The summertime is the perfect time to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine with your family. After a full day in the sun, however, you may find that it is simply too hot to spend an hour in front of a hot stove or grill. If you’re looking for simple dinner ideas that don’t require much cooking, keep reading!

1. Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Spiralized zucchini makes a delicious and healthy alternative to regular pasta, and you don’t have to cook it if you don’t want to! Simply whip up a batch of homemade pesto using brazil nuts, basil, and parmesan cheese or grab a jar from the nearest grocery store. Spiralize your zucchini and Toss them with the sauce – heat for a few minutes on the stove if desired.

2. Vietnamese Spring Rolls

If you’re a fan of Vietnamese food, you may enjoy the challenge of making homemade spring rolls yourself. You’ll need rice wraps, vermicelli rice noodles, lettuce, assorted herbs, and your choice of filling. Simply soak the wraps one at a time in warm water to soften them then fill with chopped lettuce, herbs, and your filling (try shrimp or tofu) then wrap them up and serve!

3. Chopped Greek Salad

A chopped Salad takes little time to prepare but it is easy to customize and delicious to enjoy. Start with some fresh romaine lettuce and chop it finely with fresh parsley and basil. Toss in some canned chickpeas (drained), crumbled feta cheese, and diced tomato and cucumber. Season with salt and pepper then toss with a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Enjoy!

4. Gazpacho

Nothing says summer like a fresh bowl of refreshing gazpacho. Classic gazpacho is made with a combination of tomato juice, cucumber, zucchini, celery, peppers, onions, and garlic but you can try all sorts of alternatives. Try beet gazpacho for something unique or watermelon gazpacho for a light, refreshing option. Just make sure to use fresh ingredients!

5. Avocado Tuna Salad

Regular tuna salad can be a little plain, so why not dress things up with a  little fresh avocado? Flake some canned tuna into a bowl then toss in mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, diced avocado, and diced celery. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding things like fresh dill or diced red onion for flavor.

6. Shrimp Ceviche

Fresh seafood is always a delicious dinner and ceviche is quick and easy to prepare. Start with cooked shrimp (chilled) or steam it yourself then run it under cool water. Add diced cucumber, red onion, and tomato then toss with a little olive oil and lime juice. Season to taste and enjoy!

If you don’t see a recipe on this list that whets your appetite, don’t be afraid to get creative! A nice salad is always refreshing on a hot summer night or you can simply prepare a family picnic with cold cuts and fresh bread. You can’t go wrong when enjoying a summer meal with family!