It’s summertime, so the oven is basically off limits. While there are plenty of work-arounds (like the grill, stove and slow cooker), there are some nights when I just can’t bring myself to be near any source of additional heat. Besides, when the sun is beating down and I feel like a sticky mess, the last thing I’m craving is a hot meal. Instead, I opt for simple, no-cook dinners that will keep me both cool and satisfied. (Plus, less time in the kitchen means more time hanging in the yard with a cold one.)
Here are 48 recipes for easy meals to enjoy all summer, from salads to sandwiches to cold soups. I chose these because they’re seasonal, simple, great for newbie and lazy cooks and, most importantly, they don’t require heat to come together. My favorites include watermelon poke bowls, chile basil coconut ceviche and a smashed chickpea salad sandwich.
