Heatproof Summer Meals to Keep Your Cool in the Kitchen

With temperatures soaring across the UK this summer, we know many of you are firing up the BBQ or simply avoiding hot food altogether. But while sunshine might be great for al fresco dining, heatwaves can be tricky for our favourite foods, especially when it comes to keeping them fresh and safe.

That’s why we’ve worked with Gousto’s Senior Food Development Manager, James Kidman to put together a new Heatwave Meal Hacks Guide, packed with smart tips and simple no-cook recipes to help you enjoy summer meals without the stress (or the sweat).

From clever cooling tricks to heat-proof meal prep, these chef-approved ideas are your go-to solution for staying safe and satisfied in the heat.

Top Tips For Eating Safely in Hot Weather

Most people don’t realise just how fast heat can turn a picnic into a food safety risk. According to NHS and FSA guidance, once the temperature hits 30°C, your safe-serving window shrinks.

Even if you’re not cooking, serving safely matters. At 30°C and above, food that’s left out — even in the shade — should be eaten within one hour.

James explains:

“People think food safety is just about cooking temperature. But in the heat, it’s about how you build your meal, how you store it, and how long it sits out. That’s what this guide is all about — helping people enjoy food in the sunshine without the worry.”

Perishable Foods: Safe Serving Windows in Hot Weather

After that? It’s best to throw it out.

Smart Summer Hacks from Our Chef

Gousto’s James Kidman knows the kitchen can feel like a sauna in summer, so he’s sharing his cleverest cooling tricks to help you prep smarter, eat fresher, and serve food that stays safe and delicious in the heat:

Use an Acid Shield

Why it works:
Adding an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice to cold dishes (especially starchy ones like pasta or potato salad) lowers the pH, creating an environment that slows the growth of bacteria. It also adds a fresh tang that balances creamy dressings and rich flavours — especially handy when you’re eating outdoors.

James’s Tip:

“Try mixing white wine vinegar with a little mustard or honey — it acts like a natural preservative and gives salads that extra punchy flavour.”

Pre-Chill Your Chopping Board

Why it works:
In hot weather, every surface matters — and your chopping board can warm up fast, especially outside. Pre-chilling it helps prevent cheese, fruit or deli meat from softening too quickly, keeping their texture and freshness intact for longer.

James’s Tip:

“I always pop my prep board and serving bowls in the fridge or freezer for 10 minutes before making platters — it gives everything a cooler base to work from and buys you more time in the heat.”

Damp Tea Towel Tent

Why it works:
Draping a damp (not dripping) tea towel over food trays works like a mini evaporative cooler. As the water in the towel evaporates, it slightly lowers the temperature of whatever it covers — protecting salads, cheese, or wraps from direct sunlight while still allowing airflow.

James’s Tip:

“It’s an old-school trick that works wonders. Just use a clean, light-coloured towel and give it a quick spritz every so often to keep it doing its thing.”

Salt Your Serving Trays

Why it works:
Sprinkling coarse salt over ice-packed trays or plates helps the ice stay colder for longer by lowering the freezing point — a science-backed trick used in catering. It’s especially helpful for things like seafood, fruit, or yoghurt-based dips that lose appeal fast when warm.

James’s Tip:

“If I’m serving prawns or melon outdoors, I line a tray with ice, sprinkle over sea salt, and then place a shallow dish or bowl on top. It looks elegant and helps keep everything chilled without direct water contact.”

Chill Your Crackers

Why it works:
Crackers and pita can go soft or brittle in the heat. Giving them a quick chill firms them up, improves crunch, and makes them feel fresher and more refreshing next to dips like tzatziki or hummus.

James’s Tip:

“If you’re making a mezze board or grazing platter, pop your crackers in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving. It’s a tiny change but makes everything feel sharper and more summery.”

Salt Your Melon

Why it works:
Watermelon, when lightly salted, releases less juice and holds its texture better in warm conditions. Salt also enhances natural sweetness, making every bite feel cooler and juicier — without adding sugar or syrup.

James’s Tip:

“A tiny pinch of sea salt or squeeze of lime over chopped melon does double duty — it stops the sogginess and makes the flavour pop. It’s my go-to for picnics and BBQs.”

Layer Your Lunchbox

Why it works:
Hot weather and soft sandwich bread don’t always mix. Lining your sandwich or wrap with a sturdy lettuce leaf helps form a natural barrier between fillings and bread — preventing sogginess, sticking, and that dreaded limp-bottom effect. You can also use it to line your lunchbox itself. Not only does this keep your bread fresh, it’s a more sustainable, edible alternative to cling film or baking paper.

James’s Tip:

“A crisp lettuce leaf under your sandwich does more than look good — it keeps things fresher, neater and easier to lift off the plate. I use romaine or iceberg because they hold up well and add a little crunch too.”

Chill Your Servingware

Why it works:
Cold plates and bowls help regulate temperature during serving, especially outside. They keep food colder for longer and reduce the risk of spoilage for heat-sensitive dishes like dairy, dips, or salads.

James’s Tip:

“I treat my plates like drinks glasses — a quick chill in the fridge makes such a difference. It also keeps food looking better for longer, especially when you’re hosting outdoors.”

No-Cook Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Make

When it’s too hot to turn on the oven, you need meals that are fast, fresh, and full of flavour — no sweat required. That’s why we’ve created three no-cook recipes that tick all the boxes:

• Raw Ceviche-Style Salad: light, zingy and packed with citrus.
• Warm Harissa Prawn, Avocado & Potato Salad: hearty, but fridge-friendly.
• Coronation Chicken Couscous: full of summer spice with no need to cook the grains.

Cool, Fresh Dinners Delivered To Your Door

At Gousto, we’re all about taking the pressure off dinnertime — especially when it’s too hot to think straight. With over 500 recipes to choose from each month, including heatwave-friendly, no-cook meals, we’ve got your back this summer.

Order today from just £3.09† per serving and enjoy meals made to keep you — and your ingredients — cool, safe, and satisfied.

†Based on a 5 for 4 box, excluding delivery