Late summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh produce and to simplify your cooking to enjoy the last of the warm weather. Packaged foods can help you cut steps out of the cooking process and make it easier to eat well. Here are some tips to trim down your time in the kitchen this season. 

Prep sides ahead of time

Prep veggie-based and grain-based cold sides ahead of time to make meals easier the rest of the week. Simply pull your sides out for mealtime and add a grilled meat or salad kit to avoid heating up your house and to make clean up a breeze. Whether you’re throwing a party or just plan on grilling for your family all week, having sides ready to go makes mealtime a lot easier. Remember, doubling recipes cuts effort. Repurpose leftovers by adding vegetables, whole grains, or proteins to turn a side dish into a meal for another day.  

Here are some make ahead side dish recipes for inspiration. 

Cook proteins to perfection

Tired of your meats, poultry, and fish drying out when you cook or grill? Use these tips to get the texture and taste you crave:

• Marinate protein or baste when grilling to keep it tender and add flavor. Try Jerk-Spiced Beef Sirloin or Chicken with Picante Peach Salsa.
• Monitor temperatures to avoid under or overcooking meat when grilling. Keep a chart handy of the safe minimum internal temperatures for whatever you are cooking.
• Lock in moisture and flavor by using a slower cooker or multi-cooker. This also helps keep your kitchen cool on hot summer days. Try this Tasty Pulled Pork recipe.

Let fruits and veggies take center stage

Fruits and veggies are always delicious, but they’re easy to enjoy warm or chilled when the weather is hot. Try these tips to keep fruits and veggies convenient and flavorful:

• Let veggies shine as the feature in your dish. Try Eggplant Steaks with Roasted Chickpeas & Tomato Balsamic Sauce, Roasted Cauliflower Bowls with Creamy Coconut Dressing or Coconut Cauliflower Tacos.  

• Make your own fruit kabobs with yogurt dip. Use fresh, seasonal fruit and even some exotic fruit like star fruit and passion fruit—cut in fun shapes for kids!
• Keep chopped veggies handy. Get creative with dip options like salsa with plain Greek yogurt or include even more veggies with a spinach or artichoke dip.
• Spring rolls can a be a great choice when you want a flavorful snack or starter. Try this colorful, delicious, plant-forward option.

Stay cool with smoothies

When it’s too hot to turn anything on, you can pair your smoothie with a sandwich, wrap, or salad. Try these smoothies.

Rethink your drink

Staying hydrated is important, especially when it is hot outside. Make the most of your beverage choices with these suggestions:

• Mocktails can be a great way to enjoy a specialty crafted drink without the alcohol.

• 100% juice is an easy way to help you bridge a fruit or veggie gap in your day.
• Infused water can be a way to experiment with new flavors and combinations. Check out these fresh ideas.  

We hope that these tips help you stay cool and eat well this summer with less effort. Want more tips? Check out Eat well, cook less this summer.