Too Hot to Cook

Too Hot to Cook!

By: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA

It’s August! And the words hot and humid come to mind! The last thing I want to do is fire up the stove for another heat wave.  So instead, I go for foods that require minimal prep time and little to no cooking – Here are a few of my Too Hot to Cook favorites.

 Summer Soups: Cold soups such as gazpacho, cucumber and strawberry are light in calories, tasty and hydrating.

 Simple Summer Salads: Variety is key; include vegetables, fruits and a protein with a light oil-based dressing.

Summer Sandwiches: Swap your bread for a pita pocket, fill with your favorite meat, cheese, and veggies, and top with fresh salsa. Instead of using high fat mayo, finish it off with a delicious good-for-you mashed avocado!

Store prepared rotisserie chicken: If you really want to stay out of your kitchen, pick up a Perdue® rotisserie chicken that easily converts into a number of meals from chicken salad to chicken tacos!

Crunchy Chicken Salad

No-Cook Crunchy Chicken Salad

My no-cook crunchy chicken salad is lower in fat and calories compared to a traditional recipe, serve alongside a Dole® Salad kit – another easy way to up your nutrition without the fuss.

Prep: 15 minutes

Makes: 4 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups chopped Perdue Rotisserie Chicken Breast (about 12-16 oz) (store prepared)
  • 1/3 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup light mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt & pepper
  • ½ cup green grapes, halved
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 1/3 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced parsley

Directions:

  1. Prepare dressing by combining yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper into a large bowl – whisk to combine.
  2. Add in chicken, grapes, celery, onion and bell pepper. Stir to combine and garnish with parsley.
  3. Serve over garden salad with crusty bread or crackers!

Nutrition Information ¼ of recipe:

308 calories; 11g carbohydrate; 22g protein; 1199mg sodium; 1.5g fiber