It was a cool, rainy spring but summer is finally here and I’m definitely not complaining. I love everything about summer weather — the hotter the better! We’re right in the middle of our first heat wave and I’m 100% here for it.
This time of year I like to spend as much time as I can outside. We’ll usually fire up the grill for dinner, but sometimes we don’t feel like it. Or we’re out of gas. Or it’s just so hot that standing over any heat source — inside or outside — makes you feel like your face is going to melt off. For times like those, it’s great to have an arsenal of healthy no-cook meals to draw from.
This collection of simple no-cook dinner ideas is perfect for those summer nights when it’s just too hot to turn on the oven — or eat. It’s amazing what you can do with rotisserie chicken, a can of white beans or chickpeas, or fresh herbs. From big, leafy salads to ceviche and tortilla chips to all sorts of lettuce wraps, you’re practically guaranteed to find a few new recipes to love.
20 No Cook Meals to Make This Summer
Mayo-Free Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Lemon and Herbs
Shrimp and Grapefruit Ceviche
Flavorful ceviche is as simple as defrosting cooked shrimp, then mixing it with tangy citrus and creamy avocado.
Healthy No Noodle Pad Thai
This fresh take on Pad Thai uses raw, spiralized vegetables instead of noodles. Cut your own, or grab some pre-cut veggies from the produce department.
Farmhouse Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
This gorgeous farmhouse salad highlights the best produce of the season: asparagus, peas, and radishes. Use rotisserie chicken, or just leave it off - there's plenty of protein from chickpeas and soy nuts.
Italian Beef Sandwiches
Pile a hot dog bun full of spicy pickled vegetables and roast beef for the perfect no-fuss sandwich
Mediterranean Chickpea Pittas
Mashed chickpeas makes an easy sandwich filling. Tahini, mustard, and olives takes the flavor over the top.
Herby Greek Yogurt Dip for Veggies (Low Carb)
This herby yogurt dip is perfect for those nights when all you feel like doing is picking at some vegetables.
Raw Rainbow Detox Veggie Salad {Paleo, Whole30, Vegan}
This raw rainbow detox veggie salad will energize your body with all of the cleansing, fiber-rich cruciferous vegetables.
White Bean Caprese Salad
Nothing says summer like a Caprese salad, and this one is made with white beans for added protein and fiber. You won't believe how easy it is to make!
Rice Paper Rolls with Mango and Mint
Spring rolls are one of my favorite things to eat when it's super hot outside. For this recipe you will need boiling water to soak the noodles and rice paper wrappers - if you have an electric kettle, this is the perfect time to pull it out!
The Best Philly Style Italian Hoagies
These are my absolute favorite sandwiches, and a classic for summer picnics. Don't forget the spicy cherry pepper spread! If you're watching carbs, load everything onto a big salad, or wrap it all in lettuce leaves or a low carb wrap.
Mexican Street Corn Salad with Black Beans and Avocados
This salad turns everyone's favorite side dish into the main event.
Greek Panzanella Salad
Crisp vegetables tossed with crunchy, seasoned croutons and a zingy lemon vinaigrette create a salad everyone will love.
Cold Lentil Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Look for precooked lentils in the produce section to make easy work of this tasty salad
Dijon Dill Salmon Salad
Canned salmon is shockingly delicious - give it a try in this dilly salad
Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Miso Dressing
The miso dressing on this shrimp salad is so delicious that you might never actually want to cook again
Vietnamese Cold Chicken Salad (Goi Ga)
Mint, peanuts, and fish sauce give this salad its classic Vietnamese flavor
Salmon Poke Bowl
This Salmon Poke Bowl makes a light, healthy and refreshing meal. It's super easy to customize with your favorite ingredients!
White Bean Kale Salad
Tahini Chickpea Salad
This tahini chickpea salad is super easy to make and relies on ingredients that I almost have having around my kitchen.
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