5 No-Cook Dishes for the Hottest Days of Summer
Want to beat the heat and still eat well? Try one of these easy recipes
3 Min Read
3 Min ReadSometimes it’s just too hot to cook, even with the air conditioning cranked up to high. Late summer is the perfect time to ditch complicated recipes and opt for no-cook dishes instead.
All of Blueground’s comfortable furnished apartments in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America come with full kitchens stocked with the basics you need to get cooking. (Or, in this case, prepare delicious no-cook dishes!) You’ll also find stylish furniture, linens, and even thoughtful extras like Marshall wireless speakers and our signature Welcome Kit.
Are you ready for a delicious night in? Here are five of our favorite no-cook dishes for summer.
Caprese Salad
This classic salad combines red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese, and green arugula in a lovely nod to the Italian flag. It’s also a perfect no-cook summer dish that can be eaten alone or combined with one of the other recipes below.
We love this simple recipe for caprese salad from Epicurious that was originally published in the cookbook Red, White, and Greens. In just 15 minutes you can transform basic kitchen staples into a delicious, healthy meal. If you’re feeling especially peckish, caprese salad pairs well with crusty bread or a light summer soup.
Lentil Bowl with Avocado Dressing
Protein bowls are an ideal way to satisfy your appetite without needing to use the oven or stove top. This hearty lentil bowl from Martha Stewart is as beautiful to behold as it is easy to prepare.
Although you can used canned lentils for this no-cook dish, vacuum-packed cooked lentils are preferable because they don’t have as much moisture. If you want to make a vegan version of this recipe, simply use your favorite nut cheese in place of the cheddar.
Easy Kale Pesto
Vegan food superstar Lauren Toyota’s easy kale pesto is one of the easiest no-cook dishes you can make! You can use a blender, food processor, or even a stick blender to make this creamy, delicious dip.
Pesto alone is not a meal, of course, so be sure to pick up some crusty bread. You could also use this pesto as the base for a pasta salad or layer it underneath vegetables to make a flatbread.
Once you have prepared this pesto, you can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days. For even more vegan options, check out some of our favorite plant-based recipes to cook in your apartment.
Marinated Mixed Beans
This elegant bean salad from Epicurious is as filling as it is delicious. Using two or even three varieties of beans makes it a great source of protein.
You can eat the bean salad as is or on top of sliced bread. This dish pairs well with a light green salad or a summer soup. If you have enough for leftovers, this mixed bean salad keeps for up to three days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Tyler Florence’s watermelon gazpacho is another one of our favorite no-cook dishes for summer. Just like traditional gazpacho, this tangy soup gets its flavor from tomato, raw onion, and cucumber.
However, there are some non-traditional twists to this recipe. Watermelon gives it a summery lightness, and crumbled feta cheese adds body. This recipe can be eaten on its own or paired with a light salad or a baguette slathered in garlic butter or pesto.
We hope these recipes will inspire you to head to the kitchen. Any one of these no-cook dishes can shake up your summer menu, or save you the expense of ordering delivery from an app.
