Too hot to cook? Use the microwave instead.

When it’s sweltering outside, no one wants to heat up their kitchen even more by firing up the oven or stovetop. But here’s an idea: Cooking in the microwave doesn’t warm up your home (or spike your AC bill), which is why using it is a super smart move on a scorching day.

Save energy (and your sanity)

Microwaves use up to 80% less energy than ovens, according to the EPA. They cook food faster and don’t heat up your kitchen, so your AC doesn’t have to work as hard.

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Low-Energy Meal Ideas to Cool You Down:

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Make a chilled, protein-packed salad with canned beans, cooked pasta (made in the microwave!), crunchy veggies, and feta. Toss it together with a zesty vinaigrette in a Deep Dish and store in the fridge. Hearty deli salads like this keep well, store easily, and are ready to serve however you like: stuffed in a pita, tossed with greens, or plated with grilled chicken.

Bibimbap-Style Rice Bowl

Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean you have to eat cold food. Build a bibimbap-style bowl without turning on the stove! Cook frozen spinach, shredded carrots, mushrooms, and thinly sliced beef in the microwave until tender. Serve over microwave steamed rice, and top with a jammy egg, a big spoonful of gochujang, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Meatball Parmesan

Try an easy frozen shortcut like this meatball parmesan that require zero prep. Just layer frozen meatballs, store-bought marinara, and pre-shredded mozzarella in your Square Dish and cook in the microwave. The vented glass lid circulates steam evenly, so everything comes out hot, melty, and ready to serve. Serve with frozen garlic bread for dipping.