheese Salad
Chopped chicken and tangy blue cheese make this salad flavorful and filling. Serve this for a healthy dinner that can be personalized by using your favorite veggies and salad toppings.
Get the recipe: Chopped chicken blue cheese salad.
Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad
Make a bowl of Thai peanut salad for dinner tonight. This recipe is easy and delivers crunchy, tasty nutrition in each bite. It is made with peanuts, shredded cabbage, quinoa and green onions and tossed in the best peanut dressing that is a little sweet, a little savory.
Get the recipe: Crunchy Thai peanut salad.
Maine Lobster Rolls
You don’t need to take a trip to the Maine coast to get the flavor of an authentic Maine lobster roll. This recipe is so easy to follow and makes the best creamy, buttery sandwiches. Serve these cold with chips or a side salad for a fuss free meal that tastes gourmet.
Get the recipe: Maine lobster rolls,
Pea Salad
With peas, chunks of cheese, onions, bacon, lemon and a yummy mayo dressing this easy salad makes a colorful and delicious option to serve cold for a summer meal. You can prep it in the morning and let it rest in the fridge until you are ready to dig in!
Get the recipe: Pea salad.
BBQ Chicken Salad Wraps
Grab a rotisserie chicken, some simple spices and sauces and cans of black beans and corn to make this delicious wrap option. These are super easy, are made with healthy ingredients and don’t need any cooking time, making them perfect for a light dinner option.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken salad wraps.
Salade Nicoise
This salad has it all; small potatoes, black olives, boiled eggs, tuna and anchovies! Prepare this for a cold refreshing dinner that is best enjoyed on the deck with good company. This has restaurant quality vibes from simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Get the recipe: Salade nicoise.
Mango Shrimp Ceviche
If you need a light and refreshing meal option for a busy kitchen day, check out this mango shrimp ceviche. It has a great blend of creamy avocado and crunchy veggies for a fresh dish best enjoyed cold.
Get the recipe: Mango shrimp ceviche.
Cold Italian Sub Sliders
Everyone loves Italian subs, so making them in slider size is a great idea for a handheld meal that pairs well with chips, pasta salad or even coleslaw. Make these tasty little meaty sammy’s on a hot day when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Get the recipe: Cold Italian sub sliders
Tuscan Bean Salad
If you need a budget friendly dish that tastes perfect served cold, then make this Tuscan bean salad. It comes together with just a few simple ingredients like cannellini beans, tomatoes, cucumbers and cheese.
Get the recipe: Tuscan bean salad
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