A Pair of Cool Raw Dinners for Hot Nights

Hearty raw dishes keep your kitchen cool while satisfying dinnertime hunger in the heat of the summer.
With summer temperatures rising and air conditioners working overtime, spending your evening in front of a scorching-hot stove is no way to keep your cool come dinner. Sure, you can step outside and grill, but that’s not offering much relief when thermometers around the country have been exceeding 100 degrees. The hottest summer months are the perfect time to create fresh raw dishes that keep your home comfortably cool while still filling your belly at the end of the day.
Of course we can throw together simple cold salads, but more often than not, we are craving something more substantial. While still focusing on hydrating veggies, adding more satisfying ingredients like avocados, nuts, and rich dressings creates filling one-dish meals.
Luckily, we are at the height of farmers’ market and CSA season, when finding local veggies available around the country is easy as (uncooked) pie. Here are two super fresh and flavorful meals where a mix of raw vegetables, spices, nuts, and seeds offer creative nourishment without raising the heat in your kitchen. Both dishes are best served with a tall glass of ice-cold lemonade on the side and followed by your favorite raw vegan ice cream!
Stay cool with these delicious raw dishes:
Chipotle Coconut Lettuce Wraps
Kale Slaw with Barbecue Walnut Crumble
Natalia KW is a pure food chef, cookbook author, and shamanic practitioner focusing on nourishment for the body, mind, and spirit.
Photo: Natalia KW

The #1 Way to Make Sure You Eat Your Greens First
Find yourself in need of some healthy habits? Its a lot easier to train your brain than you might think!
Read More »
How to Veganize Any Recipe: Sweet Edition
Dying to revamp a favorite dessert, but don't know where to start? These expert tips will help you convert any recipe vegan.
Read More »
Surprising Vegan Finds at Mainstream Grocery Stores with The Laziest Vegans
No Whole Foods? No Trader Joes? No problem! Thanks to The Laziest Vegans, finding vegan eats at your typical American supermarket is easier than you think.
Read More »
10 More Hot Veg-Friendly Spots in Nashville
Music City, USA has way more vegan fare than what we could cram into two magazine pages. Here are 10 more stellar options for sustenance.
Read More »
VegNewsletter Giveaway: Trio of Vegan Books
Don't miss this exclusive opportunity for VegNewsletter readers to win three of our favorite vegan reads.
Read More »
More Flashbacks
- 3 Mouth-Watering Vegan Mexican Food Recipes
- 5 Next-Generation Vegan Cheese Brands
- Sarno Brothers Secret to Getting Wicked Healthy
- The Three-Day Detox Plan Anyone Can Do
- 11 Reasons Why Oakland is the New Brooklyn
- 11 Spicy Vegan Dishes for Hot Sauce Lovers
- 11 Unbelievably Awesome Uses for Cauliflower
- 3 Gluten-Free Seasonal Springtime Dishes
- 13 New and Unique Ways to Eat PB&J
- VegNewsletter Giveaway: Vegan Alfredo Sauce
- The Best Vegan Brunch Youll Ever Eat
- Joseph Connellys 48 Hours in Los Angeles
- 10 Healthful Foods You Should Be Eating Right Now
- How to Veganize Any Recipe: Savory Edition
- Top 10 Healthy Vegan Products at Expo West
- All Aboard the 100-Percent Vegan Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruise
- VegNews Dessert Contest with Chloe Coscarelli: Winner & Finalists
- Celebrate St. Pattys at One of These 7 Vegan-Friendly Bars
- 3 Kid-Friendly Recipes the Whole Family Will Love
- The Healthy Dessert Ingredient Youve Never Tried











