Join the club if you live in a house with no central air. Turning on the oven to make dinner turns not only the kitchen, but the whole house, into a sauna. I’m a human who needs to eat (maybe even more than the average person), but making my whole house the temperature of the sun for every dinner is unconventional. Here are 10 no-cook meals that don’t require turning on the oven. They’re still delicious and healthy, but don’t make you break a sweat in the hot summer months.
1. Caprese Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is a lifestyle. Don’t be shy to the idea of having avocado toast for dinner. Throw your favorite salad toppings on top for a more filling meal. Although I suggest caprese (mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil), don’t let me limit you.
2. Tuna Tartare
Just because you’re not turning your oven on, doesn’t mean you can’t get fancy with your dinner. Tuna tartare requires no heat or cooking. Even better, this meal is as cool and refreshing as ice cream.
3. Vegan Chickpea Salad
Maybe not turning your oven on is a blessing in disguise. Here’s your opportunity to turn into a salad lover. Try out this easy-to-make chickpea salad recipe.
4. Vegetables Gazpacho
Gazpacho by definition is soup, but it isn’t hot and requires no heat to prepare it. All you need is a blender and a handful of fresh vegetables to make this healthy and refreshing soup.
5. Curried Turkey, Apple, and Watercress Sandwich
I highly suggest stocking up on cold cuts. Get your meat protein in and experiment with different sandwich creations. Start with this curried turkey, apple, and watercress sandwich.
6. Ploughman’s platter
Never heard of a Ploughman’s platter? It’s essentially a cheese platter. Include sliced meat, nuts, pickles, cheese, and dried fruit. Cheese platters may turn into a meal rather than an appetizer during the hot summer months.
7. Tuna-Stuffed Avocado
How many ways can you prepare tuna and avocado? You’ll be sure to find out if you’re not turning your oven on. Canned tuna and a hollowed out avocado make for a good dinner.
8. Mediterranean Tuna Lettuce Wraps
Cut up fresh veggies, add canned tuna, maybe even douse it in your favorite dressing. The possibilities are endless with lettuce wraps.
9. Zucchini and Corn Salad
Zucchini is actually quite nice not baked or boiled. Chop or grate zucchini into “zoodles” (aka zucchini noodles). Add some corn, lemon vinaigrette, and basil and you’ve got yourself a bomb dinner.
10. Raw Vegan Green Been Cashew Casserole
Pull that blender back out because it’s going to turn cashews into your new favorite “casserole.” This recipe is raw, vegan, and requires no cooking.
When it’s too hot to think about turning the oven on, equip yourself with canned tuna, avocado, and a blender. Turning the oven, stove, and microwave off will decrease your electricity bill, put you on the steps towards a healthier diet and stop turning your kitchen into a sauna.
#SpoonTip: Try no-cook meals for breakfast and lunch too. Here is a raw pancake recipe.