When you’re sweating it out in the summer, the last thing you want to do is turn on the stove and make an elaborate dinner. From refreshing salads and cold dinner ideas to delicious wraps, we’ve whipped up a list of our favorite summer recipes that don’t involve cooking. Take a break from the oven and make one of these tasty no-cook meals!
If you’re looking for other good summer dinner ideas, check out our favorite grilling recipes, the best pasta salad recipes, summer charcuterie board ideas, and no-bake desserts.
Shrimp Spring Rolls
These fresh and delicious shrimp spring rolls from Tastes Better from Scratch are such an easy cold dinner idea that you’ll want to add them to your recipe rotation ASAP.
Best Ever Chicken Salad
Psst! The secret to this chicken salad from How to Feed a Loon—besides fresh and simple ingredients—is that it uses rotisserie chicken. It makes the prep work extra easy and the result extra delicious. Enjoy it as a sandwich or on top of a bed of lettuce!
Chicken Taco Pinwheels
These tasty pinwheels from Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish make the perfect lunch or light dinner. With an assist from a rotisserie chicken, a little spinach, and a sprinkling of taco seasoning, they’re as tasty as they are a healthy summer recipe.
Rotisserie Chicken Shawarma Pita Wrap
Technically, this isn't a no-cook dinner recipe, but when the only heat required is one minute of melted butter and spices tossed with store-bought rotisserie chicken, we decided it was summer dinner-worthy enough for our list. The yogurt sauce is simple, and the only thing left to do is assemble your pitas, which can be made with any variety of kid-approved veggies. Get the Recipe from Seasons & Suppers.
Crab Rolls
One of our favorite cold dinner ideas! Inspired by the classic lobster roll, you can make these with pre-cooked crab from the store. Toss in a few other ingredients, and you’ll have a no-cook meal ready in under 30 minutes. Click on the picture for this incredible summer recipe.
Avocado and Cold Shrimp Salad
While you can use pre-cooked shrimp for this cold dinner idea, if you have the time and energy, we recommend poaching raw shrimp because the added flavor makes a huge difference. Made with seven ingredients, you can decide how much mayo to add, depending on your family’s preference. Get the recipe from Will Cook for Smiles.
Chopped Thai-Inspired Chicken Salad
Grab a bag of pre-shredded cabbage and carrots, roast chicken, peanuts, and other yummy ingredients like ginger, soy, and of course, peanut butter, and whip up this Thai-inspired chicken salad from Pinch of Yum without ever having to turn on the stove or oven.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
What do you get when you combine pasta and Caesar salad? This dish from Life Made Simple! It’s loaded with all the classic flavors you expect—crisp romaine, pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and lots of cheese!
Open Sandwich with Cold Cut Salad
This Dutch recipe from A Gourmet Food Blog has all the makings of an instant kid favorite: crusty bread, lunchmeat, and a little mayo. It’s a fun way to take your bologna sandwich to the next level.
Rainbow Raw-Maine Taco Boats
For a super fresh and satisfying dinner, you’ve got to try this fun take on taco boats from Minimalist Baker. Veggies are nestled into romaine leaves, then it’s all drizzled with hummus and a creamy tahini sauce.
Bagel Toast
When it’s too hot to contemplate cooking, a bagel bar is THE way to go. There are a million delicious ways to layer them up, and the results can be as hearty and healthy as you want. Get inspired to make your own over at The View from Great Island.
Related: 14 Trader Joe’s Products Perfect for a Summer Cookout
Kiddie Cobb Salad
Here’s a win-win idea from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook: skip the over-complicated summer meal and get the kids to eat more greens. They’ll love this cobb salad, which sports delicious add-ons like avocado, smoked turkey, and egg.
Caprese Salad
Simple is always better when it comes to summer dinner ideas. Combine fresh mozzarella and tomatoes for an easy peasy, kid-approved salad. For the quick how-to, (courtesy of Chef Brendan Collins), click here.
Gouda Rollups
These rollups from Arla are a great way to change a lunch routine or give your usual summertime dinner a new spin. Use your favorite cheese, add some extra veggies for a healthy kick, and you’re good to go!
Antipasto Salad
Psst! Looking for a salad that won’t trigger your picky eater’s veggie radar? This no-cook meal from Dinner at the Zoo is loaded with meat, cheese, olives, and yes, veggies, so it’s got a range of tasty ingredients. You can even top it off with a homemade Italian-style dressing!
Southwestern Veggie Hummus Wrap
This delicious wrap idea from Chelsea’s Messy Apron is super flavorful and even includes hummus and a bunch of good-for-you vitamins and minerals. Eat it straight-up as a summertime salad or just have a tasty wrap for dinner!
Greek Salad
For a cold dinner idea everyone will love, why not go the classic route of sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta? This salad is a cinch for picky eaters—arrange it on the table salad bar style, which allows each family member to create their own unique dish. You can even put out some pre-cooked sliced chicken for added protein. Snag the recipe for this no-cook meal here.
Tomato Marinara Sauce
Your mind will be blown when you try this tomato sauce that requires zero cooking. Just throw all the ingredients into the blender or food processor and prepare to be impressed. Click here to grab the recipe.
