19 Low- or No-Cook Meals for Nights When It’s Just Too Darn Hot
On a stiflingly hot afternoon, even thinking about cooking dinner is too much. Actually turning on the stove? Nope, we’d prefer no-cook meals—or at least options with minimal cooking that can be done in the cool of morning. Sometimes the only move is to assemble a simple snacky meal, including your favorite cheese or an easy dip. But if you have a haul of beautiful summer produce just waiting to be eaten, scroll down for a few of our favorite low- and no-cook recipes for hot weather, including refreshing (but hearty) salads, cooling soups, and a creamy dessert that doesn’t require you to get anywhere near an oven.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell1/19Chicken Salad With Apricots, Celery, and Blue Cheese
Roast a chicken? In this weather? Certainly not. Instead, you'll start with a rotisserie bird to make this satisfying main-dish salad. Crunchy celery and tangy apricots join in the fun, along with a tangy buttermilk dressing, blue cheese, and fresh mint. If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can use mild feta instead in this no-cook meal.
Photo by Isa Zapata, Prop styling by Tim Ferro, Food styling by Taneka Morris2/19Marinated Mixed Beans
When it's too hot to cook, just marinate. You'll transform canned white beans, black-eyed peas, or chickpeas with a flavorful combo of olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh herbs, salt, and Aleppo-style pepper or gochugaru. Serve on toast or greens or just eat out of the bowl.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Frances Boswell3/19Green Goddess Crunch Sandwich
Herby yogurt and creamy avocado make a cool-you-off sandwich that can be enjoyed on a picnic (or with your feet in a kiddie pool).
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton5/19Watermelon Tomato Salad With Goat Cheese and Corn Nuts
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton7/19Classic Andalusian Gazpacho
When tomato season hits, there's nothing better than this classic no-cook soup. All you need to make it is some bread, garlic, sherry vinegar, tomatoes, good olive oil, and a touch of cumin and sugar to bring out the flavors.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Anna Stockwell8/19Bibb Lettuce, Chicken, and Cherry Salad With Creamy Horseradish Dressing
For a summer dinner that's full of flavor but absolutely no fuss, toss juicy, sweet cherries into this salad, along with rotisserie chicken and a vibrant, creamy horseradish dressing.
Photo by Marcus Nilsson, Prop Styling by Amy Wilson, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich10/19Hot-Smoked Salmon With Salted Yogurt and Fennel
Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Aneta Florczyk, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou18/19Spaghetti with No-Cook Puttanesca
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton19/19Blackberry and Chocolate Ice Cream Icebox Cake
Baking cake is one of our absolute favorite things to do—but even dedicated bakers sometimes need a break from the oven. This version of the classic no-cook icebox cake has ice cream striped inside—plus whipped cream that's flavored with blackberry jam. (We have a few more variations, too.)
