Even for those who genuinely love to cook, we can all agree that standing over a hot stove or feeling the scorching blast from an oven during the warm summer months is a bit unappealing. Sometimes, the will to make a meal is there, but the desire to work in a hot kitchen simply is not! There are moments when even the most avid home cooks among us just do not feel like cooking an elaborate meal—making these no-cook recipes absolute lifesavers.
Save time and energy with delicious, hearty meals that are fresh, light, and satisfying. And while there are quite a few salad recipes in this bunch, it’s not the only way to have a no-cook meal. It’s a great opportunity to get creative with whatever fresh ingredients you are working with and to empty out that crisper drawer before things start to go bad. Most of these recipes use foods that can be substituted with similar ingredients, making it even easier than ever to throw together a no-cook meal.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, we’ve got you covered with 15 no-cook recipes for any cuisine you might be craving. Bookmark them for the next time you need to whip up a meal without firing up the stove, oven, or grill. These summertime favorites are so flavorful that you’ll be craving them all year long, regardless of the weather.
Scroll on for some of our favorite no-cook recipes!
Spring Pea and Carrot Salad from Half Baked Harvest
This salad is as delicious as it is absolutely gorgeous to behold. Keep it simple and omit homemade croutons—just buy some at the store to avoid turning on the oven.
Zucchini and Fresh Corn Salad from Foodie Crush
Eat seasonally (and colorfully!) with this quick and easy salad from Foodie Crush.
Coconut Mango Chia Pudding from Playful Cooking
Make this breakfast before you go to bed so you can wake up and enjoy a delicious morning treat. No cooking required!
Asian Cucumber Salad from Camille Styles
It doesn’t get much more refreshing than this flavorful Asian-inspired recipe.
Raw Carrot Cake With Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting from Minimalist Baker
Sneak in a little dessert with a tantalizing carrot cake—all you need is 10 ingredients and 30 minutes.
Greek Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette from Half Baked Harvest
Keep it summery, light, and fresh with this sweet and savory spin on a Greek salad.
Vegetable Rolls with Spicy Nut Sauce from Camille Styles
We can’t get enough of these tasty veggie rolls, the spicy sauce really can’t be beaten.
No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies from Fed and Fit
Satisfy that sweet tooth without having to heat up the kitchen with this easy oatmeal cookie no-bake recipe.
Classic Gazpacho from Foodie Crush
Perfect for when you’re craving soup but it’s simply too hot out.
Super Cleansing Slaw With Rosemary Dressing from Minimalist Baker
Load up on veggies with this crisp and delicious slaw. You’ll want to make double the recipe so you have lunch set for tomorrow, too.
Poké Bowl from Camille Styles
Use pre-cooked rice or forgo it all together as you enjoy a yummy, wholesome poké bowl.
Rainbow Raw-Maine Taco Boats from Minimalist Baker
How cute and colorful are these delish taco boats?
Simple Panzanella Salad from Spoon Fork Bacon
It doesn’t get much easier than this Panzanella, just be sure to use store-bought croutons or use stale bread so avoid cooking!
Coconut Apricot Puffed Rice Bars from Sugar Salted
Like a riced krispy treat, but for adults. Double the recipe so you have snacks on hand in an emergency.
Spinach Salad with Spicy Lemon Dressing from Fed and Fit
Sometimes a light spinach salad just hits the spot! This one is a feast for the eyes and the stomach and it’s full of that essential mineral we all need: iron!
Caprese Sandwich from Foodie Crush
Heaven just might be a Caprese salad in sandwich form. Does it get much better than this? We think not. And it couldn’t be simple to make.
No-Bake Strawberry Chocolate Pie from A Treats Affair
Name a combination more satisfying than strawberries and chocolate? We’ll wait.
