5 Fresh Dinners for Hot Summer Nights

The last thing you want on a hot, humid night is a heavy dinner weighing you down. Avoid the heat in the kitchen and try these light and easy summer meals this week.
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Monday: Chopped Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing

chopped salad with creamy lime dressing

Mondays don't have to be hard. Make this one easy with a simple, flavorful salad.

Recipe: Try our Chopped Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing

Tuesday: Lettuce Wrap Gyros with Chicken & Green Tzatziki

lettuce wrap gyros with chicken green tzatziki

Lettuce boats are a great substitute for wraps to make the meal a little lighter and more refreshing.

Recipe: Try our Lettuce Wrap Gyros with Chicken & Green Tzatziki

Wednesday: Mediterranean Veg Wedge

Mediterranean Veg Wedge

This Wednesday, we're making veggie-packed sammies for dinner. They're easy, tasty and hearty so you're satisfied, but not too full.

Recipe: Try our Mediterranean Veg Wedge

Thursday: Thai Pesto with Rice Noodles & Shrimp

thai pesto with ride noodles shrimp

You will not believe how good this peanut-y Asian pesto is. Top it on some rice noodles and add shrimp for protein and texture.

Recipe: Try our Thai Pesto with Rice Noodles & Shrimp

Friday: Cod with Eggplant, Tomatoes & Basil

cod with eggplant tomatoes and basil

Head to your local farmer's market for some fresh cherry tomatoes, eggplant and basil to make this dinner all the more delish.

Recipe: Try our Cod with Eggplant, Tomatoes & Basil

Shopping List

For the Chopped Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing

  • 1/3 cup mayo
  • 2 tbsp. buttermilk
  • Lime
  • 2 romaine hearts
  • 1 English hothouse cucumber
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups jicama
  • 2 avocados

For the Lettuce Wrap Gyros with Chicken & Green Tzatziki

  • 2 lemons
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • EVOO
  • Sumac or sweet paprika and sweet smoked paprika, combined
  • Dried oregano
  • Ground coriander
  • Ground cumin
  • 4 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breast or sustainable firm white fish
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 seedless cucumber
  • Greek yogurt
  • Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • Mint
  • Dill
  • 2 large romaine hearts
  • Optional: pepperoncini and tomatoes

For the Mediterranean Veg Wedge

  • 1 large eggplant
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 red onion
  • EVOO
  • 1 round, rustic loaf (about 1 lb.)
  • Black olive tapenade
  • 1 tomato
  • Arugula
  • 4 thin slices provolone

For the Thai Pesto with Rice Noodles & Shrimp

  • Cilantro tops (leaves with tender sprigs)
  • Fresh Thai basil leaves
  • A handful fresh mint leaves
  • Peanut butter
  • Peanut or canola oil
  • Fish sauce
  • 2-3 large cloves garlic
  • 1-2 small fresh red Thai chiles
  • 1-in. piece ginger
  • 1 lime
  • Brown sugar
  • 1 lb. large shrimp--peeled, deveined
  • Black pepper
  • 8 oz. rice noodles
  • 1/2 small head iceberg lettuce

For the Cod with Eggplant, Tomatoes & Basil

  • EVOO
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 eggplant (1 lb.)
  • 3/4 lb. skinless cod fillet
  • Fresh basil