All posts

May 12, 2026

Cool Meals for Hot Summer Days

Summer-inspired entrees, cool and crunchy sides, and grab-and-go convenience are all on the menu this summer at CKC Good Food. This year’s cold summer meal was designed to complement busy summer schedules and warm-weather activities.

Chicken salad flatbread summer meal
While the school year may be winding down, our work in the kitchen continues in the summer. The hot months are an opportunity to serve nutritious meals featuring more cool and chilled items to children and communities through partners offering summer meal programs. 

CKC Good Food’s cold summer meal menu was created with busy schedules in mind. They include sunny flavors, refreshing bites and grab-and-go convenience for meals that work well for time spent outside.

Summer-Inspired Entrées

Some of the entrees on this summer’s menu include:

  • Chilled Mango Chicken Salad – grilled chicken mixed with fresh mango bites and crisp salad greens for a light, refreshing summer meal
  • Green Chicken Wrap – chicken infused with mint and cilantro sauce in a wrap, along with fresh herbs for a cool, flavorful bite
  • No-Nut Pesto Chicken & Provolone Cheese Bun – tender chicken topped with creamy no-nut pesto and provolone cheese served on a soft bun for a savory summer sandwich
  • Shred Chicken Salad Bun – pulled chicken salad served on a whole wheat bun for a classic summer option
  • Power Pesto Penne (No Nut) – chilled penne pasta tossed in flavorful no-nut pesto served with a yogurt cup for a protein-packed meal
  • Hoagie Club – roasted chicken strips and fresh sliced veggies served on hoagie bread for a hearty cold sandwich

Cool & Crunchy Sides

Each entree is paired with refreshing fruits and flavorful vegetable sides that bring even more summer variety to the menu.

Vegetable sides like:

  • Chilled Crunchy Corn
  • Veggie Bean Crisps
  • Chilled Corn Salad
  • Corn Ranchero

Fruit sides like:

  • Watermelon cubes
  • Frozen fruit cups
  • Other fresh seasonal fruit selections

Designed for Summer Meal Programs

Summer meal programs often require meals that are easy to transport, simple to serve, and ideal for grab-and-go convenience. These cold meal options are designed to support field trips and outdoor activities in the heat while still providing balanced, satisfying meals. That means most menu items require little preparation beyond refrigeration or coolers, helping sites serve meals efficiently throughout the summer months.