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No-Cook Dinners

No-Cook Dinners

Updated July 06, 2018

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Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke

Give the grill and oven a break and beat the heat by serving dinners that don't require any cooking.

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Halibut Ceviche with Lime and Seaweed

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Halibut Ceviche with Lime and Seaweed Recipe

We can think of almost nothing more delicious on a hot August night than fresh, light ceviche. Adding nori at the end introduces depth and crunch. Look for nori in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets; it's dried seaweed that comes packaged in sheets (and is what's used for sushi rolls). If halibut is a little too pricey, try striped bass or flounder. Seaweed goes well beyond sushi; here it gives a punch of savory crunch that balances the bright twang of lime and herbal fragrance of cilantro.

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Orange-Almond Chicken-and-Cabbage Bowls

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Orange-Almond Chicken-and-Cabbage Bowls Recipe

Make these low-calorie, no-cook bowls ahead for an easy lunch or dinner when time is tight. Change up the fruit, nut, or protein for whatever you have on hand.

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Tuna-and-Pickled-Vegetable Pita Pockets

Credit: Photography: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Tuna-and-Pickled-Vegetable Pita Pockets Recipe

Shortcuts: Microwave-in-Bag Haricots Verts: No water needed. Throw the entire package into the microwave for crisp-tender green beans in about three minutes. Pickled Vegetable Salad: Usually marinated overnight, this blend of cauliflower, onions, and peppers packs a ton of flavor. Hummus: Not just for snacking! Hummus is a great alternative to mayo for a sandwich spread.

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Chicken and Apple Salad with Orange-Mustard Vinaigrette

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Victoria Cox

Chicken and Apple Salad with Orange-Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

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Chicken Salad in Radicchio Cups

Credit: Anna Williams

Chicken Salad in Radicchio Cups Recipe

Combine shredded rotisserie chicken with shredded carrot and sliced scallions, then mix with a light Dijon mustard vinaigrette for a tangy, colorful salad. Serving it in radicchio leaves makes a beautiful presentation.

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Farro, Cherry, and Walnut Salad

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Ginny Branch

Farro, Cherry, and Walnut Salad Recipe

Farro is a quick-cooking grain with a mild flavor, perfect for a summer salad. Add juicy cherries, crunchy celery, and a mustardy dressing for the perfect accompaniment to grilled meat, poultry, or fish. If you can't find farro, you can substitute wheat berries, barley, or quinoa.

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Thai Roast Beef Salad

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Thai Roast Beef Salad Recipe

Deli meats such as roast beef makes summertime meals a breeze. Just whisk together ingredients and you have a healthy easy meal in no time.

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Family-Style Muffuletta

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Stylist: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Family-Style Muffuletta Recipe

Porchetta, a seasoned boneless pork roast, can be found in the deli case, but you can use any cold cuts here. For a make-ahead twist, wrap the sandwich tightly with plastic wrap, and chill under the weight of a heavy cast-iron skillet up to 8 hours.

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Farro Salad with Cherry Tomato, Onion, and Almonds

Farro Salad with Cherry Tomato, Onion, and Almonds Recipe

Cooking a batch of whole grains, such as farro at the beginning of the week makes dishes like these a breeze on busy summer nights.

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Rachel's Farro Salad

Credit: Leigh Beisch; Styling: Emma Star Jensen

Rachel's Farro Salad Recipe

Nutty-tasting farro adds a boost of protein and whole grains in your summer salads.

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Pan Bagnat

Pan Bagnat Recipe

As a specialty of Nice, France this Pan Bagnat makes the perfect picnic sandwich or outdoor summer dinner because the combination of ingredients packs in and stays together for a punch of flavor and a clean meal.

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Shrimp, Watermelon, and Feta Salad

Shrimp, Watermelon, and Feta Salad Recipe

Mint and watermelon make a refreshing base for beautiful jumbo cooked shrimp in this delicious no-cook salad.

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Crab, Corn, and Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Crab, Corn, and Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing Recipe

Serve the best of summer veggies in a colorful salad that's packed with flavor. Lemon, honey, Dijon mustard, and fresh basil form a tart dressing that's drizzled on a fresh corn, succulent crabmeat, and hearty tomato salad. Both light and fresh, this meal is the perfect meal for a warm summer day.

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Lobster Salad with Mango and Red Onion

Lobster Salad with Mango and Red Onion Recipe

Jalapeño peppers combined with fresh jicama and mango gives cooked lobster tails a sweet and spicy twist for a delightful summer salad.

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Hummus-Stuffed Pitas

Credit: José Picayo

Hummus-Stuffed Pitas Recipe

All you need is 15 minutes to make this quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired dish, the perfect grab-and-go meal or no-fuss dinner at home.

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Tomato "Bruschetta" with Tuna and Cannellini Salad

Credit: Annabelle Brakey; Styling: Dan Becker

Tomato "Bruschetta" with Tuna and Cannellini Salad Recipe

No bread is involved, but this is hearty enough for a quick weeknight meal--and makes great use of vine-ripened tomatoes.

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Mediterranean Garden Wraps

Credit: Annabelle Breakey; Styling:Randy Mon

Mediterranean Garden Wraps Recipe

Here's a simple yet satisfying way to get more vegetables into your day. Feel free to experiment, changing up the vegetables you use based on what's in season, as well as the bread. Tortillas make good wraps, and the fillings are excellent in pita bread.

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Tuna, Arugula, and Egg Salad with Pita Chips

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

Tuna, Arugula, and Egg Salad with Pita Chips Recipe

Boiling a dozen of eggs at the beginning of each week makes for a fast dinner solution and a delicious snack on-the-go.

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Rotisserie Chicken with Peaches, Walnuts, and Basil

Credit: Annabelle Brakey; Styling: Dan Becker

Rotisserie Chicken with Peaches, Walnuts, and Basil Recipe

Store-bought cooked chicken takes on a whole new dimension in this light and very flavorful dish.Worthy of a special occasion.

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Prosciutto, Peach, and Sweet Lettuce Salad

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

Prosciutto, Peach, and Sweet Lettuce Salad Recipe

Serve this light main-course salad with a hunk of crusty baguette and a glass of chilled riesling.

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Bloody Mary Tomato Salad with Quick Pickled Shrimp

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Bloody Mary Tomato Salad with Quick Pickled Shrimp Recipe

Mix and match colorful assorted tomatoes, such as 'Beefsteak,' 'Brandywine,' and 'Cherokee Purple.' Their rich, meaty flavor counters the dressing's tang and zip.

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Zucchini-Mushroom "Linguine"

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Zucchini-Mushroom "Linguine" Recipe

Cutting zucchini into thin strips is easy and makes a fresh substitute for pasta. Add thinly sliced ribbons of salami for a meatier meal.

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Picnic in a Glass

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Picnic in a Glass Recipe

This Southern spin on Middle Eastern fattoush salad can be assembled in the morning before taking off to your picnic, tailgate, or work so the flavors meld and pita chips soften.

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Peruvian Ceviche

Credit: Leigh Beisch

Peruvian Ceviche Recipe

Immersing delicate raw fish in aromatic citrus juices is an innovative way to slowly cook fresh fish. Habanero chiles add a spicy kick to the dish, but are balanced out by a mixture of sweet potatoes, corn, and butter lettuce. The citrus juices "cook" the fish in about an hour, so put this recipe together when you get home then enjoy some downtime on the porch before dinner.

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Apricot-Nut Turkey-Salad Sandwiches

Credit: Howard L. Puckett; Styling: Lydia E. DeGaris

Apricot-Nut Turkey-Salad Sandwiches Recipe

Use pre-cooked turkey breast to update the classic salad sandwich. The combination of crunchy cashews, sweet apricots, and low-fat yogurt adds a great finishing touch to this delicious sandwich. Serve on pumpernickel bread for extra flavor.

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Smoked Salmon Bagel

Credit: Victor Protasio

Smoked Salmon Bagel Recipe

Bagel stackers aren't just for brunch anymore, especially when you pile them high with tasty ingredients. Rich, buttery smoked salmon not only makes the perfect accompaniment to a warm bagel, but it's rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamin D. Finish the bagel with chive cream cheese, crunchy red onion, cucumber, and salty capers.

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Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad

Credit: Lee Harrelson

Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad Recipe

Serve a zesty salad packed with a chipotle chile, cumin, and cilantro dressing. The smokiness of the chipotle brings out the rich flavors of the roasted chicken breasts. Using pre-cooked chicken breasts means this Mexican-inspired salad can go from kitchen to table in just minutes.

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Chunky Gazpacho

Credit: Howard L. Puckett; Styling: Cindy Manning Barr

Chunky Gazpacho Recipe

Crunchy cucumbers, sweet Vidalia onions, and three vinegars combine to form this traditional Spanish soup. Serve the soup cold for a light refreshing lunch or with a mixed green salad for a filling dinner. Put the soup together the night before you plan to serve it and let it chill, covered, until it's time to eat.

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Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Dan Becker

Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe

Zesty and filling, this no-cook salad combines fresh summer ingredients–mangoes and avocadoes, with a quick three-ingredient dressing. Fresh chiles add a bright kick of spice to the finished dish. Chill for about an hour to let the flavors marry.

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White Bean and Roasted Chicken Salad

Credit: Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke

White Bean and Roasted Chicken Salad Recipe

Users raved about this 5-ingredient salad that combines pre-cooked chicken breasts with white beans and fresh basil. For a quick finishing touch, drizzle with a lemon, vinegar, and Dijon mustard dressing and serve with a glass of iced tea or white wine.

Replay gallery

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No-Cook Dinners

1 of 30

Halibut Ceviche with Lime and Seaweed

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Orange-Almond Chicken-and-Cabbage Bowls

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Tuna-and-Pickled-Vegetable Pita Pockets

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Chicken and Apple Salad with Orange-Mustard Vinaigrette

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Chicken Salad in Radicchio Cups

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Farro, Cherry, and Walnut Salad

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Thai Roast Beef Salad

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Family-Style Muffuletta

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Farro Salad with Cherry Tomato, Onion, and Almonds

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Rachel's Farro Salad

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Pan Bagnat

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Shrimp, Watermelon, and Feta Salad

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Crab, Corn, and Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing

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Lobster Salad with Mango and Red Onion

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Hummus-Stuffed Pitas

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Tomato "Bruschetta" with Tuna and Cannellini Salad

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Mediterranean Garden Wraps

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Tuna, Arugula, and Egg Salad with Pita Chips

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Rotisserie Chicken with Peaches, Walnuts, and Basil

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Prosciutto, Peach, and Sweet Lettuce Salad

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Bloody Mary Tomato Salad with Quick Pickled Shrimp

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Zucchini-Mushroom "Linguine"

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Picnic in a Glass

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Peruvian Ceviche

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Apricot-Nut Turkey-Salad Sandwiches

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Smoked Salmon Bagel

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