Every summer, it happens like clockwork. The temperatures climb, and suddenly you're standing in front of the fridge, completely blanking on what to make. You want something filling. You want something healthy. And above all, you do not want to turn on the oven and turn your kitchen into a sauna.

It's a puzzle we forget how to solve every year ... but the good news is, it's easier than you think. With a little planning and the right ingredients, you can put together meals that are satisfying, nourishing and keep your kitchen cool.

Exhibit A: This healthy, flavorful and easy-to-prepare chickpea salad. It tastes like summer on the Mediterranean: a sun-soaked mix of ripe tomatoes, creamy feta and fresh mint that comes together in minutes and will keep your kitchen (and your family) cool.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes | Serves 4 | No cooking required

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped

For the dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta and olives.
2. In a small jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Fold in the fresh parsley and mint.
5. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Tip: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches.