Summer Meal Planning: Getting Ready For A Hot Aussie Summer!
Summer is always hot, hot, hot in Oz! This means picnics, barbecues, family gatherings by the pool, and warm nights with an icy drink in hand. However – as plenty of Australians know – summer can be overbearing at times, particularly during intense heat waves that have us seeking air conditioning wherever possible.
On days like these, it can be difficult to think about cooking, especially if it’s over a hot stove or grill. This is where summer meal planning can be very helpful. Here’s how to meal prep efficiently to beat the heat.
The First Step To Successful Meal Planning: Plan Ahead
The key to successful summer meal planning – or any sort of meal planning – is of course to plan ahead. You can start by creating a weekly meal plan, including each ingredient you need is listed. In summer, you can consider lighter, refreshing meals that require minimal cooking.
Choose Seasonal Ingredients
During summer, it’s best to take advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. When planning your meals, try to incorporate fruits like mangoes, watermelons, and berries into your meals. In summer, vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchinis are in abundance, which also means they tend to be a bit cheaper at the supermarket! These fruits and veg are not only delicious, but are also hydrating and packed with nutrients.
Keep It Simple
In the summer, simplicity is key. After all, you don’t want to be slaving away in the kitchen on a thirty-plus degree day! When putting together your summer meal plan, try to pick recipes that require minimal cooking time and effort. Salads, cold pasta dishes, and no-cook appetisers are great options. The goal is to avoid heating up your kitchen. Look for recipes that involve marinating or assembling ingredients rather than a lot of cooking.
Prep And Freeze
To beat the heat and save time, prepare your meals in advance and freeze them. This is where Top Nosh Meals (TNM) can be a lifesaver! We offer a variety of frozen meals that are not only convenient but also nutritionally balanced. Simply pop one in the microwave, and you have a delicious meal on the table in moments. Or, you can consider batch-cooking your own favourite dishes and freezing them in portions for quick, hassle-free meals.
Five Easy-to-Prep Summer Meals
Looking for a little inspiration for your summer meal planning? Here are five simple and delicious summer meals that are perfect for seniors and anyone looking for easy-to-prep options.
Mango And Avocado Salad
This meal combines good sources of carbs, fruit and good fats all in one! Toss ripe chopped mangoes and avocados with mixed greens, red onions, and a zesty lime dressing. You can always add grilled chicken or prawns for protein.
Greek Quinoa Salad
To make this quick, fresh salad, combine cooked quinoa with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a Greek dressing (you can either make this at home or buy one from the supermarket).
Caprese Sandwich
Layer fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves on whole-grain bread. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a delightful, no-cook sandwich.
Cold Soba Noodle Bowl
Cold soba noodles are popular in Japan in the summer months, which makes them a great choice for an Australian summer too! For a slightly more filling version of this traditional meal, cook soba noodles, rinse with cold water, and toss with thinly sliced cucumbers, carrots, and a sesame-soy dressing. If you’d like additional protein, top with grilled tofu or prawns.
A Delicious Top Nosh Meal
For the ultimate convenience in summer, winter or year-round, try Top Nosh Meals’ range of meals! With a variety of dishes and dietary options, we offer a nutritious and hassle-free meal solution for those who just want to kick back and take it easy in summer.
Make Summer Easy – Order With Top Nosh Meals Today
It’s as simple as it could be! Browse our menu, fill your cart with our delicious locally and lovingly made meals (which are then snap-frozen to seal in taste!), and wait for delivery straight to your door. Plus, you can nominate us as a meal delivery service as part of a Home Care Package, and charge back up to 70% of the cost of your meals to save not only time, but money!