5 Dinner Recipes for When It’s Too Hot To Cook

And happy birthday Buckwheat!

By
Micah Siva, RD
Micah Siva
Micah Siva, RD
Micah Siva is a trained chef, registered dietitian, recipe writer, and food photographer, specializing in modern Jewish cuisine. She runs Nosh with Micah, her personal blog.
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Published July 14, 2025
Micah Siva
Cheeseburger with lettuce tomato and onion slices on a wooden board

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

This week, my dog turns five! Yes, I am that mom who celebrates her dog like she celebrates her kid, but who can blame me? Our dog, Buckwheat, is an integral part of our family.

Not only is he the world’s best dog, but he’s the world’s best food-finder. Most days, I find him on his hind legs looking for snacks on our counter, teaching himself to open the garbage can, or stealing food off my son’s highchair or diaper bag. While he often frustrates us, he deserves to be celebrated as he turns 35 in human years.

This means I’m hosting mid-week to celebrate his big day, where I’ll have adults, kids, infants, and a pack of dogs for dinner. It also means I'm going to take it easy the rest of the week, and take most of my cooking out-of-doors (or ditch it altogether). We're in the heat of summer after all!

  • Skirt Steak

    Sliced grilled skirt steak garnished with herbs served on a wooden cutting board accompanied by salt pepper and parsley

    Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

    Recipe developer Jessica Gavin says, "Skirt steak can be served as a main dish with roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables. My sauce of choice is a tangy avocado chimichurri. Slice it up for fajitas with sautéed peppers and onions. Put it on a salad, with greens like romaine, spring mix, or arugula with a tangy vinaigrette. Chop it up to make quesadillas or nachos."

  • Tarragon Chicken Salad

    Plate of Tarragon Chicken Salad

    Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

    This week is Costco week (aka I’m running dangerously low on diapers), so that means I’m picking up a rotisserie chicken. Once I prepare the parts that my kiddo will eat, I like to make the most of what I have left by transforming it into an herby, creamy chicken salad to be served in wraps, salads, or on its own.

  • Black Bean Salad

    Black Bean Salad

    Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

    I’m setting the goal of having one dinner at the beach this week, so I’m packing a picnic-worthy meal to enjoy by the water. Vegetable crudité, hummus, crackers, and this simple black bean salad that crosses the line between salad and chunky salsa. I love how simple it is, and it can be stored in the fridge for up to four days—perfect for leftover lunches.

  • The Best Grilled Burgers

    Grilled cheeseburger with lettuce onion and tomato on a plate

    Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

    Summer is in full swing, and I’m making the most of our new backyard. This week, I’m hosting my dog’s fifth birthday party (yes, I’m that dog mom), and burgers are on the menu. I’m grilling beef and plant-based burgers with a buffet of toppings, grilled vegetables, corn, and a layered birthday cake. Happy birthday to my furry friend, Buckwheat!

    Continue to 5 of 5 below

  • Greek-Inspired Pitas

    Greek salad pockets next to a some olive, fresh herbs, a halved lemon, and small bowl of tzatziki, all on a cutting board

    Simply Recipes / Julie and Amy Luxemberg

    After a dog birthday party, I’m happy to take it easy for the rest of the week (because feeding humans and dogs is exhausting!). This Greek-inspired pita pocket meal is a light, fresh, no-cook option for hot days when I don’t feel like doing anything.

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