As temperatures in Ontario continue to soar, the last thing you want to do is fire up the oven or stove. But fear not, fellow foodies!
This summer, skip the kitchen sweat and embrace the ease and deliciousness of no-cook meals. We've compiled a fantastic list of 22 fresh and flavourful recipes, each requiring just five to seven ingredients and absolutely no cooking time.
Thanks to smart ingredients like pre-cooked quinoa, rotisserie chicken, cocktail shrimp, and legumes, these delightful dishes are packed with protein and healthy fats.
Plus, they're incredibly versatile—feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Dive into refreshing gazpacho, protein-rich sushi stacks, or satisfying chicken salad lettuce cups—all without turning on the heat!
Here are 22 cool, delicious, and effortless meals to enjoy all summer long.
1. Edamame Greek-Inspired Salad: Toss shelled edamame with crumbled feta cheese, chopped cherry tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
2. Summer Sushi Stacks: Layer avocado slices with smoked salmon, cucumber ribbons, and a dollop of wasabi dressing or another dressing of your preference for a fun protein-rich lunch.
3. Mediterranean Gazpacho: Blend chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for a savoury, refreshing soup.
4. Tuna Salad Pita Pockets: Mix canned tuna with chopped celery, red onion, light mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Serve in whole-wheat pita pockets.
5. Cottage Cheese Bowl with Fruit: Combine cottage cheese with chopped pineapple, peaches, and a drizzle of honey for a light and satisfying snack.
6. Shrimp Scampi Salad: Combine chopped cocktail shrimp with minced celery, red onion, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a touch of mayonnaise for a fresh summer scampi.
7. Caprese Panzanella: Combine cubed day-old bread, tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, chopped basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, and balsamic reduction.
8. Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups: Combine shredded rotisserie chicken with chopped celery, red onion, grapes, light mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Serve in lettuce cups.
9. Black Bean & Corn Salad: Combine canned black beans, corn kernels, chopped red onion, chopped bell pepper, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of chilli powder.
10. Waldorf Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps: Mix sliced pre-cooked rotisserie chicken with apples, grapes, celery, and a yogurt dressing, then wrap in lettuce.
11. Quinoa Salad with Veggies: Mix pre-made quinoa with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, black beans, chickpeas, cubed avocado, and a lemon vinaigrette.
12. Mango Coconut Rice Paper Rolls: Fill rice paper rolls with mango slices, shredded coconut, mint leaves, rice noodles, and shredded pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or chopped cocktail shrimp.
13. Mediterranean Orzo Salad: Toss orzo pasta with chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and a lemon dressing.
14. Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
15. Chicken and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of pre-made quinoa, shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and salsa.
16. Thai Peanut Noodle Salad: Toss cooked rice noodles with shredded rotisserie chicken, bell peppers, carrots, and a peanut dressing.
17. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad: For added protein, mix diced rotisserie chicken with Greek yogurt, diced celery, grapes, and walnuts.
18. Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche: Combine diced raw shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing dish.
19. Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad: Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt, diced cucumbers, chopped red onions, and serve on whole wheat bread or lettuce cups. Option to add sprouts for an additional nutritional boost and crunch factor.
20. Chicken Caesar Wrap: Wrap shredded rotisserie chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing in a whole wheat wrap.
21. Chickpea Salad with Feta: Toss chickpeas with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and a lemon dressing.
22. Quinoa Tabbouleh with Chicken: Mix pre-made quinoa with chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice, and top with sliced rotisserie chicken strips.
About the Author
Alicia is a journalist and editor in digital and print media specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. She was previously the Editorial Director of Clean Eating and Vegetarian Times. Her work has also appeared in Hone Health The Edge, Yoga Journal, Women’s Running, and Oxygen, among others. In addition to being a content creator, she's an ISSA-certified nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and fitness studio owner in Toronto. Alicia loves spreading the word about helpful, science-backed health information, and she can be contacted via her website at aliciamtyler.com.
