What to Cook When It’s Hot Outside

by The Magnolia Team
Published on July 06, 2026
Bowl with whole peaches inside and a linen napkin.

It’s the great paradox of summer: fresh produce is at its peak, inspiring so many flavors and dishes, but so too is the heat. Motivation to pull together a meal is often inversely proportional to the temperature. When it’s hot out, the last thing many of us want to do is turn up the oven or spend an hour at the stove.

Having a list of go-to dishes that are easy, nourishing, and no- or low-cook is our summer hack for surviving the soaring Texas digits. Whether you’re hosting a few friends for a meal this season, or simply trying to stay cool yourself, keep reading for some favorite dishes that come together in a breeze.

 

Overhead shot of curry chicken salad in a ramekin with sliced bread.

Curry Chicken Salad

By Joanna Gaines

Rotisserie chicken, water chestnuts, and toasted almonds elevated by a creamy blend of spices and fresh chives.

 

Overhead shot of beef bulgolgi served over rice on lettuce wraps.

Mom’s Bulgolgi with Cucumber Kimchi Salad

By Joanna Gaines

Marinated beef paired with a spicy homemade kimchi served over rice.

 

Overhead shot of sliced peaches and mozzerella cheese on a plate drizzled with balsamic dressing.

Peach Caprese

By Joanna Gaines

Fresh white and yellow peaches drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette and served with mozzarella.

 

Overhead shot of mango and avocado salad in a bowl with serving utensils.

Mango Avocado Salad

By Joanna Gaines

Diced avocado and mango mixed with jalapeño, red onion, and fresh lime.

 

Overhead shot of corn salad with fresh mixed veggies in a large bowl.

Summer Medley Salad and Fresh Corn Dressing

By Annie Starke on Magnolia Network’s The Mountain Kitchen

Sweet corn, green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomato tossed in a bright, herby dressing.

 

Two bowls with soba noodles and chicken, topped with veggies.

Crunchy Chicken and Peanut Salad with Peanut Dressing

By Annie Starke on Magnolia Network’s The Mountain Kitchen

Cooled soba noodles and shredded chicken mixed with a spicy peanut sauce and crunchy vegetables.

 

Close-up shot of mixed greens atop carpaccio.

Wild Carpaccio

By Eduardo Garcia on Magnolia Network’s Big Sky Kitchen.

Thinly sliced meat drizzled with a light jalapeño dressing and served with mixed greens.

 

Lettuce wedges topped with bacon and blistered cherry tomatoes drizzled with dressing on a plate.

BLT Salad with Pickle Beer Dressing

By Annie Starke on Magnolia Network’s The Mountain Kitchen

Salty bacon and blistered tomatoes paired with crunchy lettuce and a creamy pickle dressing.

 

Close-up shot of smoked trout salad topped with fresh herbs.

Smoked Trout Salad

By Eduardo Garcia on Magnolia Network’s Big Sky Kitchen.

Packaged trout dressed up with a lemony blend of whole-grain mustard, creme fraîche, pickles, and herbs.

 

Pink watermelon popsicles served on a white plate.

Watermelon Lime Yogurt Pops

By Magnolia

Fresh watermelon blended with Greek yogurt and lime.

 

Six waffle cones with a scoop of strawberry ice cream in each, served in an ice cream cone holder.

Homemade Ice Cream

By Magnolia

Classic vanilla ice cream with added strawberries and basil.

Set yourself up for success this summer with everything you need to chop, dice, serve, and store.

Product rail of a wooden serving board, glass ribbed canisters and a copper colander.

SHOP KITCHEN

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