Feel like you’ve run a marathon through the desert by the time you sit down for dinner? When summer starts to really heat up, the last thing you want to do is make your home even hotter by turning on lots of kitchen appliances. Your solution: No-bake recipes that require zero fuss. From refreshing appetizers to easy lunches, we’ve got fifteen healthy options that will keep you fueled up and cool as a cucumber.
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15 No-Bake Recipes for Hot Days
1. Avocado Toast
These tasty toasts come together in under 10 minutes, so they’re ideal for guilt-free snacking when hunger strikes. Avocados are a healthy source of fat, plus this green fruit has more potassium than a banana. Choose your own delicious adventure by topping your toast with smoked salmon, tomatoes or radishes. Photo and recipe: Renee Blair/ Life by Daily Burn
2. Citrus Salad
Talk about picture-perfect colors! Sweet oranges and grapefruits steal the show in this easy recipe. Plus, the citrus toppings arm you with immunity-boosting vitamin C. Your fresh lemon-Dijon dressing will cut the bitterness of the kale and fennel in your bowl. Photo and recipe: Renee Blair / Life by Daily Burn
3. Protein Overnight Oats
Instead of heating up oatmeal, try one of these genius no-bake recipes for breakfast. You’ll get the same amount of fiber as the stovetop variety — and a whopping 13 grams of protein to kickstart your day. Free up your mornings by prepping your Greek yogurt, oats, chia seeds and protein powder the night before. Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by Daily Burn
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4. Deconstructed Sushi Salad Recipe
Save money by making this sushi roll-inspired salad at home. You have our permission to skip the miso soup if it’s sweltering outside. Top your greens with strips of nori, a dried seaweed that’s a great source of vitamins E, K and thiamin, a B vitamin that supports brain health. Photo and recipe: Carmen Sturdy / Life by Daily Burn
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5. Mexican Cauliflower Couscous
This inventive recipe swaps cauliflower for carb-heavy couscous. Not only does the vegetable have 95 percent fewer calories than the pasta pearls, but it’s packed with vitamins C and K. Combined with the vibrant flavors of beans, corn and tomatoes, your taste buds will totally be fooled. Photo and recipe: Carmen Sturdy / Life by Daily Burn
6. Antioxidant Fruit Salad
Bright fruits provide a sweet ending to any BBQ or summer gathering. Drizzle vanilla-infused honey over this mix of seasonal blackberries, peaches and cherries for a salad that can’t be beat. Not sure whether organic berries are worth the investment? Check out our handy guide for when to buy organic. Photo and recipe: Renee Blair / Life by Daily Burn
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7. Arugula Salad with Avocado and Tomato
Need a fast and easy first course? Serve this refreshing salad that’s boasts creamy avocado and juicy, seasonal tomatoes. To speed up your kitchen prep, make the pita chips ahead of time or use your favorite prepackaged brand. Photo and recipe: Emily Miller / Life by Daily Burn
8. Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Skewers
This elegant antipasti option delivers a one-two punch of flavor, thanks to the extraordinary combination of salty prosciutto and sweet cantaloupe. At just 78 calories for two, you won’t feel guilty helping yourself to multiple servings. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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9. Greek Salad on a Stick
Here’s an inventive way to serve salad: Put the ingredients on skewers! Once you’ve threaded the vegetables and olives through, sprinkle Feta on top and serve on lettuce leaves for a fun first course. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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10. Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Bites
Feta, mint and a drizzle of maple glaze take these appetizers to another level of awesome — and they’ll come together in just 15 minutes. Even better: Watermelon and cucumber are hydrating fruits, ideal for hot, sweaty summer days. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
11. Corn, Black Bean and Quinoa Salad
Got leftover quinoa? Use it up by adding fiber-rich beans, corn and bell peppers to your bowl. The result: A savory, gluten-free salad that’s got just seven grams of fat per serving. (Meaning you’ll still have room for dessert!) Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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12. Raw Rainbow Collard Greens Wrap
Taste the rainbow with this sandwich that’s bursting with nutritious, raw veggies. Fill your collard greens with a generous smear of hummus and thinly sliced carrots, peppers, cucumbers and onions. Then roll it up and dig in. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
13. Avocado and Pomegranate Frise Salad
Make your avocado do double duty by using the scooped out shell as a bowl. Each serving of this hearty salad has six grams of fiber, which promotes digestive health and may also protect against heart disease. If you don’t have frisée on hand, swap in mesclun or other leafy greens. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
14. Orange and Fennel Salad
Excellent sources of fiber and folate, fennel and oranges create an ideal balance of bitter and sweet in this salad. Be sure to let the dish stand for five minutes after you’ve seasoned it with sea salt so the flavors can deepen. Pro tip: A sharp, thin knife will help you separate the flesh from the skin of the orange. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
15. Gazpacho Salad
The classic cold soup is great for balmy days, but can require some serious chopping (and about a million veggies) to prepare. This salad has the same light and spicy flavors but takes just 20 minutes to whip up — freeing you up to cool down by the pool. Save even more time by using precooked shrimp. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
Originally published June 2015. Updated August 2017.
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