5 Foods That Will Keep You Cool During Summer

We have been experiencing, on the weekly, some of the hottest days in California. With no signs of it stopping I thought I would give you a few ideas to eat to keep yourself cool.

1. Watermelon

This one is simple and to the point. Watermelon as we know is made up of mostly water which will keep you hydrated during the summer. According to IndiaToday.com, it also helps control high blood pressure and boosts your mood so you don’t get cranky in the heat.

2. Cauliflower Ceviche

This is a recipe that I found when I was a Vegan for a few months, very easy and no heat required.

What you will need:

• 1 head of Cauliflower
• 4 Limes
• 1 Tomato
• 1 bunch of Cilantro
• for s
  ome heat add a Serrano pepper.

1. Crumble the Cauliflower florets into tiny little dime sized pieces and place into bowl.
2. Dice the tomato, chop the cilantro, and depending on your spice level cut the Serrano chili, remove the seeds and add to the bowl.
3. Mix together and add the juice of 4 limes until fully saturated and add salt & pepper to taste.
4. Leave in fridge for about an hour until flavors have been well absorbed and enjoy with tostadas.

3. Grilled Salmon with a Pico De Gallo

The last thing that you want to do is turn on your stove or oven,  for the next two recipes, we are choosing to take it outside to the grill.

What you will need:

• 3 oz of salmon per person
• 1 Lemon
• 1 Tomato
• Olive Oil
• Onion
• Serrano pepper

1. Place your salmon into aluminum foil skin side down with oil, salt & pepper and a couple slices of lemon.
2. Close the aluminum pouch and place it on the hottest part of the grill for about 5 minutes.
3. Move the pouch into indirect heat and let cook for another 5-7 minutes.
4. While waiting for the salmon to cook. Cut up a tomato, half an onion, cilantro and Serrano pepper.
5. Remove salmon from heat and serve with the pico de gallo on top with your side of choice.

4. Grilled Chicken with Pearled Couscous Salad

Another grilling idea is to make a simple couscous salad and add some loosely shredded grilled chicken. You will have to turn on your stove for this one but it will only be for1 pot.

What you will need:

• 3 oz of chicken per person
• 1/4 Lemon Juice & Zest
• 1 Tomato
• Chicken Stock
• Dijon Mustard
• Olive Oil
• Onion
• Serrano pepper
• Salt & Pepper

1. Cook the couscous according to instructions but instead of cooking with water use half water and the other half chicken stock.
2. Once couscous is cooked remove from heat and let cool.
3. At this time, you can add the chicken to the grill and cook until you see a nice char on the chicken.
4. While both the couscous and chicken are cooling mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with ½ tablespoon of Dijon mustard, ¼ cup of lemon juice and the zest of 1 lemon. Mix together with salt and pepper.
5. Dice the tomato and chop the cilantro and combine with the cooled couscous.
6. Loosely shred the chicken into the couscous mix and add the vinaigrette.

5. Strawberries with Whipped Cream

Yes, it is that simple, end your meal with some chopped strawberries and add some whipped cream on top. This dish is easy and has little to no clean up required and you won’t have to turn on your oven.

I hope you all enjoyed some suggestions to eat during the heat. The last thing you want to do is spend the afternoon cleaning up your mess, so avoid the pots and pans and make it easy  on yourself.