When the hot summer sun is shining, the last thing you want to do is heat things up even more by turning on your grill or stove. Thinking a big salad is the only way to make dinner without heat can keep you in a cooking rut. We rounded up our favorite no-cook healthy dinners so you can make easy, refreshing meals without melting in the heat.
Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Corn
Not only does this zucchini noodle with tomato and corn recipe allow you to skip the stove, it also skips the heavy carbs that are found in pasta. The recipe uses a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles instead of traditional spaghetti or fettucini. It also incorporates fresh summer ingredients like tomato and corn that can often be found at your local farmer’s market—or maybe even your garden!
Try the recipe: Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Corn from The Kitchn.
Sriracha Tilapia Ceviche
Getting your daily recommended intake of omega-3s is important, but it can be hard to get motivated to whip up a fish dinner when it’s hot out. That’s why this sriracha Tilapia ceviche recipe is so perfect for summer—it cooks the fish in citrus juice rather than in heat. To make this Latin American dish, marinate the Tilapia in sea salt and lime and lemon juices, toss with Sriracha and seasonal veggies like bell peppers and enjoy!
Try the recipe: Sriracha Tilapia Ceviche from The Pescetarian and the Pig.
Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
These Vietnamese rice paper rolls are as refreshing as they are delicious. Although they contain rice noodles, you can cook them without a stove by pouring warm water from your faucet into a dish with the noodles. Then, simply wrap lettuce, noodles, shrimp and mint leaves in a rice paper wrap and dip them in the peanut sauce for a quick summer meal.
Try the recipe: Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls from RecipeTin Eats.
Gazpacho with Goat Cheese
This gazpacho with goat cheese recipe will have you cooled down in no time. Gazpacho is a cold soup made from fresh tomatoes, and this version adds garlic, cucumber, bell pepper, corn and cilantro, all ingredients that are available fresh and locally during the summer. Simply pulse the vegetables in a food processor, add the lemon juice and spices and garnish with soft goat cheese.
Try the recipe: Gazpacho with Goat Cheese from Real Simple.
Tuna “Sushi” Stacks
For a tropical-inspired dinner that’s sure to impress, try this tuna “sushi” stacks recipe. It features avocado, a cucumber-mango salsa and a mixture of canned tuna and mayo on a base of white rice. Since this recipe only takes 10 minutes to prepare, it’s great for last-minute get-togethers or a quick dinner on a busy night. To keep the heat out of this dish, prepare with rice that you cook in the microwave.
Try the recipe: Tuna “Sushi” Stacks from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.
Keep it cool this summer with our favorite healthy no-cook recipes that are perfect for casual dinners or large get-togethers with friends.
Looking for more summer meal inspiration? Check out 5 seafood salads for summer or these easy summer meal prep ideas.
Eager to try these recipes at home? Consult our store locator to find your nearest Tilapia retailer.
Photo credits: Tatyana Malova / Shutterstock Inc., The Kitchn, Happy Healthy Chocoholic, RecipeTinEats, Maria Kovaleva / Shutterstock Inc, Chelsea’s Messy Apron