Sometimes when it's really hot and humid there is nothing worse that having to get in the kitchen and in front of a hot stove. There are many ways to make delicious meals without having to cook a thing. When it's hot, I like to just eat simple salads and fresh fruits.

A refreshing snack and thirst quencher is a tropical fruit punch. You can make a huge bowl full of this and have it in the fridge ready to go at any time of the day. It is healthy, fills you up and tastes great. I like to pack mine full of summer fruits and juices


SUMMER FRUIT PUNCH

1 litre tropical fruit juice (try and find one with coconut in it!)

1 litre of orange and mango juice

500ml sparkling water or ginger ale

2 passion fruits (pulped)

2 peaches diced

2 nectarines diced

1 mango diced

1 cup watermelon diced

some strawberries chopped

1 cup fresh mint

2 limes (juiced)


Put all the chopped fruits in a bowl. Add the juices and ginger ale. Stir around a little and add the mint and limes. Put in fridge to chill.

It's as simple as that! Have a ladle handy and every time you feel like a refresher, ladle some into a cup and enjoy! You may need a spoon also to eat the fruit. This is a healthy start to the day or a nice palate cleanser after dinner.

 

Salads are a perfect dinner option in the summer. Here is a simple summer salad which can be easily adapted by adding your favourite foods.

MEDITERRANEAN  SALAD with crunchy bread

serves 4

5 cups rocket

1 cup kalamata olives

5 tomatoes chopped or one punnet of cherry tomatoes (cut in half)

10 cherry bocconcini (cut in half) or 1 cup feta crumbled

½ cup each of basil and parsley chopped

juice and zest of one lemon

½ cup semi dried tomatoes drained and chopped


Mix together all ingredients in a bowl. You can add a little dressing or offer it on the side. 

dressing: salt, pepper, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar (all to taste)

crunchy bread: drizzle bread in a little olive oil, salt and dried herbs and pop in under the grill until toasted. Its delicious!


VARIATIONS:

For a bit of spice – add a tin of Sirena tuna in chilli oil

last night’s roast chicken or beef leftover? -  add it to the salad

love your legumes? – add a tin of drained chickpeas or cannellini beans

on the side – smoked salmon and avocado, ham or other cold meats

Tip: if you have any leftover salad, the next day, pop it on a roll for lunch.