No-Cook Recipes

We've assembled the essential guide to a month's worth of cool, fuss-free, no-cook and no-bake recipes. You might need a stovetop, toaster or microwave, but you'll definitely be out of the kitchen long before you feel the heat.

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Updated:: Nov 28, 2016
Original:: Nov 1, 2005

ARUGULA PESTO PASTA WITH RICOTTA AND BACON

Arugula + basil leaves + pine nuts + parmesan cheese + garlic + asparagus + pasta + ricotta + bacon

Get the recipe for Arugula Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon

SCALLOP-AND-CANTALOUPE CEVICHE

Sea scallops + scallions + jalapeño chile + lemons + limes + cantaloupe + mint

Get the recipe for Scallop-and-Cantaloupe Ceviche

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN TONNATO WITH TOMATO SALAD

Canned tuna + mayo + anchovy fillets + capers + lemons + rotisserie chicken + grape tomatoes + summer herbs

Get the recipe for Rotisserie Chicken Tonnato with Tomato Salad

YELLOW GAZPACHO

Yellow tomatoes + watermlon + bell pepper + cucumber + shallot + garlic + kiwi + sherry vinegar + feta cheese + cilantro

Get the recipe for Yellow Gazpacho

HERBED CRAB SALAD-STUFFED AVOCADOS

Mayo + summer herbs + red wine vinegar + garlic + crabmeat + celery + avocados

Get the recipe for Herbed Crab Salad-Stuffed Avocados

SPINACH-YOGURT DIP WITH POMEGRANATE AND WALNUTS

Greek-style yogurt + dill +garlic +frozen spinach + mint + toasted walnuts + pomegranate juice

Get the recipe for Spinach-Yogurt Dip with Pomegranate and Walnuts

BERRY TIRAMISU

Brewed coffee + sambuca + sugar + mascarpone cheese + heavy cream + confectioners' sugar + ladyfinger cookies + cocoa powder + mixed berries

Get the recipe for Berry Tiramisu

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE-COCONUT REFRIGERATOR CAKE

Heavy cream + confectioners' sugar + cocoa powder + chocolate wafers cookies + shredded coconut + bittersweet chocolate

Get the recipe for Triple Chocolate-Coconut Refrigerator Cake»

NO-COOK SECRET WEAPONS:

Toaster Oven: A standard oven can be too hot to handle on a toasty day, so turn to its summer-friendly cousin. Use it to toast nuts and bread, melt cheese, broil shrimp and bacon, or blister tomatoes and bell peppers. Dessert can benefit, too: Bake off mini batches of cookies or broil berries mashed with sugar for an ice cream topping.

Stovetop: No matter what the thermometer says, sometimes you just crave a bowl of pasta. In the time it takes to boil water, you can whip up a summery no-cook sauce and slice up veggies for a meal. When it comes to ingredients worth their time on the stovetop, think quick and easy -- other favorite 15-minute (or less!) cheats include eggs, quinoa and instant rice. These will add a satisfying heft to keep the hungriest of eaters satisfied.

Microwave Oven: Use this electromagnetic ace in the hole to steam veggies in a snap: Wash and trim one serving of vegetables (about 1 cup), place in a microwavable bowl, cover with a plate and set the timer as follows:

Asparagus 1 to 2 min

Beets, halved 5 to 7 min

Bell peppers, sliced 1 to 2 min

Broccoli 1 to 3 min

Broccoli rabe 1 to 2 min

Cauliflower 3 to 4 min

Corn on the cob, husked, cut into thirds 3 min

Eggplant, cubed 2 to 3 min

Green beans 1 to 2 min

Potatoes, pierced 4 min

Sugar snap peas 30 sec

Starches: No-cook starches are a no-sweat cook’s best friend. Just put on the kettle for an ingredient that’s ready in minutes. Follow package directions for ingredients like rice paper wraps or cellophane noodles, or "cook" foods like couscous or bulgur by adding hot water and covering tightly with plastic wrap.