25 of my favorite no cook recipes, just in time for the summer heat! These recipes will get dinner on the table without turning on your stove or oven!!!
No Cook Recipes
This post was originally published during the middle of a heat wave in 2015! These continue to be my favorite no cook recipes whenever we have a hot spell around here! You just can’t beat a no cook dinner!
I’m sure you’ve noticed me whining about the heat around here. It is uncharacteristically hot for Seattle (climate change anyone?)—in the upper 80’s and 90’s each day. We’ve just gotten a portable AC unit so I’m hoping it will get a little bit more tolerable in my house at least—it’s been in the upper 90’s and even over 100° in my kitchen the past 2 weeks—so while I wait for it to cool off a bit I’ve been working on no-cook meals (and desserts!). No stove, no oven, no heat! Sound good?
No Cook Appetizers
Hummus—everyone loves hummus! Full of protein and fiber—plus a secret ingredient! Pair with a green salad and some store bought pita bread and you’ve got a perfect light dinner!
Muhammara—this is a red pepper dip that pairs wonderfully with hummus and pita. It’s got a subtle sweetness to it, and is nice and light for summer. I use jarred roasted red peppers to skip any cooking!
No Cook Vegan Dinners
Dinner always seems to go hand in hand with cooking, but you can make so many dishes without using the stove or oven!
Watermelon Gazpacho—Gazpacho is a summertime classic, and it’s a definite no cook winner! You’ll love my fresh twist with watermelon!
Latin Inspired Cabbage Slaw — a family favorite, this cabbage salad takes just minutes to prepare! The food processor does all the work, leaving you time to hang out with your AC!
Three Bean Salad—This quick salad is loaded with protein! Plus it comes together in minutes—try this easy spin on a classic!
Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Shallots — This salad is packed with protein, simple to make, keeps well in the fridge, is great served cold, and makes a perfect lunch! It is a copycat recipe of the chickpea salad I found at Brooklyn Fare in Brooklyn, NYC last month, and it could not be easier!
Cool Sips
I do my best to drink enough water each day, but sometimes I have to mix it up! I love cold brew coffee…and probably drink a little too much of it! I also love Rosemary Lemon Iced Tea. While it’s not truly no cook because you have to boil the water, it’s pretty close, so I’m going to let it count!
Breakfast
Don’t forget breakfast! While Seattle is usually pretty cool at the beginning of the day, it’s still nice to start the day off with something fresh! Smoothies are an obvious choice, and I’ve got a lot of recipes to try! You’ll like my Coffee Date Shake, Citrus Explosion (pictured below), Tahini Date Shake, 24 Carrot, and Piña Colada.
Chia puddings are another great no cook option for a cool breakfast! My Hippie Breakfast Bowl is always a favorite—chia hemp seed pudding, prepped the night before, and ready for breakfast. Serve with fresh fruit—it will keep you going all the way until lunchtime! You might also like Mango Chia Pudding Parfait, Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding, or Baby Chia Pudding for the littlest members of your family.
Dessert
Some of my favorite desserts are ones that don’t require the oven! Hello, Ice Cream!!! I can’t even pick a favorite flavor! Try some of these: Maple Bacon Ice Cream with Bourbon and Walnuts (pictured below), Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, Almond Joy, Cherry Garcia, and Salted Caramel Pretzel Chunk Ice Cream!
I also love a good Ice Cream “Cake!” My Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bars with Cookie Crust and Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are both so delicious, and don’t require any cooking! That’s my idea of a delicious way to end the day!
Let’s Make Some No Cook Recipes!
I hope this list helps you get through the heat this summer—happy no-cooking! Stay cool! Oh, and be sure to check out this list of my summer essentials for the kitchen….
