20 no-cook dinners for hot summer nights
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.
2. Curried Waldorf Salad
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.
3. Crab Salad Sandwich
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.
4. Ham And Cheese Sushi 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.
5. Chilled Cucumber And Avocado Soup
A blend of creamy avocado, fresh cucumber and fragrant dill make this gorgeous green soup a satisfying summer meal.
6. Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
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.
7. Tuscan Cobb Salad
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.
8. Barbecue Leftover Salad
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).
9. BLT Salad
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.
10. Watermelon Feta Salad
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.
11. Tomato, Mozzarella And Pesto Sandwich
Slather pesto and layers of ripe tomato and fresh mozzarella slices on your favorite rolls. This light meal will appeal to all ages.
12. Panzanella Salad
Don’t toss that day-old baguette! This classic salad marries marinated bread with tomatoes, mozzarella and other favorite Italian flavors.
13. Cantaloupe Soup
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.
14. White Bean And Tuna Salad
Cans of tuna and beans are the basis of this nourishing, no-cook dinner. Serve on a bed of greens or tuck inside of a wrap.
15. Black Bean, Corn And Tomatillo Salad
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.
16. Rainbow Slaw
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.
17. Pesto “Zoodles”
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.
18. Peach And Prosciutto Salad
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.
19. Fattoush Salad
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.
20. Veggie Wraps
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.
[h/t: BuzzFeed]