Cool Summer Recipes for Hot Days

Watermelon Gazpacho

Last week, we spent a few short days in NYC during that hot hot heat wave. We did a bunch of walking, a bunch of sweating, and whenever we’d sit down to a meal I’d find myself ordering anything on the menu that was cold and refreshing. I had a wonderful watermelon gazpacho at ABC Kitchen… some pretty salads, and more salads. I came back craving some cool favorites that I thought I’d share here. Click directly on the photos to go to each recipe!

First up – this Watermelon Gazpacho, blended with tomatoes, cucumbers, basil and a pop of red wine vinegar. This is probably the most refreshing recipe on the blog – be sure to put it on your list before summer is over!

Watermelon Gazpacho Corn, Cucumber, Peach & Avocado Salad

This Corn, Cucumber, Peach, and Avocado Salad is one of my all-time favorites. It has a great crunch from the grilled corn and a nice pop of sweetness from the peaches and the basil. A creamy chile-lime dressing takes it to the next level.

Watermelon Poke Bowls

When I think of foods that are hydrating, watermelon and cucumbers are at the top of the list. This faux Watermelon “Poke” Bowl was inspired by a bowl from Poke Poke, one of our favorite lunch spots in Austin. The watermelon is dressed with a tangy tamari-lime dressing, and topped with a sprinkle of furikake (a mix of nori, sesame seeds and sea salt). I know – this concoction sounds a little weird, but it really works 🙂

Watermelon St. Germain Cocktails

I’m obviously on a watermelon kick and I just love these St. Germain Watermelon Cocktails. They’re made of pureed watermelon (but you can also buy cold pressed watermelon juice), lemon juice, vodka, and St. Germain. A simple combo that’s so refreshing.

Tomato Basil Artichoke Picnic Sandwich

Before the summer is over, go on a picnic and bring these Tomato Basil Artichoke Picnic Sandwiches. They’re slathered with a delicious basil edamame spread and they travel well!

Peach & Plum Caprese Salad

A quick no-cook appetizer – this Peach & Plum Caprese Salad is a sweet spin on a classic.

Chocolate Avocado Almond Pudding Pops

For a sweet afternoon snack – these vegan creamy Chocolate Avocado Almond Pudding Pops are a healthier version than the pudding pops I used to eat as a kid. I promise the avocado taste is undetectable (and Jack agrees!)

Summer Squash Vegetable Pizza

When you have every summer vegetable under the sun – throw it on a pizza!

Cucumber Mango Miso Noodle Bowls

More summer means more cucumbers! These Cucumber Mango Miso Noodle Bowls are great for a light dinner and perfect for lunch the next day.

Raspberry Lemon Chia "Cheesecake"

Last but not least – a no-bake freezer dessert. This Raspberry Lemon Chia “Cheesecake” is a cool dairy-free treat!

8 comments

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  1. Nadia from evmedi.com
    08.11.2017

    Thank you for this information.

  2. what a beautiful set of summer inspiration! The watermelon gazpacho looks especially inspired, thank you for sharing that and all of these, the watermelon cocktail included!

  3. Lexi @Lexi'scleankitchen
    07.26.2017

    These recipes all look so amazing! I need to try those Cucumber Mango Miso Noodle Bowls!! I also just got more popsicle molds! Might have to try them out and make those Chocolate Avocado Almond Pudding Pops! They look so delicious!! Thank you for the Summer inspo 💖

  4. girl, austin is hot! I would swim in that cocktail and gazpacho! Yes please!

  5. Maria
    07.26.2017

    It’s so hot, these are perfect!

  6. Will have to try these out before summer is over!

  7. Lovely inspiration for some nice summer dishes! Will for sure true to make the bowl, if not several of the others as well.

A food blog with fresh, zesty recipes.
Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.