Stay cool on hot summer days with delicious, healthy, no-cook recipes. From pastas and salads to sandwiches and wraps, these dishes can be made without using an oven or stovetop. Plus, these dishes have been rated 4 and 5 stars. eat well We’re sure you’ll find a recipe you love. One reader called the Salmon and Avocado Poke Bowl “an easy and great recipe,” while another called the Green Goddess Sandwich recipe “so yummy!” Once you try them, they might become a staple on your menu, especially during the warmer months.
Basil and mozzarella rainbow chopped salad
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Shel Royster, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
This fresh, colorful chopped salad has all the delicious flavors of a classic Caprese salad, plus some healthy veggies, and adding grilled or roasted chicken makes it an easy main dish.
Shredded Chicken and Avocado Nacho Salad
Dinner doesn’t get any easier than this five ingredient salad.
Salmon and avocado poke bowl
Poke (pronounced po-kay), Hawaii’s famous bite-sized marinated fish salad, is so popular it’s sold by the pound in supermarkets. It’s now crossed the Pacific and is a daily meal in eateries from Los Angeles to New York. But with this easy recipe, you can easily make it at home. Sriracha sauce and Chinese mustard add a touch of heat to poke’s classic seasonings of soy sauce and sesame oil. Serve over a brown rice salad and it’s a meal.
Chopped power salad with chicken
Enjoy this hearty and colorful salad for lunch or dinner. The dressing is made in the same bowl as the salad, so the vegetables can soak up all the flavor.
Green Goddess Sandwich
This Green Goddess Sandwich is fresh and satisfying. The dressing is packed with flavor from capers and lemon juice, cucumber and bean sprouts add crunch, and seasoned avocado adds creaminess.
Black bean quinoa bowl
Photography: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabe Greco
This black bean and quinoa bowl has many of the common characteristics of a taco salad, minus the deep-fried bowl: it’s piled high with pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, and avocado, and it also comes with an easy hummus dressing to drizzle on top.
Cucumber and avocado sandwich
This cucumber and avocado sandwich is loaded with creamy avocado and crunchy cucumber, mixed with ricotta and extra-sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor, and topped with sliced red peppers for color.
Watermelon and goat cheese salad with citrus vinaigrette
The contrasting flavors and textures of crunchy, sweet melon and creamy, tangy goat cheese are magical partners in this watermelon and goat cheese salad. Top with sliced grilled chicken to complete the meal.
Brown rice and shrimp rice bowl with tomato and avocado
This quick and easy bowl of brown rice and cooked shrimp tossed in a ginger soy sesame sauce is a flavorful meal that comes together in no time. Topped with tomatoes and avocado, it adds color and nutrients. Use leftover brown rice or buy pre-cooked brown rice from the grocery store to make this dish with no cooking required.
Caprese Sandwich
This Caprese Sandwich is hearty, with fresh basil and thick, crisp ciabatta. Sun-dried tomatoes add extra flavor. Topping the bread with basil leaves and using toasted bread keeps the sandwich from getting soggy, even if you need to make it a few hours in advance.
Tofu Poke
This easy vegan version of poke (a traditional Hawaiian salad made with diced raw fish tossed in soy and sesame sauce) uses extra-firm tofu instead of fish and piles the bowls with plenty of veggies and crunchy toppings like pea shoots and peanuts. Serve with brown rice instead of zucchini noodles for extra fiber.
White bean and vegetable salad
This meatless main dish salad combines creamy, satisfying white beans and avocado — try pairing it with a variety of seasonal veggies.
Salmon Stuffed Avocado
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
Canned salmon is a staple worth keeping in your pantry and a practical way to get some heart-healthy omega-3-rich fish into your diet. Here, we combine salmon with avocado for an easy, no-cook meal.
Chickpea Green Goddess Salad
This cucumber, tomato, Swiss cheese and chickpea salad recipe uses avocado, buttermilk and herbs to create a healthy Green Goddess dressing that’s delicious served with grilled veggies.
Cucumber and chickpea salad with feta and lemon
Cucumber and chickpea salad with feta and lemon is zesty and refreshing and can be enjoyed on its own or tossed with veggies for a quick lunch or dinner. Dill is great for its grassy flavor, but you can also use oregano, parsley, chives or other fresh herbs instead.
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap
This Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. We recommend a mix of romaine and kale for texture and color, but you can use just one or the other. Romaine will not set well with the dressing, so we recommend making this wrap at least a day ahead, otherwise the leaves will get soggy. Parmesan crisps act as another crouton-like element. Use store-bought crisps or make your own with our Parmesan Crisp Recipe.
