Too Hot to Cook? These are the 12 Best Recipes to Make During a Heat Wave

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California Roll Salad

Get inspired by your favorite sushi roll and create this California Roll Salad. With edamame, imitation crab, nori crisps, and a creamy dressing, you’ll love every bite. Add a side of pickled ginger and wasabi for a nice kick, if you like yours spicy.

Creamy Boursin Sweet Corn Salad

Make the most of seasonal produce with this easy summer salad recipe. The dish is loaded with fresh plums, sweet corn, basil, and a dressing made with creamy Boursin cheese. The sweet corn adds crunch and the plums impart a sweetness that perfectly complements the basil. You can use peaches instead of plums if you’re looking to use up fruit at home.

Ranch Wedge Salad

Is there anything more refreshing than a wedge salad made with a homemade ranch dressing? We used our favorite toppings, including salami, sweet red peppers, and a grated hard-boiled egg over the top. It’s the most flavorful wedge salad we’ve ever tried.

Banh Mi Lettuce Wraps

Make your meatballs in the morning when the weather is cooler. These Banh Mi meatball lettuce wraps taste equally healthy and satisfying. You can make the meatballs with beef or pork and save the dipping sauce in your refrigerator.

Brazilian Lemonade

The best drink to make during a heat wave is frosty and refreshing. Enter our recipe for sweet and creamy Brazilian lemonade (which is more like a limeade than a lemonade). Limes make it tart and refreshing, and a hint of salt prevents this drink from becoming too bitter. Make it for your next outdoor party.

Watermelon Relish

For the perfect summer appetizer, whip up a batch of watermelon relish. It’s a sweet and savory relish that tastes great on a crostini, spooned over grilled meat, or scooped up with chips.

5-Ingredient Shrimp Spring Rolls

Spring rolls look fancy, but they’re one of the easiest dinners to roll-up fast! Make your spring rolls with fresh veggies, pre-cooked shrimp, and rice noodles that require very little cooking time. If you don’t like shrimp, you can make avocado rolls or use shredded rotisserie chicken as the protein.

Lemon Icebox Pie

Searching for an easy dessert? Look no further than this lemon icebox pie that is delightfully creamy. It's one of our favorite ways to enjoy this tart fruit and makes for a great party dessert. Garnish with lemon wedges and a homemade whipped cream for an eye-catching dish that will stand out on any dessert table.

Spa Spritz

Spa spritz is officially the drink of the summer, and it's our favorite happy hour drink when the days are hot. Garnish with cucumbers, mint leaves, and orange wedges. It's like a garden party in a glass, and it's sure to be a big hit with friends and family.

Whipped Key Lime Pie

There's a reason why key lime pie is a Florida staple—it's a creamy cool dessert that doesn't taste too heavy. This no-bake key lime pie is delicious dessert that goes a long way in rich texture and lime-zesty flavor. Make it for your next potluck or backyard party.

Frozen Mocktail Margaritas

Get all of the good flavor of a homemade margarita, without the booze! Frozen mocktail margaritas are just as good as the real deal, and include summer citrus flavors like lime, orange, and grapefruit. Rim your glass with salt and enjoy!

S'mores Ice Cream Sandwich

Too hot for a campfire? No worries! With this ice cream sandwich recipe, you can cool off with a s'mores treat anytime. It's a delicious way to enjoy the famous marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker treat in icebox-form.