6 No-Cook (or Low-Cook) Recipes to Keep You Cool

If you can’t bear to turn on your oven during these hot days of summer, try one of our go-to recipes that require little to no heat to prepare—and anything that needs cooking can be quickly done on an outdoor grill, skipped entirely, or substituted with a prepared convenience item. Look at our notes for suggestions.

Salade Niçoise

This classic French dish is prepared using good-quality tinned tuna, meaning no need to cook your protein. Pour boiling water from an electric kettle to quickly blanch your green beans, or put the beans and potatoes on the grill for a quick cook-through. If you grocery store has a reliable prepared foods section, you may be able to find cooked green beans and small potatoes ready to use!

Chilled Cream of Avocado Soup

Cold soups are sometimes cooked and then chilled, but this one requires no heat and minimal effort. Serve it, as suggested in the recipe note, topped with chilled lump crabmeat for a more substantial dinner.

Banh Mi-Inspired Chicken Salad

This herb-filled salad can be served with shredded rotisserie chicken or already-cooked shrimp for a no-cook dinner. Boneless chicken thighs are quick to grill, though, if that’s more up your alley.

Smashed Chickpea Toast with Pickled Fennel

Even though this recipe calls for them to be served hot, the chickpeas on this toast can be tossed together with raw shallot for a quick and easy salad, perfect for topping crusty bread. Serve the toasts alongside a nice green salad, if you like.

Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Serve any side dish, like this cold corn and tomato salad, alongside crusty bread and sliced prosciutto, mortadella, or other cured meats, cheese, or tinned fish for an easy dinner full of summer flavors.

Chilled Chile-Garlic Noodles with Shrimp

Use this recipe as inspiration to create a semi-homemade cold noodle dish using ingredients from your local Asian market. Find fresh or frozen noodles that can be heated using water from an electric kettle, and substitute the sauce with a prepared chile-crisp. Serve with any protein you like.