While eating ice cream for dinner on a hot night may be tempting, treat yourself to one of these healthy no-cook meals instead.
43 Healthy No-Cook Meals for Hot Nights
Updated on Sep. 01, 2024
Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls
I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to put salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead, experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri
1/43
2/43
California Roll Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the California rolls I get at sushi restaurants and wanted to capture those flavors in a sandwich I could take to work. I started with the standard ingredients, added a few others and came up with a hit. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 365 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
Still hungry? Find more no-cook dinner ideas here.
3/43
South-of-the-Border Chicken Salad with Tequila Lime Dressing
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add a burst of color to your table with this fresh main-dish that's topped with homemade tequila lime salad dressing. For a simple garnish sprinkle salad with lightly crushed tortilla chips.—Annette Hottenstein, Cockeysville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 404 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 258mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.
4/43
Pear Waldorf Pitas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 mini pitas halves
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 67 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
5/43
Refreshing Shrimp Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Avocado, strawberries and shrimp are wonderful together in this filling yet light salad. Balsamic or raspberry vinaigrette dressings go well with the salad, as do Asian-inspired dressings. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 cups: 239 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
6/43
Honeydew & Prosciutto Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For parties, I turn melon and prosciutto into an easy salad with a honey mustard dressing. To add zip, stir in fresh basil and mint. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 186 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
If you’re whipping up recipes in your dorm room, try these healthy no-cook meals for college students.
7/43
Herbed Tuna and White Bean Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a quick and delicious salad that can be made special for guests—or yourself—by grilling fresh tuna steaks instead of using canned. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 319 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
8/43
Flamboyant Flamenco Summer Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this salad simply by choosing the best-looking vegetables at a local farmers market—the colors are so beautiful! Turn it into a full vegetarian meal by adding roasted garbanzo beans or cooked white beans as protein. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 103 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
9/43
Turkey and Apple Arugula Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying salad proves that turkey can be enjoyed outside of the holidays. Peppery salad greens, sweet grapes and rich walnuts combine to create a flavor sensation. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 354 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
10/43
Orange Chicken Spinach Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a salad with refreshing color and crunch, we toss chicken and spinach with mandarin oranges and red onion, then splash everything with a tangy vinaigrette. —Jean Murawski, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/2 cups: 270 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 fat.
11/43
Edamame Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bright baby kale salad is packed with a little bit of everything: hearty greens, a nutty crunch, a zip of citrusy goodness and a big protein punch. It's pure bliss in a bowl. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 317 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 355mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 8g fiber), 13g protein.
12/43
Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fabulous way to dress up ordinary tuna salad. This easy recipe makes a quick dinner or lunch at the office, and it's good for you. —Heather Senger, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 279 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
13/43
Tomato & Avocado Sandwiches
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 278 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
14/43
Tuna Wrap
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavor—and they're good for you too. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/43
Chicken Salad with Grapes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken salad with grapes is ready in a snap when using rotisserie chicken and a few quick chops of pecans, sweet onion and celery. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken salad: 311 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
16/43
Nectarine Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When guests are coming for lunch or dinner in the warm summer months, I like to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I've passed it on many times.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 266 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
17/43
Raspberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I gave this sweet-savory chicken salad a little zip with Chinese five-spice powder, which tastes a bit like pumpkin pie spice. Sprinkle some on roasted carrots for an awesome meal. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 463 calories, 24g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein.
18/43
Turkey Spinach Salad with Maple Dressing
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"My husband and I love to hike in New England," writes Jessica Gerschitz of Jericho, New York. "The maple syrup in Vermont is wonderful, and we always bring some home to extend the vacation spirit. This recipe I created reminds us of those lovely days."
Nutrition Facts:
3-1/2 cups: 387 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 617mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
19/43
Better than Egg Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tofu takes on the taste and texture of egg salad in this quick-fixing sandwich from Lisa Renshaw of Kansas City, Missouri.
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 266 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
20/43
Barley Corn Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A terrific alternative to pasta salad, this colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers. Bring it to your next get-together and see how fast it disappears! —Mary Ann Kieffer of Lawrence, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 156 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
21/43
Golden Summer Peach Gazpacho
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because peaches and tomatoes are in season at the same time, I like to blend them into a cool, delicious soup. Leftovers keep well in the fridge—but they rarely last long enough to get there. —Julie Hession, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
22/43
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-Up
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a vegan wrap that was similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 235 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
23/43
Classic Cobb Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I plant everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
24/43
Cool Beans Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless entree. When you make it, double the recipe—because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice adds flavor and texture, and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 440 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
25/43
Easy Seafood Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super simple, deceptively delicious recipe was inspired by a seafood salad I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp for the conch and liked it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 128 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
26/43
Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 295 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein.
27/43
Cobb Salad Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A homemade dressing lightens up these refreshing tortilla wraps. The avocado, bacon, blue cheese and tomato deliver the flavors I enjoy most while keeping me on my healthy eating plan. —Lynne Van Wagenen, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 372 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
28/43
Fruit & Spinach Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of sweet fruit and salty feta cheese makes this salad a winner. —Virginia Dack, Asheville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 235 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
29/43
Watermelon Shrimp Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet, spicy and easy to make, this salad travels well in a cooler to picnics and summer gatherings. I love the combination of flavors, the colorful presentation, and of course, I love to see the happy faces of my guests once they've tried it. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 309 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
30/43
Tomato-Melon Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says summer like picking watermelon, tomatoes and raspberries, then tossing them together in a salad. The addition of grilled chicken makes it a satisfying summery meal. —Betsy Hite, Wilton, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 266 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
31/43
Crab-Stuffed Avocados
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy having this creamy and crunchy salad out on our deck on summer evenings. And it goes together in minutes flat! —Gail VanGundy, Parker, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 stuffed avocado: 326 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein.
32/43
Strawberry Tarragon Chicken Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After thinking about creating this salad for some time, one spring I used my homegrown strawberries and fresh tarragon to do a little experimenting. It didn't take me very long to come up with a winner! My husband enjoyed my creation as much as I did, and now we can't wait for strawberry season to come around each year. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 378 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
33/43
Watermelon Gazpacho
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings (1 quart)
From the Recipe Creator:
My refreshing gazpacho is a delightfully simple, elegant dish. Serve as a side or with pita and hummus for a meal. —Nicole Deelah, Nashville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 58 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 599mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
34/43
Sesame Chicken Slaw Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tasted many types of Asian chicken salad in California. When I moved back to Georgia, I wanted more. Here’s a gingery-sweet recipe using wonton strips. —Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 309 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 414mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1 starch.
35/43
Skinny Cobb Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This skinny version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and use all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
36/43
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The delicious taste and smooth texture of avocados and the crisp shrimp salad create a heavenly combination. Serve it as a cool and satisfying lunch or a light, quick and easy dinner. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup avocado mixture: 252 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
37/43
Feta Garbanzo Bean Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super quick garbanzo bean salad is a hit with my crowd. If there are any leftovers, which rarely happens, I pile them into pitas for lunches the next day! You can also add grilled chicken or steak to turn it into a hearty main-dish salad.—Judy Doepel, Ballston Lake, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 268 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
38/43
Four-Berry Spinach Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nature's candy abounds in the berry-filled salad. The slightly tart dressing contrasts deliciously with the sweet in-season fruit. —Betty Lise Anderson, Gahanna, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 89 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
39/43
Mango Avocado Spring Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 spring rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
As a fan of mangoes and avocados, I love these wraps. You can substitute tortillas for rice paper wrappers, and lettuce or spinach for sprouts. —Gena Stout, Ravenden, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 spring roll: 117 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
40/43
Summer Splash Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it’s too hot to eat inside, I head out to the patio. Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss with mango, watermelon and grapes for an ooh-ahh healthy chicken salad. —Barbara Spitzer, Lodi, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture with 1 cup lettuce and 1 tablespoon pistachios: 262 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
41/43
Shrimp Gazpacho
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a refreshing take on the classic chilled tomato soup. Our twist features shrimp, lime and plenty of avocado. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 112 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 399mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
42/43
Healthy Tuna Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On a hot summer day, there's nothing more refreshing than this salad. I grow a few tomato plants in my garden and the fresh-picked taste makes the dish even more of a treat. —Diane Selich, Vassar, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup tuna salad with 1 tomato: 280 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 656mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
43/43
Lemony Garbanzo Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everybody goes for this super fresh salad with the cumin-coriander dressing, especially on warm days. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 363 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 10g fiber), 11g protein.
