Beat the heat: Light dinner ideas to enjoy in the UAE summer
No matter how long you’ve been a UAE resident, the blistering summer heat never seems to get any easier. Perhaps now more than ever, as we emerge from months of life indoors due to the pandemic, the “hairdryer effect” of the outside world can seem that much more severe. (It’s not just us feeling that way, right?)
Summer in the UAE sadly doesn’t equate to the traditional style of dining found elsewhere in the world at this time of year. We must save al-fresco dinners and afternoons gathered around a BBQ for the winter months. Instead, summer requires quick and light meals for dinner that aren’t too heavy for the heat – meaning you can spend more time in the pool staying cool, and less time slaving over a hot stove.
Beat the heat this summer and try these refreshing dishes for dinner this week.
Weekly menu: 30 July – 5 Aug
Green kale fettuccine
Fresh, earthy flavours abound in this summery pasta dish. Super simple to make, you can expect this speedy supper on the table in just 25 minutes. Pasta la vista, baby!
For the full green kale fettuccine recipe, click here.
Pesto pulled chicken salad with mozzarella
Throw this superfood salad together in record time for a light, nutrient-packed dinner. Pesto coated chicken sits atop a bed of spinach, tomatoes and mozzarella to create a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired dish. Why not double up and keep the leftovers for lunch, too?
For the full pesto chicken salad recipe, click here.
Teriyaki salmon with toasted sesame seeds and rice
Keep it light but ultra flavoursome with this punchy teriyaki salmon dish. Served with fluffy jasmine rice, roasted zucchini slices and toasted sesame seeds, have this Asian inspired dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
For the full teriyaki salmon recipe, click here.
Weekly menu: 6 Aug – 12 Aug
Spicy barbecue chicken cutlets with limey mayo salad
Dress chicken breasts in a golden, almond coating and serve alongside this colourful salad for a refreshing dinner this week.
For the full bbq chicken recipe, click here.
Cheat’s vegan asparagus and sun-dried tomato pizza
Making a pizza base from scratch is a labour of love. While we adore the final result, we also enjoy having dinner on the table quickly – so we’ve found the perfect solution! Use our ready-made, crispy bases and top with delicious vegan toppings for a speedy summer dinner.
For the full vegan pizza recipe, click here.
Crispy salmon with wasabi cream and sesame vegetables
This summery, low-cal dish is packed with sushi flavours and is the perfect midweek dinner for the warmer months. We swap potato fries for roasted veggie matchsticks here, and serve the tender salmon fillet with a punchy wasabi cream that’s not for the faint hearted.
For the full salmon recipe, click here.
If you enjoyed this article, you may be interested in this collection of speedy supper ideas, or perhaps you’d like to read more about our stunning salad recipes? Don’t forget, we love to see your final Hello Chef creations so do share your dishes with us on Instagram – @hellochefme.
