Food Recipe Collections & Favorites Quick & Easy Meals 39 Easy No-Cook Recipes to Make for Lunch or Dinner Try a cold soup, crisp salad, or fancy sandwich for a simple meal without cooking. By Sue Hughes Sue Hughes An award-winning author, magazine columnist, and accomplished aviation technical writer, Sue Hughes now lends her editing expertise to Real Simple. She also draws on her homesteading lifestyle in rural Oklahoma to contribute to articles on gardening, food, cleaning, and health. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 28, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: GREG DUPREE Some days, you're just not in the mood to cook. Other days, like in the heat of summer, the last thing you want to do is light up a burner. It's exactly those days that inspired us to compile a list of refreshingly easy, no-cook meals that are perfect for lunch or dinner. These meals are super simple to put together, often using rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked shrimp, fresh produce, or meatless proteins to make them hearty and satisfying. Read on for dozens of no-cook meals to add to your menu plan, and then look over our collection of no-bake desserts. 01 of 39 Nicoise-Inspired Summer Salad Caitlin Bensel With a mix of pre-cooked fish, fresh produce, and canned chickpeas, this colorful take on the classic French salad is a breeze to assemble. Buy or use pre-cooked hard-boiled eggs to make this easy recipe an even easier, no-cook one. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 39 Smoked Salmon Flatbread Victor Protasio This 10-minute, single-serving recipe qualifies as no-cook unless you consider warming up naan in a toaster or microwave "cooking". And don't skip that step because the warm naan softens the cream cheese mixture that's schmeared all over it. To finish, top with arugula, salty capers, smoked salmon, and thinly sliced red onion. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 39 Chickpea Salad Sandwich Alison Miksch If you're looking for an easy vegetarian meal, this sandwich qualifies. It combines canned chickpeas with chopped celery, a shallot, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to create a meat-free take on chicken salad. We promise you won't miss the real thing! GET THE RECIPE 04 of 39 Salmorejo with Prosciutto and Hard-Boiled Egg Jen Causey Similar to gazpacho, this cold soup is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It whirls tomatoes and bread in the blender and then chills it. At serving time, top each bowl with prosciutto and grated hard-boiled eggs. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 39 Fancy Tomato Sandwiches Greg DuPree This no-cook recipe highlights the summer's bounty of fresh tomatoes as the star of this stylishly chic sandwich. A little arugula gives it a peppery bite, while store-bought fried onions provide a surprising crunch. GET THE RECIPE 06 of 39 Chicken Satay Lettuce Wraps Caitlin Bensel Using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this a no-cook recipe that's quick to assemble. A peanut-coconut-flavored sauce helps bring these lettuce wraps together. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 39 Miso Caesar Salad Caitlin Bensel This Caesar keeps what you love about the iconic salad—a dressing with garlic, anchovy, and Worcestershire coating crisp romaine leaves topped with Parmesan and croutons—but adds a few twists. The dressing swaps raw eggs with mayo, and miso paste instead of mustard and Parm, resulting in that flavor you know and love, but better! Top with leftover chicken or cooked shrimp and you have dinner. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 39 Summer Squash With Scallions, Chile, and Parsley Greg DuPree If you've never eaten a raw squash salad before, you're in for a treat. Tossing the rounds with salt softens them, allowing them to absorb every bit of flavor. Vinegar adds just the right amount of acidity, and a chopped almond dressing ties the whole dish together. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 39 Japanese-Style Shrimp Salad Greg DuPree A soy sauce and sesame oil dressing freshens up this tasty Asian-inspired salad. It coats fresh produce and pre-cooked shrimp to create a light, healthy, filling meal. GET THE RECIPE 10 of 39 Chickpea-Tuna Salad Photo by: Victor Protasio Standard tuna salad gets an upgrade in this vinegar-based (not mayo-centric) recipe. It marinades canned chickpeas in oil and vinegar, which are joined by tuna, radicchio, red onion, kalamata olives, and capers. The result is an easy lunch or light dinner you'll want to revisit every week. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 39 Nectarine and Burrata Salad Greg DuPree Quick-pickling the onions technically requires 30 seconds of microwaving, but it's worth it for this fresh, healthy, no-cook salad. Try this delightful combination of creamy cheese and sweet nectarines as directed, or switch it up with peaches, cherries, apricots, or a combo of what's best from the farmer's market. GET THE RECIPE 12 of 39 Herby Chicken Salad Tartines Victor Protasio This no-cook recipe uses rotisserie chicken (or any leftover cooked chicken) to create an elegant tartine, essentially a fancy French term for an open-faced sandwich. The chicken salad has a mayo-based dressing and almonds for a nice crunch. Thinly sliced radishes and an herby topping—fresh tarragon and chives—contribute to make this sandwich magnifique! GET THE RECIPE 13 of 39 Green Gazpacho With Grapes, Honeydew, and Cucumber Greg DuPree While this green gazpacho is served with toast, you can easily skip that step if you're looking for a recipe that requires absolutely no cooking. To make the vibrant, chilled soup, all you need is a blender to whirl ciabatta bread (yes, bread in the blender!), cucumber, melon, grapes, scallions, and salt with lime juice and vinegar-soaked bread. GET THE RECIPE 14 of 39 Crispy Chicken and Cheddar Sandwich With Pickle Dijon Jennifer Causey If you have an extra-crispy chicken cutlet leftover from last night's dinner, this is the meal for you! Throw that chicken between two baguette halves, add romaine leaves, grated Cheddar, and a spread of pickle relish, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise for a tasty sandwich. GET THE RECIPE 15 of 39 Acai Coconut Smoothie Bowl Grace Elkus Here's a breakfast smoothie bowl with the nutritional heft to work for lunch or dinner, too. The smoothie part blends frozen, pureed acaí with bananas, blueberries, and coconut water (or coconut milk for added richness). Topped with more fruit, coconut flakes, and your favorite granola, it's like eating dessert for dinner. GET THE RECIPE 16 of 39 Ginger-Lime Melon Salad Jennifer Causey You won't find any lettuce, croutons, or meat here, yet this light, no-cook fruit salad is packed with flavor. It features wedges of fresh watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe boosted with lime zest and grated fresh ginger. GET THE RECIPE 17 of 39 Spicy Street Corn Salad Jen Causey This fresh take on the classic Mexican street food elote features a hint of spice and makes a perfect no-cook dinner. A little chopping and mixing are all that's required to assemble this hearty salad. GET THE RECIPE 18 of 39 Coconut-Marinated Shrimp With Cucumber and Jicama Jen Causey This super easy, no-cook shrimp meal is the perfect take-along for a picnic or get-together. Infused with coconut, lime, and cilantro flavors, you can serve this dish as-is for a low-carb meal, atop rice noodles for more substance, or as a crostini topping. GET THE RECIPE 19 of 39 Crab Rolls Marcus Nilsson Crisp radishes, celery, and apples provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy mayo in this classic sandwich recipe. Using already-cooked crabmeat keeps this easy sandwich recipe heat-free. GET THE RECIPE 20 of 39 Baby Kale and Chicken Caesar Salad Caitlin Bensel This quick salad recipe calls for making your own croutons, but reach for a box of store-bought, and this recipe qualifies for the no-cook list. Whip up a dressing based on mayo (instead of egg yolks) and toss with thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, rotisserie chicken, and kale. Top with croutons and dinner (or lunch) is served! GET THE RECIPE 21 of 39 Zucchini and Bean Salad With Bulgur Marcus Nilsson Nutritious bulgur makes a hearty base for this delicious meatless salad. While you'll need a bit of boiled water for the bulgur, the rest of this meal only requires assembly. Alternatively, stick to your no-bake guns and swap out the bulgur for any leftover cooked grain. GET THE RECIPE 22 of 39 Loaded Tuna Salad Tartines Jen Causey Canned tuna is a valuable weapon to have in your no-cook meal arsenal, and this recipe uses it to craft spectacular tuna salad sandwiches. A no-mayo, oil-based dressing for the tuna is elevated by shallots, celery, cornichons (pickles), capers, and herbs, while avocado slices lend these tartines a creamy texture and nutritional gravitas. GET THE RECIPE 23 of 39 Spring Green Salad Greg DuPree Clear out your produce drawer with this healthy salad, which boasts a base of romaine lettuce hearts with chopped cucumber, snap peas, and edamame. Add chives and mint, plus pistachios for crunch, and you have a practically perfect monochromatic salad. GET THE RECIPE 24 of 39 Tex-Mex Gazpacho Romulo Yanes Put your fresh tomatoes to good use with this chilled soup, which also calls for Kirby cucumbers, a red bell pepper, a poblano pepper, and a red onion. Fresh lime juice and olive oil add depth of flavor, a dollop of sour cream delivers creaminess, and a sprinkling of roasted pepitas lends texture. GET THE RECIPE 25 of 39 Pickled Tuna-Salad Sandwiches Mark Lund Elevate your standard tuna sandwich recipe with pickle relish and fresh, flat-leaf parsley. If you have a spare hard-boiled egg from meal prep or don't mind cooking one thing, we promise that adding the chopped egg to the sandwich is worth it. GET THE RECIPE 26 of 39 Peach and Arugula Salad With Burrata Greg DuPree Fresh peaches are a favorite among summer fruits, and they truly shine when paired with creamy burrata. This no-cook recipe also calls for prosciutto, peppery arugula, and a zingy herb dressing made with olive oil, basil, and chives that's likely to become a lunch favorite. GET THE RECIPE 27 of 39 Avocado Toast Barcin/Getty Images To no one's surprise, this brunch staple also makes a great lunch or light dinner. Kick things up a notch by topping your toast with just about whatever you have in the fridge. We're partial to smoked salmon, crumbled cheese, and sliced tomato, but there are plenty other avocado toast ideas to choose from! GET THE RECIPE 28 of 39 Chicken and Dill Souvlaki Anna Williams Think of this as a refreshing taco with a Greek accent. The recipe mixes rotisserie chicken with slices of cucumbers and onions in a bright lemony olive oil dressing. Served atop flatbread or pita, it's finished with a dollop of creamy yogurt (Greek-style, of course). GET THE RECIPE 29 of 39 Tropical Fruit Salad Victor Protasio This delicious salad mixes papaya, pineapple, mango, and kiwi with a touch of sugar and lime juice. A pinch of salt softens the fruit, helping release its juices and concentrate its flavor. The fruit rests on a bed of creamy coconut yogurt crowned with a sprinkle of flaked coconut. GET THE RECIPE 30 of 39 French Ham and Cheese Sandwich Danny Kim The classic ham and cheese sandwich gets a French upgrade with Dijon mustard, Gruyère cheese, and a cornichon (pickle) spread. This quick sandwich goes great with a side salad for a balanced no-cook meal. GET THE RECIPE 31 of 39 Brussels Sprouts Salad Heami Lee Here's a delicious yet unorthodox salad that combines Brussels sprouts and radicchio with pecans and dried cranberries. This no-cook salad is a make-ahead dish, too. Refrigerate it for up to 2 days, and then simply add cheese and dressing when you're ready to serve. GET THE RECIPE 32 of 39 Every-Citrus Salad With Almonds and Manchego Caitlin Bensel With two types of oranges and grapefruit, this juicy salad makes for a refreshingly light meal. Add pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a heartier dish, or eat as-is for a quick lunch. Either way, there's no cooking required. GET THE RECIPE 33 of 39 Avocado, Banana, and Cocoa Smoothie Emma Darvick Breakfast smoothies aren't just for breakfast. There's no reason you can't whirl one up on a hot summer evening or any time you want a quick, nourishing meal that doesn't involve a stovetop, oven, or takeout menu. When you serve this for dinner—featuring a bona fide superfood, tropical fruits, and a bit of chocolate and vanilla—dessert's already included! GET THE RECIPE 34 of 39 Zesty Chicken Salad Greg DuPree If you start with 4 pounds of rotisserie (or otherwise cooked) chicken, this recipe becomes a no-cook wonder. Its "zesty" qualifier is earned by its mayo-based dressing punched up by dill pickles, shallots, lemon juice, and fresh tarragon. Make it a meal by serving atop crisp salad greens or between slices of crusty bread. GET THE RECIPE 35 of 39 Coffee-Tahini Smoothie Caitlin Bensel In a hurry? Sip your dinner, evening coffee, and dessert all in one creamy drink. Oat milk and coffee form the base, with add-ins of avocado, banana, and tahini for smooth richness. Cocoa powder, cinnamon, and maple syrup round out the flavor profile for a balanced, nutritious meal. GET THE RECIPE 36 of 39 Pesto Egg Salad Toasts Caitlin Bensel If you start with hard-boiled eggs and don't consider toasting as "cooking," this is a no-cook recipe. With that out of the way, it's this recipe's homemade pesto that elevates an ordinary egg salad sand to stupendous no-cook supper status. GET THE RECIPE 37 of 39 Vanilla-Cinnamon Chia Pudding Heather Meldrom It looks like breakfast and tastes like dessert, but this recipe's superfood main ingredient makes it a good lunch or dinner choice, too. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting 2 hours while the chia seeds soak in vanilla almond milk. With that out of the way, you're just 5 minutes from enjoying this cinnamony-sweet treat. GET THE RECIPE 38 of 39 Cantaloupe and Cucumber Salad Victor Protasio Sweet and savory, easy and cheesy, fruity and fun; This recipe has everything you want in a light, refreshing, no-cook meal. It dresses its summer fruit and veg stars in a white wine vinaigrette tossed with feta and mint leaves. The addition of chopped buttery Castelvetranos—the caviar of the olive world—provides a surprising twist. GET THE RECIPE 39 of 39 PB&J Overnight Oats Antonis Achilleos Breakfast for dinner works for no-cook recipes, too. Turn this one upside-down by prepping it in the morning to enjoy for dinner. That leaves all day for the oats and chia seeds to soak in almond milk, yogurt, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. GET THE RECIPE Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit