By Megan Edwards,
Last Updated:The last thing you want to do during the hot summer months is spend time laboring over the stove. This roundup of no-cook meals will satisfy all your cravings without turning up the heat in your kitchen! Experiment with the juicy flavors of cantaloupe or watermelon in a chilled soup, learn how to turn raw veggies into a satisfying salad, and indulge your sweet tooth with fruit-froward desserts. These healthy recipes are oil-free and can be whipped up in a flash when you’re in need of some easy no-cook lunch or dinner ideas.
For more tasty ideas, check out our roundup of nice cream recipes and this collection of cool summer desserts.
Curious about what produce is currently in season? Check out our guide to summer vegetables and fruits and get creative with your home chef skills.
“No-Tuna” Salad Sandwich
Pickles, capers, and Dijon mustard lend a delicious tang to this vegan version of a lunchtime classic. Extra veggies are layered between toasted slices of whole wheat bread, making this hearty sandwich an easy addition to your regular recipe rotation.
Dreena Burton’s Easy 3-Bean Salad
Traditional deli-style bean salads are often packed with sugar and salt, but this healthier take is just as delicious, and a favorite among readers. Crisp diced apple, tossed with lemon juice to prevent browning, adds a refreshing crunch, while the dressing of Dijon, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Ready in just 15 minutes, this is a great go-to over the summer.
“This is one of my favorite salads. Every time I’ve taken it to a potluck, I’m asked for the recipe. And it’s one of my favorites that I make at home for myself on a regular basis. It’s a winning recipe.” —Fiber Girl
“This is one of my favorite salads. Every time I’ve taken it to a potluck, I’m asked for the recipe. And it’s one of my favorites that I make at home for myself on a regular basis. It’s a winning recipe.” —Fiber Girl
Pineapple Ginger Smoothie
Freshly grated ginger and ground turmeric add a warm, earthy depth to this tropical banana-pineapple smoothie. With a frozen banana on hand, it comes together in minutes and is perfect for fueling up on a warm day. Readers love to experiment with this one, and it’s been a hit with kids, too!
“Wow! This is heaven. Creamy like eggnog and refreshing like a margarita, but so much healthier than either!” —Renee
“Wow! This is heaven. Creamy like eggnog and refreshing like a margarita, but so much healthier than either!” —Renee
Black Bean-Avocado Wraps
Juicy mango and creamy avocado add delicious flavor to these hearty wraps, which also feature a seasoned black bean mash. Fresh spinach and red onion add a crisp, vibrant touch, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro lends a fragrant, herbal finish.
“This wrap was really good. My family loved it!” —Tracy
“This wrap was really good. My family loved it!” —Tracy
Frozen Grapes with Chocolate Sauce
Frozen grapes are a refreshing summer snack and are worth keeping on hand throughout the warm months. For extra yum, blend up a quick chocolate sauce when it’s time to serve. Made with just almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, the sauce is rich and satisfying. You can also use it for dipping fresh fruit, such as strawberries, stone fruit slices, or bananas.
Black Bean, Corn, and Roasted Red Pepper Lettuce Cups
This recipe has it all—juicy tomatoes, sweet mango, hearty black beans, and south-of-the-border spices. Crisp romaine heart leaves take the place of tortillas and add a lovely leafy green element to this no-fuss lettuce cup masterpiece.
White Bean Wraps with Pickled Cucumber and Mint
White Bean Wraps with Pickled Cucumber and Mint
Creamy cannellini beans mashed with fresh mint create a flavorful base for these scrumptious wraps. Crisp greens and a mix of quick-pickled cucumber and red onion add a delightful tang. Pro tip: Make the pickle ahead of time; then, when you’re ready to eat, these take just a few minutes to assemble.
“I made this for my mom, then again later for my husband. We all give it five stars.” —Debora
Tartines with Wasabi-Ginger Beet and Avocado
Take your avocado toast to the next level with this vibrant, tangy grated-beet topping. A touch of wasabi, mashed in with the avocado, adds a bold kick and extra depth of flavor. Pile high on your favorite whole grain toast and you’ve got a colorful, satisfying open-faced sandwich that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a hearty snack. Serve on fresh or toasted bread.
“So tasty and easy! My husband said, ‘Wow! I could eat a million of these!’ and is already asking for them again. Stoked to make them for a party or potluck sometime soon.” —Nikki
“So tasty and easy! My husband said, ‘Wow! I could eat a million of these!’ and is already asking for them again. Stoked to make them for a party or potluck sometime soon.” —Nikki
Mexican Chocolate Energy Bites
These no-cook energy bites blend the rich, caramel flavor of Medjool dates with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a hint of smoky chili powder for a sweet and spicy treat. Roll each bite in cocoa powder for a subtle yet satisfying chocolate flavor. These are perfect as a quick snack or a simple dessert.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowls
Fresh kale is the secret ingredient in these decadent-tasting smoothie bowls, which also feature peanut butter and cocoa powder for added richness, along with a frozen banana to make them creamy. Top with your choice of tasty garnishes. We like toasted flaxseeds, cacao nibs, and roasted peanuts, but fresh berries or more banana slices would also work well.
Raw Purple Power Salad
Loaded with antioxidant-rich purple vegetables, this colorful salad looks great on the plate and is an excellent side dish to accompany your veggie wrap or raw vegan burger. For a more substantial meal, add a can of cannellini beans, chickpeas, or any leftover cooked grains you might have in the fridge.
Curry Chickpea Lettuce Wraps
A flavorful curry dressing, made with silken tofu, curry powder, maple syrup, and aquafaba, adds richness to the mild nuttiness of chickpeas. Celery and red bell pepper add crunch, and dried cranberries lend pops of sweet chewiness. Load into lettuce wraps and enjoy!
The Best Vegan Strawberries and Cream
Fresh strawberries are delicious on their own, but drizzle with lemony vanilla cream and you’ve got a top-shelf dessert worthy of any dinner party. Even sweeter, it comes together in about 2 minutes, with just five ingredients! Be sure to use silken tofu, as it has a silkier texture and smoother flavor than regular tofu. Dates add sweetness, while ground cardamom, lemon zest, and vanilla extract give a mouthwatering taste.
“Turned out so good! The texture is nice and it tastes delicious.” —Anna
“Turned out so good! The texture is nice and it tastes delicious.” —Anna
Cherry Tomato Bruschetta Tartines
With their mild flavor and creamy texture, cannellini beans are perfect for mashing into a spread. In this recipe, you’ll mix some of the beans with tomato, cucumber, fresh basil, and scallions. You’ll blend the remaining beans with lemon juice, garlic, and fresh basil leaves to create a creamy spread. Slather on the spread, then add the chunky bean and veggie mix.
15-Minute Lentil Burgers (No Cooking Required!)
If you have cooked lentils ready to go, these flavorful burgers come together with no additional cooking required. Grated carrots add natural sweetness, walnuts bring a satisfying crunch, and sun-dried tomatoes deliver a bold, punchy flavor. Serve them on whole wheat buns, tucked into lettuce wraps, or atop a fresh salad.
Thai-Style Slaw with Peanuts and Ramen Noodles
If you’ve got an electric kettle, you can enjoy this ramen noodle bowl without turning on the stove: Just pour boiling water over the noodles and let them soak until tender. A lime-infused soy sauce dressing perfectly complements the crunchy veggies, and some chopped peanuts add a rich, nutty flavor but can be easily left off if you don’t like peanuts.
Mango Smoothie Bowl
This loaded-with-fruit smoothie bowl is made with orange juice, frozen mango, and banana, blended until smooth and creamy. Turmeric deepens the orange hue and adds extra goodness. Top with chia seeds, oats, kiwi, and blueberries, or whatever you fancy: Feel free to get creative!
“Great on a hot day. I love this recipe!” —SJW
“Great on a hot day. I love this recipe!” —SJW
Mediterranean Shaved Asparagus Salad
Raw asparagus is the star of this no-cook meal—and surprise, it’s delicious! Shaving the asparagus spears into delicate ribbons adds a beautiful earthy crunch to the citrus slices and vinegary olives that make this recipe reminiscent of the Italian Riviera.
Chipotle-Watermelon Gazpacho
Originating in Spain, gazpacho is a chilled soup that combines fresh produce, garlic, and an acidic component such as vinegar or lime juice to create a colorful bowl of veggie goodness. This no-oil recipe adds a delicious twist by incorporating watermelon and chipotle powder for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Sunshine Gazpacho
Like a drop of sunshine, this refreshing chilled soup is a welcome sight on a summer’s day. Yellow heirloom tomatoes add a delectable tang and keep things yellow-hued, while cucumber and apple lend sweetness. Like it spicy? Just add a drizzle of Tabasco sauce, and enjoy!
Jeweled Avocado-Chocolate Pudding
Whip up this creamy, rich, and healthy chocolate pudding in a matter of minutes. Avocado and banana form the base of this no-cook dessert, while cocoa powder and Medjool dates add a deep chocolatey flavor and natural sweetness. Fresh pomegranate arils are the bright and juicy crown jewels topping each bite.
BBQ Summer Rolls
Rice paper wrappers create perfect handheld snacks that are packed full of smoky BBQ hummus and fresh veggies. No dipping sauce required, these summer rolls are ideal for picnics and cookouts when you want an easy appetizer that will please even the pickiest eaters.
Chickpea Avocado Salad
Hearty chickpeas are dressed up with a zesty combination of jalapeno, cilantro, and red onion for a salad that’s great to have on hand during hot days. Serve this tangy mixture over a bed of fresh greens for a satisfying and simple no-cook meal.
Mango-Lime Tart
This gorgeous golden tart is like sunshine on a plate. The no-bake crust of oats, dates, and lime juice surrounds a creamy mango and cashew filling that will tempt you to come back for a second slice. Top it off with fresh fruit for a show-stopping dessert that’s as tasty as it is beautiful!
Spinach-Tomatillo Wraps with Hearty Tahini Spread
At the heart of these meal-worthy wraps is a creamy, cilantro-infused chickpea spread. Add veggies like spinach, cucumber and thinly sliced tomatillo for a gorgeous, green-stuffed wrap that’ll keep you going for hours. Note: If you don’t have tomatillos, substitute regular tomatoes or other fresh produce.
Asian Cucumber and Sea Vegetable Salad
Even if you aren’t normally a fan of seaweed, this tangy and lightly salted salad might change your mind— and your tastebuds. Pickled ginger, dried seaweed, and shredded carrots complement crunchy cucumbers for a dish that will bring ocean vibes into your home on hot summer days.
Green Pea Hummus with Fresh Mint
Grab that extra can of chickpeas in your pantry and liven up a classic hummus recipe with sweet peas, mint, and parsley! This savory green spread is the perfect dip for fresh veggies or whole-grain pita chips. Easy to make in under 15 minutes, our Green Pea Hummus is an ideal no-cook appetizer for summer gatherings.
Pineapple-Vanilla Granita
The classic Italian dessert gets a healthier makeover by using chunks of fresh or frozen pineapple, maple syrup, and vanilla bean. Blended into a coarse, slushy texture, this light and refreshing treat is a surefire way to beat the heat.
Raw Apple Crumble
Craving all the flavors of an apple pie but don’t want to turn on the oven? This no-bake dessert recipe has you covered. A naturally sweet crumble topping of walnuts and dates is sprinkled over raw apples coated in the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Cantaloupe-Cucumber Soup
Perfect as an appetizer or a light dessert, the sweet melon in this chilled soup tastes like summer in a bowl. Add in some spicy grated ginger, refreshing cucumber, and peppery basil to really kick the flavor profile up a notch.
Mint Lemonade Chickpea Salad
The bold flavors of mint and lemon come together for a zesty salad that tastes as refreshing as a cool glass of lemonade. Throw in some juicy cherry tomatoes and you have the perfect summertime salad. Enjoy on its own or add a generous scoop to a bed of spinach for this quick no-cook lunch or dinner.
Thai Fruit Skewers with Coconut and Lime
Take a tropical vacation with these fabulous fruit skewers. Kiwi, pineapple, papaya, and mango are soaked in citrusy coconut milk and then sprinkled with fresh mint. What could be better on a hot day?
Frozen Banana Treat with Chocolate (Better Than Ice Cream!)
Chocolate banana nice cream gets an upgrade with a crunchy outer coating of Grape-Nuts cereal. A perfect no-cook snack for kids and adults alike, these healthy treats will have you licking your fingers to get every last crumb!
Easy Overnight Oats With Chia
Need a grab-and-go breakfast? This tasty overnight oats recipe is perfect for hectic mornings because you make it the night before. Naturally sweetened with cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla, the sky’s the limit when it comes to toppings. We recommend lots of fresh fruit and a sprinkle of cacao nibs!
Veggie and Apple Slaw
Taste the rainbow with this colorful summer slaw. A tangy Dijon mustard vinaigrette is drizzled over crunchy cabbage, celery, carrot, and apple, making it a satisfying light lunch that you’ll return to again and again.
About the Author
About the Author
Megan Edwards
Megan Edwards is a staff writer and content producer for Forks Over Knives. She is also a certified RYT-500 yoga teacher who is passionate about cultivating holistic wellness through plant-based eating, mindful movement, and meditation. With a background in journalism and marketing, she supports both the online presence and quarterly print magazine for Forks Over Knives.
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