When the summer heat smothers Washington, the very last thing we want to do is turn on the oven. But the usual cold-cut sandwiches and salad kits can get a little boring after a while. To shake up your hot-weather meal routine, here are some of our favorite no-cook recipes—a collection of bountiful salads, chilled soups, and colorful bowls that come together in a flash without sacrificing flavor.
Watermelon gazpacho
Watermelon makes a surprisingly delicious and refreshing stand-in for tomatoes in this adaptation of a summer classic. Its sweetness is balanced by crisp cucumbers, vibrant red peppers, and punchy herbs—just what we crave on a sweltering day. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Prefer to make the traditional version? We’ve got you covered here.
Spanish chickpea salad
Canned chickpeas are an easy, no-cook protein source. Just pop open a can, rinse the legumes, and dress them up with a generous squeeze of lemon juice, fresh zest, olive oil, and a smattering of peppers and herbs. Quick, simple, and delicious!
Vietnamese-inspired chicken salad
This bright, fresh salad leans on precooked rotisserie chicken to add much-appreciated heft, while a zingy, umami-packed dressing kicks up the flavors into “I’m seriously jealous of your lunch” territory. Better yet, this recipe does double duty—it can be repurposed almost effortlessly as a spring roll filling. Just soak rice paper in cool water for a couple of seconds, fill, roll, and enjoy.
Spirulina smoothie bowl
Break out the blender! This superfood smoothie bowl is the kind of nutritious breakfast that fuels a day spent bouncing around in the sunshine. Spirulina is a powerhouse algae packed with antioxidants, and it’s a popular choice for its anti-inflammatory properties. And no, we promise this bowl doesn’t taste like seaweed—mango and banana seamlessly balance its earthy flavor.
Mediterranean tuna salad
This Mediterranean-style tuna salad is loaded with robust, savory flavors. Spread it on toasted bread or serve it over a bed of bright greens. It tastes even better after some chill time in the refrigerator—workweek meal prep, done in a snap!
Fresh fig and heirloom tomato salad
Two shining stars of late summer produce, heirloom tomatoes and fresh figs, pair beautifully in this simple salad. Aged balsamic vinegar, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped Marcona almonds add tang and texture that make this dish sing.
Keto color bowl
This kaleidoscope-colored salad bowl brings a bounty of fresh produce to your table. The best part? This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Swap in whatever you have in your crisper drawer and top it with your favorite dressing.
Stay cool!
You don’t have to leave your cushy air-conditioned space to enjoy a delicious meal. Simply order online and have fresh ingredients delivered straight to your door.