No-Cook, No-Bake: Our Fastest Recipes for Summer

20 recipes for when it’s too hot to cook (or bake)

Contributor

Like many of us on hot summer days, I desperately seek out recipes that will help me avoid heating up the oven or melting away over the stove—instead I try to rely on quick and cold recipes. They’re not only easier to digest in the summer heat, but therefore fresh, varied, and fun.

We collected our favorite summer recipes for you. Whether hearty or sweet, prep-ahead or freshly prepared—there’s something for everyone.

10 recipes that beat the heat for picnics, lunches, or a quick weeknight dinner

Rainbow summer rolls

Crisp, fresh, and colorful—these healthy vegan summer rolls are prepared in a snap and are perfect to take away for a picnic in the park or trip to the lake.

Peruvian-style ceviche

A piece of Peru at home, this ceviche is fresh with subtly sour notes. The chilies give it a fiery taste, but you know what they say about spicy foods in the heat, right?

Peach Caprese salad with basil oil

One of my absolute favorite recipes, I probably prepare this summer salad at least once a week. It’s not only fast to throw together, but it’s a real show-stopping alternative to the classic caprese salad. Next time you hit up the grocery store, make sure you pick up peaches and buffalo mozzarella, then garnish the dish with basil—preferably freshly picked from your balcony or garden.

Mint Hummus

A cool variation of classic hummus, use this mint hummus as a spread, in grain bowls, or as a dip. The color is magical and we suggest preparing a large amount and freezing some. That way, you’ll always have some hummus available.

Beetroot carpaccio with salmon tartare and wasabi cream

Friends are coming for dinner and you want to prepare something special? The carpaccio is a great appetizer and served in only 15 minutes. I promise you will be asked for the recipe at least once that night.

Watermelon-beet salad with cherry tomatoes

Watermelon provides a pleasant freshness in salads. Together with tomatoes and beetroot, you can quickly make a great salad, even better. Add some roasted pine nuts and romaine lettuce for an extra crisp touch.

Ahi poke bowl

Poké bowls are considered the national dish of Hawaii, and are fused with Japanese cuisine. We love these colorful bowls of rice, raw fish, and vegetables because you can easily make it your own by combining your favorite ingredients. If you eat vegan, just choose tofu instead of tuna, or opt instead for loads of more fresh veggies.

Hot and cold cucumber soup

An absolute classic off all summer soups, all you need is cucumber and yogurt. Put everything in the blender and season with Tabasco and spices. Garnish the soup with fresh dill, if available.

Shrimp-stuffed lettuce wraps with yogurt sauce

Little shrimp marinated with a creamy yoghurt dressing and wrapped in a light leaf of lettuce, these are ultimately snackable and make a very delicious weeknight meal.

Sushi burger

Instead of bread, this recipe calls for “burger buns” made with cooked sushi rice. It’s clever, simple, and an absolute eye-catcher.

Cold refreshments for hot days

Strawberry lemonade

Non-alcoholic and not too sweet, our strawberry lemonade is just the best option for young and old alike on hot summer days!

Espresso tonic

You love coffee, but prefer cold drinks on hot days? Then try espresso tonic. The slightly bitter lemonade goes well with espresso, served ice-cold with lemon.

Refreshing, traditional Spanish sangria

The most popular punch for warm summer nights. Unlike the premade version from the supermarket, our homemade version is served with lots of fresh fruits and without the headaches.

No-bake summer cakes

No-bake vegan strawberry cake

In summer, there is nothing better than choosing a no-bake recipe. The nutty bottom of this one provides an extra bite, but the best thing? The cake is vegan.

3-ingredient strawberries and cream ice cream cake

The perfect recipe with only three ingredients, this cake is a great alternative to more elaborate recipes and even the children are sure to love it.

Refreshing summer desserts with only 3 ingredients

3-ingredient melon-lime granita

Granita is a sicilian dessert with a sorbet-like consistency. You can use almost every fruit, but here we choose the refreshing combination of melon and lime. Easy to prepare, just keep it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve.

3-ingredient raspberry sorbet

Whether pure, combined with granola, processed to jam or ice cream, there’s no denying my love for raspberries. With this recipe, you’ll see there’s no reason to buy raspberry sorbet again.

3-ingredient no-churn coffee ice cream

Even without an ice cream machine, homemade ice cream is easy to make. Simply mix the 3 ingredients with a mixer and let it chill for at least 20 minutes before serving—voilà.

A summer classic: Popsicles

Breakfast Popsicles

A deliciously creamy popsicle, you can also refine the yogurt mixture with pureed berries: Add them either directly into the yogurt or put a small layer into the molds first followed by the remaining yogurt mixture.

Gin and tonic popsicles with raspberries

Gin and tonic popsicles is our swift answer to too-high temperatures. The sweetness of the raspberries completes the slightly bitter taste of the tonic, and don’t worry, you're not going to be tipsy after one popsicle—you'll definitely need more than one (wink, wink.)

Published on July 6, 2019

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