redkimba

You can make up a bulk of chicken or whatever meat, then freeze it into portions to have later.

I have a Geo. Foreman grill that doesn't heat up the kitchen.

eastermarie

How about a pasta salad or a fruity jello salad to go with your sandwich. Fresh fruits and veggies with dip add a nice crispy touch.

sueisallaboutquilts

I'm going to make a big salad tonight. Lots of veggies, sprouts, strawberries, just perfect! :D
For protein I may put some cheese in it. We got the best strawberries at the farmer's market last weekend.

nycquilter

gazpacho is great. made in a food processor or blender from fresh veggies, chilled and serve. YUM.

Sneed

I like to make pasta salads through the summer. Here are the ingredients for one that we like.

Rotini pasta
Pepperoni
Avocado
Fresh Mushrooms
Cherry Tomatoes
Green Onion

I do another with imitation crab, frozen peas, green pepper with a mayo,milk,Splenda dressing.
Lite Italian Dressing

sueisallaboutquilts

I LOVE gazpacho!! I like it with lots of cilantro in it :thumbup:

Sneed

Have you all tried the Dreamfields Pasta?

It is alot lower in carbs than other.

This is another good pasta salad...

8oz Dreamfields Rotini(1/2 box)
1/2c chopped red onion
1/2c (2 oz) Feta cheese,crumbled
1/2c green pepper
cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4c extra virgin olive oil
3 T red wine vinegar
S@P
1T basil and oregano

Low cal and low Carb

frauhahn

All great suggestions! I'll add one of my own. We had it very recently, so I didn't want to do a repeat today. I got the recipe in Germany a number of years ago, and adapted it for my American kitchen:
Wurstsalat
1 lb. garlic bologna, juliened
1/2 lb. Swiss cheese, juliened
1 small onion, sliced in rings
1 tomato, chopped
a couple of dill pickles, chopped
Mix 5 Tb. salad oil, 4 Tb. vinegar, 1 ts. sharp mustard.
Pour over the above ingredients and toss.
It's a great little dinner on a hot night.

QuiltE

I'm another year round crockpot fan. Also the Hamilton Beach Grill.

I never have "leftovers", rather "Planned Overs". Cook once, an eat thrice (or more!). Stockpile in the frig/freezer for less cooking later ... and a great way to still have a good meal, despite the heat.

And when all else fails ... the BBQ Quick Chick at the grocery store, with a bag of Bistro Express Rice (zap in micro for 90 seconds), and one of those pre-portioned steam bags with veggies, from the produce counter) .... almost instant full meal and only the microwave needed!! Then the leftovers make for one great salad, or other "planned" uses for the following day(s).

Grinster

We are having BLT's. Another wonderful dish is pasta (cooled) with onions, green and red peppers, pepperoni, fresh mushrooms or other veggies combined in a large bowl. Then pour in a bottle of Zesty Italian Dressing and sit overnight. Yum.......

2 cans of tuna, elbow or shell macaroni cooked/cooled and add about 3 hard boiled eggs, onion to taste, chopped celery and mayonaisse (I use Miracle Whip) Good too!

I also look at my spices and add whatever feels good: Dill, chives, parsley, rosemary, garlic etc.