When the sun is beating down and it’s hot outside, there is nothing worse than having to turn on the oven and make a meal. Indeed, hot meals, both make those that are eating them warmer and can overheat the cool. The process of cooking them can even raise the temperature of your home. The good news is that you can keep everyone cool by opting for simple, cold salads. Read on for the best recipes. 

Chicken Caesar salad 

Chicken Caesar salad is one of the most simple, and delicious dishes you can make on a hot day. It is made from a bed of salad leaves, with caesar dressing, shaved parmesan, croutons, and chicken pieces. Some like to add anchovies and olives to the mix as well. 

To keep things as cool as possible it’s best to buy pre-cooked chicken, as then you won’t have to turn on the oven. You can buy premade caesar salad dressing too, although it’s super easy to make your own with some mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, anchovies, and a grind or two of black pepper. You can add a little lemon juice too, which will give you a delicious piquant flavor! 

When it comes to the leaves you use in your Caesar salad there is a wide range you can choose from. The most traditional type is romaine lettuce as it offers that great crunch and slightly bitter taste that is super refreshing in the heat and contrasts brilliantly with the creaminess of the dressing. 

However, little gem lettuces or even spinach can work well too. Why not try experimenting to see which one you prefer. Of course, you can always make things even easier by buying a premade caesar salad kit. Then all you need to do is add the chicken, toss and it will be ready to eat. Delicious! 

Olive garden salad

One of my favorite options for when the weather is hot is enjoying the simple and tasty salad you can get in Olive Garden. The good news is that you don’t have to eat out to get this experience as you can make it quickly and easily in your very own home. 

The first incident you will need is lettuce and if you want that genuine Olive Garden feel you’ll want to mix iceberg and romaine. Then add black olives, the bigger the better, as these will give you a pop of saltiness that makes the salad delicious. 

Tomatoes are also an essential part of this salad. Olive Garden tends to use the Roma variety, but I think any cherry-style tomato is gonna work well. Then add some Pepperoncinis finely chopped. Go easy on these if you aren’t a fan of spice because they add a little heat to the dish. 

Next, add some thinly sliced red onions for bite, and sprinkle with croutons. Feel free to make your own, or invest in the Olive garden variety that you can buy from the store. 

Lastly, be sure to check out the Olive garden salad recipe from Yellow Bliss Road for the ingredients and info on how to make that delicious cheesy, creamy dressing that is crucial to this dish. The good news is that the dressing couldn’t be easier to make and you can keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days so you can enjoy this simple, cooling salad again. 

Nectarine, goat’s cheese, and prosciutto salad 

Lastly, a super simple and cooling salad that you just have to try is Nectarine, goat’s cheese, and prosciutto. It’s best prepared on a bed of butter leaf salad, and to add to the cooling factor, ensure that the nectarine and the prosciutto are kept in the fridge until the last minute. 

It’s super simple to make too as all you need to do is cut the nectarines into slices and arrange them over the leaves. Then tear off pieces of goat cheese and do the same. Soft goat cheese with a rind works best here, and it’s rich, salty, and creamy, so it goes brilliantly with the other ingredients. 

Then tear up slices of prosciutto and add them to the salad. Then finish with a simple balsamic glaze and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread. If you want to have a go at making your balsamic glaze, you’ll be pleased to discover that it’s super simple. 

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All you need to do is bring some good quality balsamic vinegar to a gentle boil, and then simmer until it thickens into a syrup-like sauce. Allow it to cool thoroughly, and serve. It’s that easy!