These hot summer days and nights make me want to keep it cool in the kitchen. I thought you would enjoy some cold recipes to beat the heat.
Avoid shopping frequently. For quick meals have on hand:
Precooked: rice, small noodles, and fingerling potatoes. Mixed baby greens, broccoli slaw, bell peppers, cucumbers, red onion, green onions, and fresh herbs.
Store them in the refrigerator in sealed containers. For variety cook different small kinds of pasta for each recipe.
You can buy or cook chicken and store that in the freezer in a sealed container. Cans of salmon, tuna, smoked trout, and beans are also good protein sources. Remember to thaw out frozen ingredients in the morning of the day you will use them.
Main Course Cold Salads (Serving 1. Adjust recipe for your needs.)
Italian Chicken, Vegetables and Chicken Salad
In a bowl mix:
1 cup cooked orzo
½ cup cooked chicken
1/3 cup Sliced peeled cucumbers
6 Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 Green onions, sliced thin
Garnish with a few basil leaves
Dressing: Olive oil and lemon juice
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1.5 Tbsp. virgin olive oil
½ Tbsp.
Salt and pepper to taste
Add fresh herbs to your taste: parsley, chives, watercress, etc.
Mexican Chicken, Bean and Avocado Salad
Add pre-cooked chicken to bowl. Sprinkle with cumin and chili powder to coat.
Add 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
Add large tomato, sliced
Add 1 small, ripe avocado, cubed
1 green onion, sliced thin
1 Tbsp Lime juice
1 Tbsp virgin olive oil
Garnish with fresh cilantro, a few leaves
Now you experiment with your ingredients and create a favorite for your family!
