After a long day working or playing in the sizzling summer sun, the last thing you want to do is come home and stand over a hot stove. However, dinner is a must. Whether you need to feed your entire family or just want something light to nourish yourself, there are loads of options that don’t require any cooking.
From soups and salads to substantial sandwiches, you can whip up an easy, yet delicious and impressive meal—without turning on the stove.
1. Tomato Cucumber Gazpacho
Light, refreshing gazpacho is an ideal summer meal. You can use a variety of veggies and even fruits to make this cold soup, but this simple recipe pairs sweet, juicy tomatoes with cool cucumbers and some savory seasonings.
This twist on the traditional salad made with fresh apples, celery, grapes and crunchy walnuts kicks it up a notch with the addition of just a little curry powder.
Whether you prefer real or imitation crab, you can quickly toss together a cool, creamy salad with some mayo, mustard and lemon juice. Serve on croissants or crusty rolls.
Kiddos will love this take on a traditional ham sandwich. Remove the crust from several slices of bread, roll them flat, add your favorite sandwich fixings and roll ‘em up.
Use leftovers, canned chicken, or grab a rotisserie bird from the supermarket to make this a no-cook dinner. Sweet grapes and crunchy walnuts give this salad wonderful taste and texture.
Let your mouth take a mini vacation to Italy with this take on the standard Cobb salad. Top chopped romaine with turkey (from the deli), avocado, hard boiled egg, pancetta and herb dressing.
Save those cookout leftovers to use in a decadent summer salad. Top your favorite greens with barbecued meat and anything else that looks good (grilled corn, for example).
Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches are a longstanding family favorite, but they can feel a little heavy after a hot day. Nix the bread and turn your BLT into a salad! Use precooked bacon for a fast, satiating dinner.
Watermelon is a common summertime snack, but have you ever considered it as a main course? Paired with salty feta and chopped mint, it becomes a light but delicious dinner.
Another light, creamy soup option for those no-cook nights, this slightly sweet dish combines fresh melon with ingredients such as citrus juice and a dash of cinnamon.
This vibrant, Mexican-inspired meal can also be made using canned goods from your pantry. Fresh avocado and raw pepitas provide even more amazing flavor.
When you are craving something light and healthful, you cannot go wrong with this gorgeous slaw. Chop an array of colorful veggies and top with mouthwatering lemon-herb vinaigrette.
You can use a spiral slicer to make zucchini noodles or make “ribbons” with your traditional slicer. Toss with tomatoes and pesto basil for a quick, savory dinner sans the stove.
The next time you pick up some syrupy sweet peaches at a summer farmer’s market, pair them with prosciutto for an unforgettable salad. Chopped greens, sliced almonds and fresh goat cheese complete the meal.
Although the traditional recipe calls for toasted pita bread, you can make this a no-cook meal by subbing store-bought pita chips. Add leftover or rotisserie chicken if you’d like a little protein.
Spread tortillas with a velvety mixture of cream cheese, mayo and ranch seasoning before piling on the veggies. Add a helping of shredded cheese and leftover meat from the fridge, if desired for a quick and yummy summer supper.
