As it starts to get hotter in the next few months, especially as the humidity level increases, I'm less and less inclined to use my stove or oven. I'm always looking for easy, healthy, and delicious dinner ideas that will keep the house cool. And as much as I love a good salad, there are only so many salads I can eat in a week!

Group 1: Grilling

If you have an outdoor grill or countertop version, meat or veggies that grill quickly are always a good idea. Here are some of my favorites:

• Flat Iron Steak- this steak cooks in just a few minutes on each side. Marinate for 30 minutes ahead of time while you put together a salad and bread. My Recipe

• Skewers: Cut up any combination chicken breast, steak tips, bell peppers, & mushrooms; sprinkle with seasonings, and grill for 4-5 minutes each, turning occasionally.

• Burgers: Use frozen patties! These turn out great, you can buy them already seasoned, and only take 6 minutes on each side.

Group 2: Chilled Soups

Not all soups need to be hot! There are plenty of chilled soups that are wonderful for summer evenings.Most chilled soups need to be chilled ahead of time, so you can throw them in a blender in the morning, or prepare them a day ahead.

• Chilled avocado and cucumber soup: No cooking required! Soothing, cooling, and filling. Serve with bread and cold shrimp.

• Gazpacho: There are many versions of this tomato-based chilled soup.

• Borscht: Classic beet soup can be served hot or cold. Have sour cream and dill handy for garnish. You can often buy borscht in the Kosher section of the market.

Group 3: Grains

Use quick-cooking grains to make a veggie and/or meat bowl.

• Couscous: Boil some water in a kettle, pour over the grains, and let sit for five minutes. Presto! Mix with olive oil, feta, lemon juice, and parsley, and you have a base for a Mediterranean dinner bowl.

• Rice: I always have microwave rice on-hand in the cupboard; it only takes 90 seconds in the microwave, and you can get them in several flavors. Mexican rice, canned corn, and black beans and diced tomatoes make a flavorful rice-based bowl.

• Polenta: Buy the pre-cooked polenta that comes in a roll: slice into rounds, brush with olive oil and cook in the air fryer for 20 minutes. Top with cheese & tomatoes, or even microwaved chili!