4 Easy Summer Recipes When It’s Too Hot to Cook
Because sometimes, summer can make us a little lazy with cooking.
We totally get it. Summer’s busy – between playing outside in the sun all day, longer days, and ticking off your summer bucket list…the last thing you want to do is spend hours in a hot kitchen. That’s why we rely on simple, healthy meals that come together quickly using pantry staples like Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets without turning on an oven.
If you’re ready for stress-free and easy summer recipes, check out the list below:
This salad is our go-to when we need a healthy weeknight meal that’s fast and simple. We use Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets to add that natural sweetness and vibrant color—no chopping or cooking required. It’s packed with fiber and protein, making it one of our favorite easy summer recipes using this no-cook pantry staple!
Tips:
Swap quinoa for brown rice or farro depending on what’s in your pantry.
Make it vegan by skipping cheese or adding extra seeds for crunch.
Prep grains ahead and store in the fridge to save time on busy nights.
Serving idea: Pair it with grilled chicken or your favorite protein for a complete, quick summer meal.
Salads don’t have to be boring—especially when they’re layered with bold flavors like this Farro Beet Mason Jar Salad! It’s sweet, tangy, and an easy summer recipe to try out at home! We love how Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets bring a pop of vibrant color and that signature earthy-sweet flavor that makes every bite exciting. Plus, everything’s packed into a mason jar for a meal that’s cute and convenient!
Tips:
Use pre-cooked farro to save time (or swap in quinoa or couscous if that’s what you’ve got).
Layer smart: dressing on the bottom, greens on top—no soggy bites here!
Add creamy goat cheese or feta if you want to amp up the richness.
Serving idea: Meal prep a few jars on Sunday and grab them all week for work lunches or a quick and easy summer dinner. It’s colorful, crave-worthy, and totally shake-and-go.
Tired of the same old smoothie routine? Brighten up your breakfast (or snack time!) with our Beet Berry Smoothie Bowls—packed with color, flavor, and a boost of feel-good ingredients. Aunt Nellie’s Sliced Pickled Beets bring a naturally sweet, earthy twist that pairs perfectly with juicy berries and creamy banana. It’s a delicious way to sneak in some veggies and level up your smoothie game for an easy summer recipe.
Tips:
Add a splash of almond milk or yogurt for an extra creamy texture..
Top with fresh fruit, granola, seeds, or even a drizzle of nut butter for that perfect crunch and flavor combo.
Chill your bowl before serving for an extra-refreshing experience on hot days.
Serving idea: Pour into salt-rimmed glasses and serve at sunset with light snacks or alongside your favorite summer appetizers. It’s a fun, beet-forward cocktail that’s sure to impress.
Lunch feeling a little meh lately? This Turkey & Beet Relish Hummus Sandwich is a super-easy, no-cook summer lunch recipe to try! It’s got all the good stuff—creamy hummus, savory turkey, and a sweet-tangy relish made with Aunt Nellie’s Whole or Sliced Pickled Beets that adds major flavor (and color!) in every bite. It’s the kind of sandwich that looks fancy but is secretly super easy to throw together.
Tips:
Toast your bread for extra crunch—trust us on this one.
Add a handful of greens or sprouts to freshen it up.
Make extra beet relish… you’ll want it on everything.
Serving idea: Perfect for a quick lunch, a backyard picnic, or cut into halves for a summery snack board moment!
Forget the same-old marg recipes…try our Shaken Beet Margarita for a bold and unique cocktail with an unexpected twist! We think this recipe is such a fun way to showcase your creative side at your next at-home happy hour! Our vibrant Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets adds such a pretty ruby color and gives your taste buds a subtle earthy sweetness you didn’t know you needed.
Tips:
Use high-quality silver tequila for a crisp, clean base.
Shake with ice just before serving to keep it cold and invigorating.
Garnish with a lime wedge or a thin beet slice for an extra pop of color.
Serving idea: Pour into salt-rimmed glasses and serve at sunset with light snacks or alongside your favorite summer appetizers. It’s a fun, beet-forward cocktail that’s sure to impress.
Want to try one of these recipes? Tag us @auntnelliesvegetables — we’re excited to see how you put your spin on it!