50+ Easy No-Cook Recipes to Beat the Summer Heat
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When summer heat waves hit, cooking is often the last thing you want to do. That's when these easy, no-cook recipes become essential. From crisp salads and chilled wraps to refreshing breakfasts and no-bake treats, these 50-plus ideas make summer meals feel light, fresh, and effortless.
Tips for No-Cook (or Low-Cook) Summer Meals
Beat the heat with these smart tips to make summer meals easier, cooler, and just as satisfying-no oven required:
- Keep Cool Treats on Hand: Yogurt parfaits, smoothies, frozen grapes, and no-bake desserts are perfect for warm weather snacking.
- Use an Electric Kettle for Quick Cooking: Boil water in minutes for fast grains like couscous or quinoa, or to soak rice noodles for easy salads and stir-fry bowls-no stove needed.
- Embrace Your Instant Pot: It's a summer secret weapon-cook proteins, grains, or even beans without heating up the whole kitchen.
- Prep Early, Enjoy Later: Chop vegetables, mix sauces, or assemble wraps in the cool of the morning, then chill until ready to serve.
- Lean on Peak Produce: Summer fruits and vegetables are at their flavorful best-make them the centerpiece of your meals.
- Think in Cold Plates: Charcuterie boards, antipasto platters, mezze spreads, and salads make for beautiful, effortless meals.
No Cook Recipes
Whether you’re escaping to a shady spot in the backyard or packing a picnic by the lake, these no-cook favorites will help you stay cool, well-fed, and out of the kitchen.
1
www.tasteofhome.com
Easy Seafood Salad
“This super simple, deceptively delicious recipe was inspired by a seafood salad I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp for the conch and like it even more!”
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2
www.bhg.com
Santa Fe Turkey Wraps
“Planning a picnic? Make sure you include these tasty turkey wraps in your basket! They have a few classic ingredients, like avocado, tomato, and lettuce, and one or two to spice things up, like roasted corn and jalapeno cream cheese.”
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3
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Salmon
Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a light and healthy summer salad, lightly dressed in olive oil, and topped with incredibly delicious smoked salmon.
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4
camillestyles.com
Mango & Coconut Soba Noodle Salad
“Full of thai flavors like lime, peanuts and a profusion of herbs, it's really the crunchy coconut throughout the salad that takes it over the top and makes people stop and say, 'whoa.'”
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5
5 Minute Salmon Bowl Recipe
This quick and easy salmon bowl recipe features canned salmon salad over rice with fresh cucumbers, shredded cabbage, and spicy mayo.
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6
www.bbcgoodfood.com
No-Cook Veggie Fajitas
“Load soft tortillas with chargrilled veg, beans, tomato salsa and smashed avocado for an easy supper. No cooking is required so they're ideal for summer.”
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7
Easy Mediterranean Charcuterie Board
This Mediterranean Charcuterie Board is a simple, delicious meal that's incredibly easy to put together. Minutes to make and filled with healthy Mediterranean options for all your favorite gatherings, whether that be for parties, dinners on the patio, or picnics in the park.
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8
Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
Enjoy this zesty Southwest Chicken Salad with grilled chicken, mixed greens, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocados, and crispy strips. Plus, a healthier southwest salad dressing.
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9
10 Minute No Cook Salmon Fish Tacos
When summer sun sizzles, these No-Cook Salmon Tacos will be your answer to quick, 10-minute healthy, and delicious meals. Not only does the oven stay off, but so does the stovetop. Simple, rustic, packed with flavor fish tacos!
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10
Vegan Curried Singapore Noodles
These easy yet delicious Vegan Curried Singapore Noodles is a quick noodle dish packed with vegetables and spice. Made with rice noodles and your favorite curry powder these simple Singapore Noodles are ready in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights!
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11
Mandarin Orange Salad with Thai Crunch Salad Dressing
This Mandarin Orange Salad with Thai Crunch Salad Dressing may remind you of California Pizza Kitchen. It's an incredibly delicious quick and easy salad with little to no chopping. It comes together in minutes with sweet oranges, greens, and a zingy dressing you will love.
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12
www.chelseasmessyapron.com
Tuna Stack
“These simple Tuna Stacks are an explosion of flavor! We use a 1 cup measuring cup to quickly assemble these stacks which have four easy layers: a simple cucumber mango salad, creamy avocado, lemon-olive oil tuna, and sweet white rice.”
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13
www.bbcgoodfood.com
Salmon & smacked cucumber noodles recipe | Good Food
Make this tasty salmon & cucumber rice noodle salad for an easy midweek supper when you're short on time. It requires no cooking, so it's great for warmer days.
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14
www.eatingwell.com
Salmon & Avocado Poke Bowl
Poke (pronounced poh-kay), the bite-size marinated fish salad famous in Hawaii, is so popular that it's sold by the pound in supermarkets. Now it has crossed the Pacific to become the meal-in-a-bowl du jour, served in eateries from Los Angeles to New York. But it's easy to make at home with this quick recipe.
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15
www.tasteofhome.com
Cobb Salad Sub
“When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead.”
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16
Easy Fruit Salad
This Fruit Salad recipe with sweetened mint is a refreshing and delicious addition to summer dining, garden parties, or any time you're in the mood for an exceedingly delightful treat that is ready in minutes!
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17
The Secret to a Delicious 15 Minute Chicken Salad
Stone Fruit Chicken Salad is a delicious summer salad that doesn't require cooking when using rotisserie or leftover chicken.
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18
Healthy Pinwheel Sandwiches: Protein Veggie Wraps
This bright Pinwheel Sandwiches recipe is easy to make with a tortilla in 5 minutes or less! Packed with protein, healthy vegetables, and delicious flavors, they are perfect for healthy lunches and snacks. Or, wrap it up and take it to the park for an easy picnic favorite!
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19
Simple Ham Salad: Quick and Delicious
A simple ham salad recipe elevated to incredible with the addition of a few unique ingredients. And is utterly delicious. Ready in 10 minutes, it's a salad you'll make all season!
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20
simpleseasonal.com
No Cook Cilantro Lime Crab Tacos
No Cook Cilantro Lime Crab Tacos - Delicious crab meat with a kicked up blend of spices.”
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21
Healthy Mediterranean Salad in 15 Minutes
A complete and healthy meal (thanks to the chickpeas), ready in minutes, wth no cooking whatsoever! Perfect on its own or as a side.
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22
Salmon Salad Tea Sandwiches
Whether you serve this delicious salmon salad as a tea sandwich or a lunch-size sandwich, it's a delicious and easy meal made with convenience and no-cook canned salmon.
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23
5 Minute Gazpacho Recipe
This Gazpacho Recipe is an easy, utterly delicious, fresh Spanish chilled soup recipe that takes about 5 minutes to whip up, plus chilling time. And is inspired by authentic recipes served in Seville.
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24
Santa Barbara Salad Recipe
A fresh and vibrant salad inspired by the flavors of Santa Barbara-avocado, citrus, olives, and herbs tossed in a tangy white balsamic vinaigrette.
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25
5 Minute Cold Cucumber Soup
This Cucumber Soup is a delicious and bright creamy soup, perfect for a hot summer day. It's packed with healthy ingredients pureed in a blender in 5 minutes or less, plus chilling time.
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26
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad (10 Minutes)
Another complete entree salad that keeps well in the refrigerator for quick and healthy, no cook meals. Perfect for lunches, healthy light dinners, or to pack up for picnics.
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27
Lighter Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups
There are so many reasons to love my Lighter Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups: an easy, lightened-up version of classic chicken salad made even healthier in lettuce wraps. It's a delicious, low-carb meal that is perfect for the season and ready in just 10 minutes!
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28
5 Minute Tuna Salad with Radish and Greens for Quick Lunches
This simple Tuna Salad is a delicious blend of wild tuna brightened with lemon and served with crunchy, herby salad greens. Delightful as a protein-packed salad or sandwich between slices of toasted whole grain bread.
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29
Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe
This Summer Spinach Strawberry Salad is bursting with juicy berries, baby spinach, creamy cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans-all tossed together with a vibrant homemade Strawberry Balsamic Dressing. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing salad that's perfect for summer entertaining, from backyard BBQs to the 4th of July.
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30
Frozen Yogurt Bark for Healthy Summer Snacks
This Frozen Yogurt Bark is a 3 ingredient, 5-minute healthy summer snack you'll want to have in your freezer all season. Super simple to make, this frozen treat is perfect for hot summer days.
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31
2 Minute Greek Dill Yogurt Sauce
This oh-so-simple Dill Yogurt Sauce is a delicious and creamy Greek tzatziki-influenced quick versatile dip for all things healthy and all things delicious. Perfect for entertaining and snacking. If you have 2 minutes, and 4 simple ingredients, this dip is ready to go!
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32
5 Minute Greek Tzatziki Sauce
This Greek Tzatziki Sauce or dip will become your favorite summer meal addition. Bright with fresh flavors, and aromatic herbs, it's a healthy and easy sauce to make in 5 minutes or less.
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33
10 Minute Greek Salad
Greek Salad is the perfect spring and summer side dish, made in about 10 minutes, and is packed with Mediterranean flavor, healthy vegetables, and salty, briny feta cheese. And… it only requires about 6 ingredients plus a homemade Greek salad dressing.
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34
10 Minute Make Ahead White Bean Salad with a Quick Vinaigrette
If you have 10 minutes, this White Bean Salad is for you. Packed with healthy protein, this creamy salad is filled with fresh vegetables and herbs. And then dressed in a deliciously simple vinaigrette.
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35
Easy Fruit Skewers and 1 Minute Yogurt Dip
Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip is a quick and easy party appetizer or healthy snack everyone loves. It's a party tray people gravitate to at birthdays, showers, potlucks, BBQs, and pool parties.
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36
2 Minute Strawberry Yogurt Fruit Dip (3 Ingredients)
This easy Strawberry Yogurt Fruit Dip is a summer snacking treat you'll love. Made with Greek yogurt, summer sweet strawberries, and hints of citrus, it's a healthy and quick snack for the season.
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37
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats are an easy, healthy, protein-packed breakfast with 5 minutes prep and 6 ingredients. Naturally sweet, hearty, and utterly delicious.
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38
Healthy Strawberry Overnight Oats
These Strawberry Overnight Oats are an easy, healthy, protein-packed breakfast with 5 minutes of prep and 4 basic ingredients. Naturally bright and sweet, tastes like summer, is hearty, and utterly delicious.
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39
Peach Overnight Oats
Peach Overnight Oats with Greek Yogurt is an easy, healthy, protein-rich breakfast with 5 minutes prep… and tastes like a breakfast version of peach pie! Naturally sweet, satisfying, and flavorful with fresh peaches and a hint of warm spices.
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40
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a decadently delicious 5 ingredient treat made in 1 bowl, in minutes (plus chilling time). They're thick, rich, and rather addictively incredible.
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41
Easy Peach Icebox Cake Recipe
Enjoy the refreshing flavors of a Peach Icebox Cake. This no-bake summer dessert is easy to make and perfect for warm weather.
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42
Healthy Peanut Butter Energy Bites
These no-bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites are a healthy, easy to make, delicious bite of energy that takes more like a treat than a healthy snack.
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43
10 Minute No Bake Cheesecake
This No Bake Cheesecake is a 10-minute, no-bake, foolproof way to make cheesecake, the easy way. And, it's utterly delicious. Utterly simple. And one you'll make often!
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44
Watermelon Granita
Watermelon Granita is a simple and healthy snack, an elegant dessert after a summer meal, a summer teatime treat, or a child-friendly snack they'll love. It's simple, refreshing, and oh-so-easy!
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45
Simple Berry Trifle Recipe with Pound Cake
A no bake treat that's not only delicious, but special too. A beautiful presentation with no baking required. Plus, it's ready in minutes!
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46
Greek Yogurt and Honey Blackberry Popsicles
Greek Yogurt and Honey Blackberry Popsicles are yogurt fruit pops rich in protein and healthy nutrients and laden with flavor. Sweet, summery flavor.
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47
No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
An incredibly easy No Bake Peanut Butter Pie with drizzled chocolate, peanut butter, and more chocolate! This amazing Peanut Butter Pie recipe is decadent and over-the-top delicious, perfect for summer made either from scratch or with the help of a store-bought crust.
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48
No Bake 3 Ingredient Chocolate Pie
This no-bake, 3 ingredient chocolate pie is the easiest pie recipe you will ever make. Creamy, chocolaty, and seriously delicious. It takes mere minutes to make, plus chilling time.
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49
No Bake Icebox Cake with Summer Berries
This Icebox Cake is an easy, vintage-style no bake dessert recipe, perfect for summer. A simple layer cake made with sweet berries, graham crackers, and a delicious lemon-flavored whipped cream. Easy to make in 10 minutes plus freezing time, it's perfect for summer gatherings all season.
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50
Red, White, and Blue Berry Parfait (in 15 minutes)
When summer sun sizzles, and you're looking for a no bake dessert that doesn't require hours in the freezer, this 15 minute Red White and Blue Berry Parfait is the perfect summer treat. Layered with blueberries, strawberries and a delicious lemon infused Greek yogurt filling.
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51
Summer Berry No Churn Ice Cream
This Summer Berry No Churn Ice Cream is a 4-ingredient, incredibly easy-to-make treat. It's deliciously smooth, creamy, and packed with summer berry flavor.
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52
10 Minute No Bake Lemon Pie
Looking for a quick and easy dessert that's bursting with flavor? You'll love this 10-Minute No Bake Lemon Pie recipe with 4 simple ingredients, a silky smooth texture, a bright, citrusy flavor, and a ready-made crust, it's a dreamy treat all season!
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53
Blackberry No Bake Cheesecake
This beautiful Blackberry No Bake Cheesecake is a simple to make smooth, creamy, and velvety dessert with incredible flavor and color. And that is a gift on all its own! Sets up beautifully in the refrigerator, is lightly sweet and perfect for summer, or anytime you're craving blackberries and pretty pink colors.
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54
Summer Berry Vanilla Pudding Pie
Summer Berry Vanilla Pudding Pie: If you love easy, simple but pretty and festive desserts, this pudding pie is for you! Perfect for combining freshly ripened summer berries and creamy, delicious vanilla pudding in a crust of your choosing. Simple, easy, and scrumptious.
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55
No Bake Ice Cream Pie: Easy Summer Dessert
There's nothing quite like an Ice Cream Pie on a hot summer day. It's classic, it's easy, and will remind you of grandma's summer ice cream pie. Add your favorite ice cream and toppings, and freeze! Utterly perfect.
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