What to Cook When It’s Too Hot to Think

If you ever wonder What to Cook When It’s Too Hot to Think, this list is full of light meals that come together easily. No long prep and no heavy cooking—just simple, fresh food that works well on a warm day. Things like chilled salads, fresh vegetables, and dishes you can pull from the fridge without using the oven. These recipes are made for slow afternoons when you want to eat well and keep things simple.

Mediterranean Egg Salad

A bowl of egg salad with a spoon. — Ayla Clulee

Mediterranean Egg Salad, or Yumurta Salatası is a fresh, healthy, and easy twist on the classic egg salad. It’s made with chopped eggs, a splash of olive oil, plenty of fresh herbs, mild spices, and sun-dried tomatoes. It comes together quickly and works well for brunch, lunch, dinner, or even meal prep during the week. This version is lighter, full of texture, and packed with good stuff—like protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.

To learn more: Healthy Mediterranean Egg Salad - Yumurta Salatası

Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Three tacos on a white plate with a fork — Ayla Clulee

This easy Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa recipe uses simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and has a nice mix of textures and flavors. The soft tortillas, flaky fish, juicy Mango Pico de Gallo - Fresh Mango Salsa—it all works perfectly together. It's a light yet filling dish, and is perfect for warm evenings or casual get-togethers.

To learn more: Easy Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles

You will never want to order takeaway Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles after you try out this delicious, healthy, and colorful recipe.

It’s one of our favorite quick and simple weekday night meals - it only takes 30 minutes to prepare!

To learn more: Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

air fryer fajitas served with salsa, coriander, sour cream and tortilla wraps — Ayla Clulee

Cook up these quick, super easy, and healthy Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas for a fun family Mexican feast!

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 15 minutes, these fantastic Chicken Fajitas in the Air Fryer are perfect for you.

To learn more: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Chicken Shish Kebab

Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab, also known as Tavuk Sis, is a popular Turkish dish made of chicken pieces marinated in olive oil, milk, tomato & pepper paste, and aromatic spices.

They are ready in just 25 minutes plus the marinating time.

To learn more: Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab

Mercimek Kofte

Mercimek Kofte (Turkish Vegan Lentil Meatballs) is a healthy and flavourful Turkish dish made with fine bulgur, red lentils, onions, tomato & red pepper paste, and spices. These aromatic vegetarian meatballs are inexpensive and very easy to make.

Just like Easy Meatless Cig Kofte, they are usually served as an appetizer, a healthy snack, or a part of a mezze platter.

To learn more: Mercimek Kofte (Vegan Lentil Meatballs)

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

air fried chicken legs and potatoes on a plate — Ayla Clulee

These deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are foolproof, budget-friendly, and quick to make, a real game-changer for weeknight dinners. You only need a handful of pantry staples and there’s no need to heat up the whole kitchen. They come out golden on the outside, juicy inside, and take under 30 minutes from start to finish.

To lear more: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Courgette Fritters

Mucver (Turkish Zucchini Fritters) is typically served with yogurt dip — Ayla Clulee

Mücver (Turkish Courgette Fritters) are small vegetable pancakes that contain courgettes, egg, flour, spring onion, and fresh herbs. These crispy, savory treats are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a perfect addition to any meal or party.

To learn more: Mücver (Turkish Zucchini Fritters)

Air fryer version: Crispy Air Fryer Mücver (Turkish Zucchini Fritters)

Kuzu Guvec

Kuzu Guvec is a Turkish Lamb Casserole dish made with lamb and vegetables slowly cooked in an earthenware pot.

Same as Baked Prawns (Karides Guvec), this authentic dish has rich, earthy, and smoky aromas, and is low in calories, nutritious and gluten-free.

To learn more: Guvec - Turkish Lamb Casserole

Mediterranean Green Beans

turkish green beans are served in a bowl — Ayla Clulee

Mediterranean Green Beans (Zeytinyagli Taze Fasulye in Turkish) is a popular vegetarian/vegan dish that is cooked quite often in most Turkish homes during the summer.

This simple yet delicious dish can be made beforehand and usually served warm or at room temperature.

To learn more: Mediterranean Green Beans (Taze Fasulye)

Spicy Bulgur Salad - Kisir

Traditional Kisir Recipe (Spicy Turkish Bulgur Salad) is served with lettuce leaves — Ayla Clulee

If you're looking for a delicious and flavorful salad recipe for your summer BBQ parties, look no further than the Traditional Kisir Recipe!

This delicious, healthy, and filling Turkish Bulgur Salad is great to enjoy on its own as a main dish, but also perfect as a meze or side dish with any grilled meat, chicken, or fish.

To learn more: Traditional Kisir Recipe

Air Fryer Lamb Rib Chops

A plate of lamb chops with macaroni and cheese. — Ayla Clulee

This super easy Air Fryer Lamb Rib Chops recipe is quick to make and guarantees tender, juicy, and flavorful lamb with a crispy, golden fat cap every time. Perfect for weeknights when you want a tasty dinner without the hassle.

To learn more: Easy Air Fryer Lamb Rib Chops

Moules Mariniere

moules marinier is served with a bowl of salad and bread — Ayla Clulee

Moules Mariniere - French Mussels is one of the dishes we only tend to eat in restaurants. It's a delicious one-pot dish that is ready in only 15 minutes.This classic French Mussels recipe is actually very easy to cook at home as long as you can get hold of fresh mussels.

To learn more: Moules Mariniere (or French Mussels)

Turkish Borlotti Beans

barbunya garnished with fresh parsley — Ayla Clulee

Barbunya Pilaki (Turkish Style Borlotti Beans) is a classic Turkish dish braised in olive oil with onions, garlic, and tomato paste.

This delicious vegan dish is perfect to serve as a light lunch, a part of a mezze spread, or as a side dish to grilled and roasted meat, fish, and vegetables.

To learn more: Barbunya (Turkish Style Borlotti Beans)

Mediterranean Baked Salmon

salmon fillet is baked until fork tender — Ayla Clulee

Mediterranean Baked Salmon is a simple yet impressive and delicious dish, whether you serve it as the centerpiece of a holiday dinner table for special occasions or as a quick weeknight dinner.

It is the perfect combination of fresh salmon fillet marinated with Mediterranean flavors such as lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Ready in just 25 minutes, this tender, and perfectly flaky baked salmon will be your new favorite seafood recipe!

To learn more: Mediterranean Baked Salmon

Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofta

grilled lamb kofte served with batata harra — Ayla Clulee

Grilled Lamb Kofta (Izgara Kofte in Turkish) is one of the most popular street foods in Turkey, made with minced lamb and aromatic spices such as coriander and paprika.

It is extremely easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills.

To learn more: Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofta - Izgara Kofte