Cherry tomatoes, chickpeas and short pasta?

As the summer months approach, meals fresh out of the oven can be less and less appealing.

That’s why we tend to opt for chill, refreshing favorites likecucumber sandwichesandsaladswhen the weather gets warm.

a photo of Giada De Laurentiis

Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Pause to taste and adjust the seasonings to your preferencesthen you’re good to go.

Tossing it in the bowl will help speed up the process.

Drizzle on enough vinaigrette to coat and toss everything together.

Then add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.