What should I make for dinner on a hot day? 8 meal ideas that are perfect for summer

Wondering what you should make for dinner on a scorching day is nothing to be ashamed of.

If you too live for the carby delights of a pasta bowl, a season that makes stodge all but unpalatable can actually be soul-destroying. After all, food comas in the boiling sun are no fun for anyone.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to eat gloriously and avoid feeling like death.

Hot weather isn’t always conducive to great cooking (Credit: Nicola Ferrari / Alamy)

What should I make for dinner on a hot day?

Although the Twisted repertoire often features classic comfort cooking, we also have plenty of recipes to blow summer’s socks off.

READ MORE: How to cure a hangover with 8 indulgent recipes because food really is the answer

If you’re struggling for inspiration on a hot day and are desperate to avoid another lacklustre salad, worry no more. Here are our top picks for the ultimate dishes to make in the heat.

1. BBQ Pulled Pork Swineapple

The BBQ Pulled Pork Swineapple is the perfect summer centrepiece (Credit: Twisted)

Looking for a stunning centrepiece for your next summer feast? Consider your search over. Whether you’re a fan of fruity main courses or just love a good dose of seventies kitsch, our BBQ Pulled Pork Swineapple is the ultimate solution to summer cooking conundrums.

If fruit wrapped in bacon, stuffed with sticky sweet pork sounds like your idea of a good time, the BBQ Pulled Pork Swineapple is for you. Think of it like a Hawaiian pizza, only awesome.

2. Cheesy BBQ Dumplings

Cheesy BBQ Dumplings are a great option for finger food (Credit: Twisted)

Just because too much cheese can put almost anyone to sleep, even without hot weather, that doesn’t mean there is no place for it on a summer menu. You just have to think outside the box.

These Cheesy BBQ Dumplings are the perfect summer finger food, providing comfort with a certain amount of restraint. Just don’t eat the whole bowl at once (if you can help it).

3. Vietnamese Chicken and Sriracha Fries

If you’re wondering “what should I make for dinner on a hot day?” this Vietnamese chicken dish is a great option (Credit: Twisted)

One thing that really sets summer alight is spice. This knock-out street/fast food mash-up is a perfect example of how to use heat to handle the heat.

Not only does this dish feature the classic combination of chicken and chips, but it’s also best prepared over a barbecue. What’s not to love?

4. Chicken Milanese Sandwich

These crispy chicken sandwiches are a great alternative summer dinner (Credit: Twisted)

Every food lover knows that one of the most exciting things about summer is having an excuse to eat sandwiches for dinner. This crispy Chicken Milanese recipe is a prime example.

If cool basil mayo, zingy tomato chutney, juicy chicken, and crunchy shoestring fries all between two slices of bread doesn’t get you excited, frankly there’s no hope for you.

5. Sichuan Hot Chicken Burger

Our Sichuan Hot Chicken Sandwich blows other burgers out of the water (Credit: Twisted)

No British barbecue is complete without a burger. In most cases, these are burnt, rubbery, and about as appetising as a cooked sandal. We’ve decided to give our burgers an upgrade.

This Sichuan Hot Chicken sandwich combines the best of classic fried chicken sandwiches with a mouthwatering Asian twist. After this, you’ll never go back to beef again.

6. Deviled Scotch Eggs

Deviled Scotch Eggs are the ultimate summer treat (Credit: Twisted)

A summer without Scotch eggs is like Christmas with no presents. Yes, you’ll probably still have a nice time, but it all feels slightly hollow without the star attraction.

Fortunately, our Deviled Scotch Eggs recipe means that you won’t ever miss out on the main event. Combining two classic summer finger foods, this dish delivers on every level. An essential for every picnicker.

7. Sicilian Meatball Subs

Meatballs, parmesan, and bread – what’s not to love about our Sicilian Meatball Subs? (Credit: Twisted)

At Twisted, we believe the picnic to be one of the most underrated meals around. We, therefore, consider it our sacred duty to do whatever it takes to push picnics up everyone’s priorities list. This Sicilian Meatballs Subs recipe is our solution.

Grab your copy of Twisted: A Cookbook here for more great picnic recipes

This sandwich is gloriously messy, seriously delicious, and the ultimate inclusion for any outdoor menu. Turn up to a park with one of these in your pocket and we guarantee you’ll turn heads.

8. BBQ Rib Tacos

The secret ingredient in our rib tacos is Bull’s-Eye BBQ sauce (Credit: Twisted)

Tacos are already awesome. However, give them a twist and you can turn a classic midweek meal into a bona fide summer blockbuster.

Made with Bull’s-Eye BBQ sauce, these rib tacos are as indulgent and moreish as anything you could ask for. If you’re looking for a new sharing dish, this should be right up your street.

READ MORE: How to BBQ at home – 8 essential tips and common mistakes to avoid

When the weather’s stifling thinking about food can feel genuinely uncomfortable. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re about to explode as they sit by a swimming pool.

However, if you do feel like shaking things up and treating yourself to something special, these recipes will definitely deliver. Sometimes, we could all use something delicious to take summer up a notch.