When the summer heat kicks in, the last thing you want is a heavy, hot meal—or to stand over a stove for long. That’s where chilled pastas and grains come to the rescue. These refreshing recipes are light, flavorful, and perfect for warm-weather lunches, picnics, or make-ahead dinners. From zesty lemon orzo with fresh zucchini to nutty quinoa tabbouleh bursting with herbs, this collection brings together simple, satisfying dishes that keep things cool in and out of the kitchen.
Creamy Lemon Feta Zucchini Orzo
Zucchini season is finally upon us and I couldn’t be more excited. This one pan orzo dish is the perfect way to use up that zucchini in your kitchen – its so easy to make in under 20 minutes. All of the ingredients are very basic but the come together to form an incredible dish. Recipe: Creamy Lemon Feta Zucchini Orzo
Sesame Peanut Noodles
This version of sesame peanut noodles comes together in just 20 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner—and requires minimal pantry ingredients. The sauce bursts with nutty, sweet, and salty flavor. It makes a great side dish, but you can also add any protein and serve it as a main course. Recipe: Sesame Peanut Noodles
Quinoa Tabbouleh
This Quinoa Tabbouleh salad is delicious and fresh, full of herbs and veggies in a tangy lemon dressing. With a spin on the classic tabbouleh we all love, using quinoa instead of bulgur wheat which is nutritious and gluten-free too. Recipe: Quinoa Tabbouleh
Arugula Pasta Salad with Chickpeas and Sun Dried Tomatoes
This summer pasta salad is perfect for those warm nights when you want something more substantial than just salad greens but don’t want to cook a ton. It’s a great, budget-friendly, vegetarian meal, which gets protein and fiber from canned chickpeas. Recipe: Arugula Pasta Salad with Chickpeas and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Quick and Easy Pasta Salad
This favorite pasta salad is ready in under 20 minutes. Better yet, it actually gets better over time, making this a perfect make-ahead salad for cookouts, picnics, and summer gatherings. In the time it takes you to cook the pasta, you can prep everything you need for the salad. We love the vinaigrette-style dressing so much! It’s perfectly peppy, zesty, and so simple. Recipe: Quick and Easy Pasta Salad
Summer Grain Salad
This grain salad recipe is healthy, fresh, and packed with late-summer goodness like sweet corn and herbs. It keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, so it’s the perfect light, yet satisfying, lunch to make ahead for days when you need something quick. Recipe: Summer Grain Salad
Pasta Salad with Pepperoni
This pasta salad with pepperoni, tomatoes, and provolone cheese is simply the best. And people request it frequently. It’s a very easy, light-tasting side dish for a picnic or dinner. Recipe: Pasta Salad with Pepperoni
Green Grain Salad with Walnut Dressing
A hearty and healthy grain salad loaded with sautéed broccoli, green onion, and herbs, and topped with a creamy toasted walnut dressing. This farro salad can be enjoyed warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Recipe: Green Grain Salad with Walnut Dressing
Final Thoughts
Chilled pastas and grains are more than just convenient—they’re a delicious way to celebrate the fresh flavors of summer without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch, feeding a crowd, or looking for a light dinner after a day in the sun, these recipes have you covered. We’d love to know what you’re cooking this season! Share your favorite chilled pasta or grain salad in the comments below—your go-to dish might just inspire our next messy kitchen adventure.