Summer Cooking

Cooking in the summer is somewhat torturous for me. I hate that the kitchen gets incredibly hot and then makes the rest of the place warm. I haven't mastered my grill yet. The X used to do all the "manly" grilling. But I'm working on that. I've signed up for a grilling class through Barnes and Noble University online. It's free, so I thought what the heck?

Do any of you have favorite (easy) dishes that you make that don't require a lot of baking/cooking? I'd be forever grateful for some ideas for great summer salads or something I just must learn how to grill. I'll even take suggestion on drinks that are good (alcoholic or non -- it makes no difference).