"Once the temperature outside regularly hits 100 degrees, my household’s oven and stove are off-limits. When you are basking in the relief of your air conditioning and avoiding the sweltering weather outside, the last thing you want is to generate more heat indoors. Even a single extra degree from these appliances is enough to make me want to quit cooking entirely. Plus, an oven and stove are not necessary to create an incredible meal. You can whip up a delicious summer dinner with zero cooking time at all. Another bonus: Spending less time in the kitchen means you get more time to tick things off your summer bucket list. If you’re ready to give up your oven and stove entirely (or maybe just on those scorching days), keep reading for 15 no-cook recipes that are perfect for summer.
Run, don't walk.
1. Avocado Summer Rolls
Summer rolls are a no-brainer for dinners this season. I mean, just look at the name. This recipe uses fresh herbs, peaches, and watermelon radish for a burst of summer flavors. It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for a great lunch or dinner on hot days.
2. Prosciutto and Melon Salad
You can’t let summer pass without enjoying one of the season’s best offerings: juicy, ripe melon. Combining it with prosciutto and mozzarella in this next-level salad is the best way to enjoy melon this summer.
3. Mango Salsa
An enormous amount of chips and salsa is one of my personal favorite girl dinners, and it’s even better when the salsa includes a fun twist like the mango in this recipe. You can eat it as an appetizer with chips, throw it on a tortilla for a vegetarian taco option, or add it to a bed of greens for a tasty salad.
4. Mexican Street Corn Salad
My mouth is watering just looking at the photos of this Mexican street corn salad. The homemade elote provides just the right amount of kick, and the jalapeño and red onion add a fantastic brightness to the dish. To make this more filling, you can serve the salad over rice, in a tortilla, or alongside your favorite protein. To avoid cooking rice on the stove, use Trader Joe’s frozen rice bags (one of my favorite dinner hacks)—all they need is a quick three minutes in the microwave.
5. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad feels like summer in a dish, and its easy prep makes it even better. This recipe includes instructions for making a balsamic glaze from scratch, but you can use a premade alternative to make it “no-cook” approved.
6. Italian Salad Sandwich
Some of my best summer memories include a sandwich by the pool, and this summer, I will definitely make more with this Italian salad sandwich. Two thick slices of ciabatta with prosciutto, spicy salami, pepperoni, gouda, provolone, and arugula tossed with Italian dressing create a sandwich that puts a measly turkey and provolone to shame.
7. Apple Peanut Butter Cookies
If you thought an oven was a non-negotiable when making cookies, think again. These healthy apple peanut butter cookies require no baking and only take 30 minutes from start to finish. If you’re looking for a sweet treat with minimal effort, you need to try this recipe.
8. Mediterranean Salad
This brightly colored Mediterranean salad tastes just as fresh as it looks. Thanks to all the summer vegetables packed in the recipe, every bite offers a satisfying crunch. The garlic Greek vinaigrette ties the dish together with a top-tier salad dressing.
9. Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap for being the epitome of unappealing healthy food, but they can be absolutely delicious when dressed up properly. This Italian chopped Brussels sprouts salad recipe will convince you of Brussels sprout superiority.
10. Poke Bowls
Poke bowls feature zesty, fresh flavors we all crave during the summer. If you’ve never worked with raw fish, there is no need to be intimidated; just be sure to buy sushi-grade fish at the grocery store. This recipe calls for a white rice base, but it can easily be swapped for greens if you want to make it without cooking.
11. Peanut Butter Oat Cups
These no-bake peanut butter oat cups are the perfect dessert to have on hand whenever your sweet tooth hits. With this delish option in the fridge, you can skip those last-minute grocery store runs to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
12. Tuna Salad
It’s time to finally use that can of tuna collecting dust in the back of your pantry. Mix up a quick and tasty tuna salad and eat it on top of a piece of toast, in a salad, or however you prefer.
13. Strawberry Burrata Salad
Taking advantage of strawberry season is a must, and what better way to use them than with a strawberry burrata salad? Salty, sweet, and creamy, this dish perfectly balances its flavors. It also comes together quickly, and you can serve it as an appetizer or an entreé.
14. Cilantro Lime Pesto Toast
Everyone raves about avocado toast, but this cilantro lime pesto toast might officially be my new favorite. It may seem simple, but the taste is anything but. It’s packed with flavor thanks to the jalapeño-infused pesto and homemade cherry tomato salsa.
15. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Chickpea salad is the vegetarian alternative to chicken salad you didn’t know you needed. Whether you eat meat or not, you are guaranteed to enjoy this recipe. It’s also a great meal prep recipe, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it later.
Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer
As a Lifestyle Staff Writer for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of home decor, delicious recipes, hobbies, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Instagram for beautiful homes to feature on the site.