Hi community! Many of us would prefer not to stand over a hot stove or oven when the summer heat builds. Thankfully, you don’t need to use any heat sources to prepare wholesome and delectable meals. During the hottest days of the year, you can keep your body fueled and your kitchen cool by following this guide to no-cook meals.
1. Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad
If you think of no-cook meals, what comes to your mind first? Yes, SALAD! This refreshing salad is rich in proteins and healthy fats, and it’s incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, avocado, tomato, jalapeno, and red onion.
- Add lime juice and cilantro. Gently toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill until ready to serve.
2. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This no-cook, protein-packed salad is filling and requires zero cooking. And it’s absolutely DELISH!
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or let it marinate in the refrigerator for an hour to enhance the flavors.
3. Cold Soba Noodle Salad
What about Asian food? Enjoy this Asian-inspired dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 package soba noodles, cooked and rinsed under cold water
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold soba noodles, carrot, cucumber, and cabbage.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and ginger.
- Pour the dressing over the noodles and vegetables. Toss to combine thoroughly.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
4. Avocado and White Bean Wrap
Wraps are ALWAYS an excellent choice! These wraps are a perfect, quick meal that packs a nutritional punch.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Whole wheat wraps
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the mashed avocado, white beans, red onion, and cilantro.
- Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste and mix well.
- Spread the mixture onto whole wheat wraps.
- Roll up the wraps tightly and slice in half to serve.
You can savor healthful meals without heating up your kitchen with these no-cook meals. They are simple to make, ideal for hot days, and adaptable to your dietary requirements and taste preferences. Give your stove a rest and enjoy a wonderful meal anyway!
Which summer recipes without cooking are your favorites? 🙂