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10+ Easy No-Cook Dinner Recipes
When you’re not in the mood to cook, or want to avoid standing over a hot stove or oven, these no-cook dinner recipes are the perfect solution. They’re highly rated by EatingWell readers, earning 4- and 5-star reviews, and they all take less than 30 minutes to prepare. Next time you need an easy meal at the end of the day, try out our Herb-Marinated Veggie and Chickpea Salad or our Ginger-Soy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and enjoy a low-effort dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
No-Cook Black Bean Taco Bowls
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
These black bean taco bowls with lime crema are a refreshing no-cook meal perfect for busy days. They feature hearty black beans, veggies and zesty toppings layered over crispy cabbage and lettuce. The lime crema adds a tangy, creamy finish that brings all the flavors together. Enjoy these effortless bowls with the suggested toppings below, or customize them with your own favorites.
Open-Face Tomato & Burrata Sandwich
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
This open-face tomato and burrata sandwich is a vibrant, summery dish that combines creamy burrata with juicy, ripe tomato slices. A spicy-sweet jalapeño and roasted red pepper relish adds bold flavor and a touch of heat that balances the richness of the cheese.
Ginger-Soy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
These ginger-soy zucchini noodles with shrimp are a light, flavorful no-cook dish that’s perfect for warmer days. Thinly sliced zucchini offers a crisp and refreshing base, while the sauce (made with ginger, soy and lime juice) adds bold and bright flavors. Precooked shrimp make this meal fast and convenient—just toss everything together and serve! It’s a fresh, protein-packed bowl that comes together in minutes.
Panzanella with Burrata & Tuna
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
This panzanella with burrata and tuna is a vibrant no-cook meal that’s bursting with fresh flavor. Juicy tomatoes, ciabatta and thinly sliced onion form the heart of this refreshing salad. Creamy burrata adds richness, while high-quality canned tuna packed in oil brings savory depth. The oil from the tuna can is used to dress the salad, infusing it with extra flavor and tying all the ingredients together.
High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.
5-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
This avocado-and-chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Made with just five ingredients, it’s as simple as it is satisfying. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking required and minimal prep, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.
Salmon-Stuffed Avocados
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
Canned salmon is a valuable pantry staple and a practical way to include heart-healthy, omega-3-rich fish in your diet. Here, we combine it with avocados in an easy no-cook meal.
Tuna Poke
Poke (pronounced poke-ay), a Hawaiian word meaning “to chop” or “to cut,” refers to a traditional Hawaiian salad of diced raw fish in a simple, soy-based sauce with punchy seasonings like toasted sesame and chopped scallion greens. These tuna poke bowls feature seasoned brown rice and fresh veggies for a healthy, satisfying meal packed with protein and fiber.
High-Protein Tomato, Mozzarella & Arugula Sandwich
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, prop stylist: LIndsey Lower
This vegetarian sandwich is packed with protein, thanks to creamy fresh mozzarella cheese and plenty of walnuts blended into the roasted red pepper spread. The spread, reminiscent of romesco sauce, is versatile and can also be served as a dip or sauce—adding depth and complexity to dishes like grilled meats, seafood and vegetables—or as a topping for pasta.
Bhel Puri-Inspired Salad
Ali Redmond
This flavorful salad was inspired by bhel puri, a type of chaat (savory snack) served across India, and features puffed quinoa and lentils for extra protein and fiber.
Chopped Italian Sandwiches
Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
This mouthwatering chopped Italian sandwich is assembled using a method in which all the ingredients are arranged in a single layer, finely chopped together and then layered onto the bread. It’s a straightforward yet efficient technique that you’ll find yourself using again and again. Feel free to add Italian antipasto ingredients like canned artichokes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes or roasted bell peppers for an extra-flavorful twist.
Herb-Marinated Veggie & Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
This herb-marinated veggie-and-chickpea salad is a refreshing, no-cook dish packed with fresh flavors. It brings together crisp raw vegetables and fiber-rich chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty herb dressing that infuses every bite. Since it requires no stove or oven time, it’s perfect for warm days, meal prep or busy weeknights when you want something quick.
Greek Salad Nachos
This vegetarian nacho recipe is a fun combination of two favorites—nachos and Greek salad. It uses whole-grain pita chips instead of the tortilla chips used in traditional nacho recipes, and it’s loaded with the classic fresh vegetables in Greek salad as well as creamy hummus and salty feta cheese. And it doesn’t even need the oven! Easily doubled, this makes a great appetizer or light dinner.
Cucumber-Salmon Salad Sandwich
Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.
This salmon-and-cucumber sandwich, served on rye bread, combines flaky canned salmon with crisp cucumber slices and a smear of cream cheese. Fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice add brightness, while a pinch of cracked pepper enhances the savory flavor profile.
