As the balmy days of summer commence, the last thing you want to be doing is getting hot and bothered in the kitchen! These simple starters, lunches and suppers require absolutely no cooking, other than the use of your kettle or toaster. Rustle up a fresh salad, make use of pre-cooked chicken pieces and grains, or load up shop-bought flatbread with spreads and toppings. Our no-fuss meal ideas will make al fresco dining a breeze.
Check out our top 10 no-cook dinner ideas below and pair them with our easy no-cook summer desserts.
1. No-cook veggie fajitas
Make the most of storecupboard ingredients with these nutritious, veg-packed wraps. Soft flour tortillas are loaded with a mouthwatering medley of marinated chargrilled veg, pinto beans, tomato salsa, soured cream and smashed avocado. Who needs sizzling fajitas when you have such a vibrant combination of flavours and textures! If you want to add in meat, shredded pre-cooked chicken or pork would work well.
Discover more vegetarian fajita recipes.
2. Ham & piccalilli salad
On days when it’s just too hot to turn the oven on, simplify your supper plans by throwing together a fresh salad. More than just a collection of leaves, this hearty dish boasts a satisfying assemblage of ingredients such as pulled ham hock, cheddar cheese, fresh peas and crunchy cucumber. Serve with a homemade piccalilli to add a punchy, tangy flavour and texture.
Celebrate seasonal ingredients with more of our summer salads.
3. Salmon & smacked cucumber noodles
A pack of poached salmon fillets is put to great use in this light, textured noodle dish. Combine them with vermicelli rice noodles, smacked cucumbers and grated carrots in a zingy soy dressing, topped with crunchy chopped peanuts. Ready in under half an hour, this makes a speedy summer supper and the only heat source required is a kettle of boiled water to cook the noodles.
Try more summer salmon recipes, including burgers, tacos and BBQ dishes.
4. Epic summer salad
A feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds, this colourful, crowd-pleasing salad is truly epic in name and nature. It’s full of fresh ingredients like juicy heritage tomatoes, sweet mangoes, crisp radishes and creamy avocados. Throw them together in just 10 minutes and finish with a sprinkling of crumbly feta and herby dressing. A stunning centrepiece for barbecues and buffets, this nourishing salad also delivers four of your 5-a-day.
Find more easy sharing recipes.
5. Mango chutney & chicken sliders
Ready-cooked rotisserie chicken is full of flavour and makes a quick and easy filling for these simple sliders. Serve it shredded with mango chutney, chopped cucumber salad, lettuce and a homemade yogurt sauce. This family-friendly recipe is perfect for a picnic-style feast in your garden. Everyone can get stuck in and help themselves by loading up the ingredients on fluffy wholemeal rolls.
Check out more summer chicken recipes.
6. Chilled green soup with feta
Soups aren’t just for winter. This vibrant veggie gazpacho makes a refreshing al fresco starter or main. It’s easy to make – simply blitz up spinach, avocados and cucumbers with yogurt and herbs, then chill for an hour. Topped with mixed seeds and crumbly feta in a zesty marinade, this nutritious blend oozes sophistication.
Cool down with more of our gazpacho recipes.
7. Prawn & grain poke bowls
Give your summer salads a tropical twist with our flavour-packed poke bowls. A speedy summer lunch or supper for two, they can be whipped up in just 15 minutes. Marinate the prawns in a lime and chilli dressing, then assemble with a pouch of pre-cooked mixed grains, radish, avocado and spring onions. The beauty of these bowls is that you can mix and match them with whatever ingredients you have to hand – the more creative the better!
Get more inspiration for bowl food recipes.
8. Mozzarella & pesto chickpeas on toast
Board of beans on toast? Try mixing things up with our invention idea for a sourdough topper. Partially mash up some chickpeas and combine with pesto, lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes and torn mozzarella chunks. This mouthwatering mixture can then be liberally piled onto toasted garlic sourdough bread for a satisfying summer lunch.
Enjoy more light summer lunches.
9. Minted melon, tomato & prosciutto salad
Looking for a stylish sharing platter to start off your summer dinner party? This refreshing, no-cook melon salad showcases the best of seasonal ingredients but is deceptively simple to make. Sweet Charentais melons pair well with juicy heirloom tomatoes, salty prosciutto and fresh mint, all soaked in a honey-vinegar dressing. Serve with crusty bread to mop up the juices – you could even make it into a main and add in additional ingredients such as goat’s cheese or halloumi.
Check out more refreshing melon recipes.
10. Flatbread pizzas
Shop-bought flatbreads form a convenient base for a range of ingredients and can easily be frozen until you need them. These Middle Eastern-inspired pizzas are topped with a healthy spread of homemade hummus, feta, pomegranates and rocket salad. Ready in just 15 minutes, they are a speedy family supper and can easily be customised to your preference.
Try more quick and easy flatbread recipes.
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