Cold Dinner Ideas: Delicious, Quick and Refreshing Meals

When the temperatures rise or you simply want a no-fuss meal, cold dinners are a lifesaver.

These meals are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition.

Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party, packing a picnic or just avoiding the heat of the kitchen, these cold dinner ideas have you covered.

Let’s dive into a variety of options that are sure to please everyone at the table.

1. Salad-Based Dinners

Salads are the ultimate go-to for a refreshing cold dinner. They’re versatile, nutritious, and can be customized to suit any preference. Here are some creative takes on classic salads:

Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken

Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, grilled chicken strips, olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Preparation: Chop the romaine lettuce and slice cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and red onions into bite-sized pieces. Add them to a large mixing bowl along with Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Top with strips of grilled chicken for protein. Whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar, adding a pinch of oregano, salt and pepper for seasoning. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve chilled with crusty bread or pita.
Tips: For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add chickpeas or grilled tofu.

Asian Noodle Salad

Ingredients: Rice noodles, shredded carrots, red cabbage, green onions, cilantro, peanuts and a tangy peanut dressing.
Preparation: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions then rinse with cold water and let them cool. In a large salad bowl, combine the noodles with shredded carrots, thinly sliced red cabbage, chopped green onions and cilantro leaves. Prepare a dressing by mixing peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey and a touch of sesame oil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until coated. Garnish with crushed peanuts for a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestion: Pair this salad with cold spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Caprese Salad with a Twist

Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, avocado slices and balsamic glaze.
Preparation: Slice fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes into even rounds. Arrange them on a platter, alternating with slices of avocado and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a splash of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and cracked black pepper for added flavor.
Tips: Add a handful of arugula for extra greens or serve with prosciutto for a touch of saltiness.

2. Wraps and Sandwiches

Wraps and sandwiches are perfect for a quick, portable dinner option.

They’re easy to assemble and can be customized to suit everyone’s taste.

Turkey and Avocado Wrap

Ingredients: Whole wheat tortilla, sliced turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and a smear of hummus.
Preparation: Lay the tortilla flat and spread a generous layer of hummus. Add slices of turkey, ripe avocado, crisp lettuce, and tomato. Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the ends to prevent filling from spilling out. Slice in half and serve with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad.
Variations: Swap turkey for grilled chicken or use a plant-based deli slice for a vegetarian option.

Italian Sub Sandwich

Ingredients: Ciabatta bread, salami, ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and Italian dressing.
Preparation: Slice the ciabatta bread horizontally and layer with salami, ham and provolone cheese. Add fresh lettuce and tomato slices, then drizzle with Italian dressing. Close the sandwich and press slightly to secure the layers. Cut into portions and serve with a pickle on the side.
Tips: Toast the ciabatta briefly for added texture and flavor.

Veggie and Hummus Wrap

Ingredients: Tortilla, hummus, shredded carrots, spinach, cucumber slices and roasted red peppers.
Preparation: Spread a thick layer of hummus over the tortilla. Add shredded carrots, fresh spinach, thinly sliced cucumber and roasted red pepper strips. Roll tightly and slice diagonally for presentation.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a handful of baked chips or a fruit smoothie.

3. Cold Pasta Dishes

Cold pasta dishes are satisfying and easy to prepare ahead of time, making them ideal for meal prep or gatherings.

Classic Pasta Salad

Ingredients: Rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella balls and Italian dressing.
Preparation: Cook rotini pasta until al dente, then rinse with cold water to cool. In a mixing bowl, combine pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives and mini mozzarella balls. Toss with Italian dressing and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Tips: Add diced salami or grilled vegetables for extra variety.

Pesto Chicken Pasta

Ingredients: Bowtie pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, pesto sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Preparation: Cook bowtie pasta and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine pasta with shredded chicken, pesto sauce and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until chilled.
Serving Suggestion: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with garlic bread.

Greek Orzo Salad

Ingredients: Orzo pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, and lemon vinaigrette.
Preparation: Cook orzo pasta, rinse with cold water, and let cool. Toss with diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and crumbled feta cheese. Prepare a lemon vinaigrette using olive oil, fresh lemon juice and a touch of Dijon mustard. Drizzle over the salad and mix well.
Tips: Add grilled shrimp for a protein boost.

4. Cold Seafood Options

Seafood is light, flavorful and perfect for cold meals:

Shrimp Cocktail Platter

Ingredients: Cooked shrimp, cocktail sauce, lemon wedges, and a bed of lettuce.
Preparation: Arrange chilled shrimp on a platter over a bed of lettuce. Serve with cocktail sauce in a bowl and lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crisp white wine and a side of fresh bread.

Tuna Niçoise Salad

Ingredients: Mixed greens, seared tuna, boiled eggs, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
Preparation: Arrange mixed greens on a large platter. Add slices of seared tuna, halved boiled eggs, steamed green beans, cherry tomatoes and black olives. Drizzle with a Dijon vinaigrette for a restaurant-quality dish.
Tips: Substitute tuna with grilled salmon for a twist.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagels

Ingredients: Bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and red onion slices.
Preparation: Spread cream cheese on sliced bagels. Top with smoked salmon, a few capers and thinly sliced red onions. Serve with a light salad or fruit on the side.

5. Grain Bowls

Grain bowls are hearty, healthy and endlessly customizable:

Quinoa and Chickpea Bowl

Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, chickpeas, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, parsley and tahini dressing.
Preparation: Combine cooked quinoa and chickpeas in a bowl. Add diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley. Drizzle with tahini dressing and toss well. Serve cold.
Tips: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Farro and Roasted Veggie Bowl

Ingredients: Cooked farro, roasted zucchini, bell peppers, feta cheese and balsamic glaze.
Preparation: Mix cooked farro with roasted zucchini and bell peppers. Add crumbled feta cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Chill before serving.

Rice and Black Bean Bowl

Ingredients: Cooked rice, black beans, corn, avocado, salsa and lime juice.
Preparation: Combine rice, black beans, and corn in a bowl. Top with diced avocado and salsa. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and toss lightly.
Tips: Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch.

6. Other Refreshing Cold Dinner Ideas

Charcuterie Board Dinner

Preparation: Arrange a variety of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, fresh fruit, nuts and spreads like honey or jam on a large serving board.
Tips: Include pickled vegetables and olives for extra flavor variety.

Gazpacho with Crusty Bread

Preparation: Blend ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil and vinegar until smooth. Chill for at least an hour and serve with crusty bread.

Cold Spring Rolls

Preparation: Soften rice paper wrappers and fill them with shrimp or tofu, rice noodles, lettuce and shredded carrots. Serve with a peanut dipping sauce for a light yet satisfying dinner.

Tips for Perfect Cold Dinners

Prep Ahead: Many cold dinners can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge for convenience.
Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality, fresh ingredients enhance the flavor and appeal of cold dishes.
Season Generously: Cold dishes often require extra seasoning to bring out their full flavor.

With these cold dinner ideas, you’ll never have to worry about what to make when you want something refreshing, quick, and delicious. Try a few and discover your new favorites!