When temperatures climb, standing over a hot stove or turning on the oven is the last thing anyone wants to do. That’s where easy-to-make, no-cook recipes come in. From quick cold lunches to easy dinners and casual entertaining, no-cook summer meals can deliver big flavor while keeping your kitchen cool and your prep time short.
Fresh salads with seasonal vegetables are always a win. Enjoy big, bold flavor without adding heat to the kitchen.
- Colorful, crispy and filling, a Southwestern Salad is packed with crisp lettuce, beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, cheese, and is topped with a zesty dressing.
- You can never go wrong with a classic Caesar Salad. This version is made without eggs but remains full of flavor. Crispy garlic toasted croutons and bold Caesar dressing top off this winning bowl of crisp greens. Add some prepared shrimp, salmon, chicken or seasoned tofu to transform this salad into a complete meal.
- For a twist on the tasty classic, try a Tex-Mex Chicken Caesar Salad made with a rotisserie chicken shortcut along with crisp romaine, tortilla strips, Parmesan, and a zesty Tex-Mex-inspired dressing, you will not be disappointed.
- Tuna Salad never tasted so good. No mayo is needed for this no-cook recipe made with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers. This quick tuna dish will be a staple on your table all summer long.
- For a healthy, nutritious salad that will keep you satisfied for hours try this Kale White Bean and Tomato Salad. Protein-packed cannellini beans and high-fiber kale make a delicious salad combination that is filling enough for lunch or dinner.
There is something about a “handheld” that just gets summer. Whether it is the no-fuss vibe or the portable nature of the meal, sandwiches offer variety and flavors like no other meal.
- These Turkey and Hummus Wraps are perfect for an easy meal. They can be cut into bite-size pieces for the kids or used as an appetizer. Hummus is used as a sandwich spread instead of mayo which offers a boost of protein and fiber.
- A little spice goes a long way to give these healthy Curry Tuna Salad Wraps a tasty twist. With mix-ins like almonds, grapes, red onions and celery, the yogurt and lemon dressing brings a common tuna sandwich to a new level.
- For a nutrition-packed handheld, look no further than this Chickpea Veggie Sandwich. Who knew chickpeas could taste so good? Mixed with chopped veggies, the chickpeas co-star with avocado, mustard, sunflower seeds, fresh basil and arugula. Serve on your favorite bread, wrap or roll!
Chilled soups are perfect no-cook option for lunch or dinner on a hot day. Just toss in your fresh ingredients into a food processor or blender and enjoy a quick cup of cool soup.
- This Spicy and Citrus Chunky Gazpacho is summer’s answer to soup. Served cold and bursting with garden-fresh flavor. A no-cook classic loaded with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, celery and onion. Toss in some cooked shrimp if desired.
- This Cucumber and Lemon Soup has less than 40 calories per serving. Made with just a handful of ingredients, including mint, basil and lemon juice, you will enjoy all summer long.
Get creative and enjoy a quick pantry-based meal. It is surprising what you can make with a can of beans, canned salmon or tuna, some olive oil, herbs and spices. Include fresh produce and become a chopped chef.
- This quick and easy Chickpea and Tomato Salad is made with healthy Mediterranean ingredients. Chickpeas, kalamata olives, feta cheese, red onion and cherry tomatoes are simply dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Serve over a bed of arugula for a wonderfully fresh dish.
- Use canned corn and black beans to make this refreshing Corn and Black Bean Salsa. This is great option to serve over a salad, in a taco, or with whole grain tortilla chips.
As you can see, the opportunities for no-cook meals are endless. Also consider:
- Cold pasta salads made with pre-cooked pasta and your favorite toppings.
- Charcuterie board with cheeses, cured meats, and fruits.
- Smoothies with yogurt, fruits, and greens for a nutritious drink.
- Apple and pear slices, almonds, and cheeses with fresh baked breads.
For a cool no-cook meal, always strategize to re-use ingredients and cooked foods from one recipe or meal to the next. Cook extra protein, grains and vegetables when making dinner to create other meals.
