The 100 Best No-Cook Recipes of All Time
Whether you've developed cooking fatigue from the last year living in quarantine or you just don't want to heat your house by turning on the oven, there are still plenty of ways to eat a healthy meal at home. We've compiled 100 no-cook recipes that don't require heat. So you can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared in no time.
Fewer dishes to wash and meals that are ready in minutes? Yes, please!
And for more, don't miss these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.
No-Cook Breakfast Recipes
Mango-Ginger Overnight Oats
Our overnight oats recipe is simple and delicious—just throw the ingredients in a jar (and add some mango or ginger to give them a kick), and you're good to go.
Get our recipe for Mango-Ginger Overnight Oats.
Keto Berries and Cream Overnight Oats
The addition of berries and cream is a sweet option for these overnight oats, whether or not you're on the keto diet.
Get our recipe for Keto Berries and Cream Overnight Oats.
And for more overnight oats ideas, don't miss these 50 Healthy Overnight Oats Recipes for Weight Loss.
Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Add some protein to your breakfast by adding peanut butter to your overnight oats.
Get our recipe for Peanut Overnight Oats.
Yogurt Parfait
Pick your favorite fruits and put together this tasty parfait—it tastes like dessert, but it couldn't be healthier.
Get our recipe for a Yogurt Parfait.
Spicy Pumpkin Parfait
If you can't get enough pumpkin spice regardless of the season, you'll love this fun twist on a classic parfait.
Get our recipe for a Spicy Pumpkin Parfait.
Whole30 Avocado With Everything Bagel Seasoning
What's better than starting the day with an avocado? We're glad you asked—the answer is an avocado drizzled with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and "everything bagel" seasoning.
Get our recipe for Whole30 Avocado With Everything Bagel Seasoning.
Acai Bowl
Get all the deliciousness and health benefits of an acai bowl without the added sugar you'd get if you grabbed it at a store or restaurant.
Get our recipe for an Acai Bowl.
Acai-Blueberry Smoothie Bowl
Make your smoothie into a breakfast bowl with this simple, healthy recipe that contains everyone's favorite superfood. It's easy to make, but the final result is so pretty that you're required to Instagram it.
Get our recipe for Acai-Blueberry Smoothie Bowl.
Golden Mango Smoothie Bowl
Another excellent smoothie bowl option is this dish made from mangos, coconut milk, turmeric, and honey.
Get our recipe for a Golden Mango Smoothie Bowl.
Plant-Based Key Lime Pie Smoothie
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this healthy smoothie inspired by one of the world's best pies.
Get our recipe for a Plant-Based Key Lime Pie Smoothie.
Overnight Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Prep this gluten-free, vegan chia seed pudding the night before and wake up to a nutrient-filled breakfast. Make a big batch so you can enjoy the leftovers as a snack during the day.
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Overnight, No-Cook Refrigerator Oatmeal
Get a healthy start to your day with oatmeal that's anything but bland. In fact, you can make this overnight oatmeal with six different flavors: mango almond, blueberry maple, apple cinnamon, banana cocoa, banana peanut, and raspberry vanilla.
Get the recipe from The Yummy Life.
Classic Vegan Overnight Oats
There's no need for vegans to be left out of the joy of overnight oats. This recipe is made from 100 percent plant-based ingredients without sacrificing that delicious creamy oatmeal taste.
Get the recipe from Fit Foodie Finds.
Healthy Three-Ingredient No-Bake Cereal Bars
In a hurry? You can whip up these no-bake cereal bars in five minutes. There's also the option of adding peanut butter to get in some protein to start your day.
Get the recipe from The Big Man's World.
Healthy Smoothie Bowl
Here's another recipe that's ready in five minutes! (We could get used to this.) Whip up yogurt, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and fruit, and make it sweet with healthy options like honey or agave syrup.
Get the recipe from Julie's Eats and Treats.
Five-Ingredient Tropical Smoothie
Want to be transported to a tropical island? Well, we can't do that for you, but we've got the next best thing. The combination of bananas, oranges, mangos, and pineapple will make you feel like you're starting the day off by lounging on the beach.
Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
No-Cook Lunch Recipes
Coleslaw
This quintessential side dish is crunchy, cool, and (dare we say?) much tastier than the sometimes questionable coleslaw we get at restaurants.
Get our recipe for Coleslaw.
Curried Egg Salad
This quick, easy-to-make egg salad has a great kick thanks to the added ingredients of ground cumin and curry powder. Put it on your bread of choice, and you'll have a delicious sandwich to enjoy.
Get our recipe for Curried Egg Salad.
Mixed Green Salad and Pumpkin Vinaigrette
Packed with nutritious greens like spinach, kale, and baby chard, the addition of pumpkin vinaigrette is what really sets this salad apart.
Get our recipe for Mixed Green Salad and Pumpkin Vinaigrette.
Chinese Chicken Salad
This fusion salad is one of the most popular in America, but excessive dressing and fried noodles can make it a disappointing order at a restaurant. Try our lighter version; it's a well-rounded dinner.
Get our recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad.
Pickled Cucumber Salad
Make a big batch and it'll last up to five days in your fridge. Plus, once you've got the recipe down, you can start trying it with some of your other favorite veggies.
Get our recipe for Pickled Cucumber Salad.
Healthy Fig and Prosciutto Salad
This fancy salad is something you'd see on a restaurant menu—but our version contains about a quarter of the calories and it's way cheaper.
Get our recipe for Healthy Fig and Prosciutto Salad.
Chicken Salad Sandwich with Curry and Raisins
If you're skeptical about a chicken salad sandwich, we can't say we blame you. But give our recipe a try, and you'll become a believer. We'll even let you in on the secret: keeping the mayo to a minimum.
Get our recipe for Chicken Salad Sandwich with Curry and Raisins.
Healthy Avocado-Crab Salad
This light salad is perfect for those days when you don't want a heavy meal.
Get our recipe for Healthy Avocado-Crab Salad.
Healthy Gobbler
If you've got some leftover turkey, don't toss it! Instead, use it to make our healthy version of the gobbler sandwich.
Get our recipe for Healthy Gobbler.
Low Calorie Turkey Reuben Sandwich
When you think of a Reuben sandwich, "healthy" isn't typically the first word that comes to mind. Our version is just as tasty as the Reubens found in New York delis but (you guessed it!) doesn't contain half a day's worth of calories.
Get our recipe for Low Calorie Turkey Reuben Sandwich.
Chicken Greek Salad
Our Greek salad is super quick and easy to put together, but it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Get our recipe for Chicken Greek Salad.
Chicken Salad with a Creamy Dressing
You can't go wrong with a basic chicken salad, and this one uses a lemony tahini dressing that's flavorful and healthy.
Get our recipe for Chicken Salad with a Creamy Dressing.
Watermelon Salad
A delectable combination of watermelon, cucumber, mint, and basil on a base of creamy Greek yogurt—be still, our hearts!
Get the recipe from Cookie and Kate.
12-Minute Couscous Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta
This 12-minute, no-cook meal packs in plenty of flavor and nutrients. It's the perfect dish for when you're starving but still committed to eating a healthy lunch (or dinner!).
Get the recipe from Recipe Tin Eats.
Stone Fruit Salad
Fruit, feta, and heirloom tomatoes topped with a lemon champagne vinaigrette dressing. It doesn't get much more refreshing than that.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Raw Summer Squash Salad
This squash salad contains zucchini, squash, snap peas, corn, dill, and goat cheese. Yum!
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Tomato & Blue Cheese Salad Stack
It only contains a few ingredients, so be sure to get high-quality tomatoes and blue cheese so you can do this delicious salad justice.
Get the recipe from Foxes Love Lemons.
Charcuterie Snack Board
We don't know about you, but we can't get enough of charcuterie boards. This is a lighter option than others, making it perfect for lunch.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Authentic Gazpacho
A no-cook recipe list wouldn't be complete without gazpacho, the quintessential no-cook soup. There are many twists on gazpacho, but if you want to start with the authentic, original version, this is the perfect recipe to try.
Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
Watermelon Gazpacho
One of the many things we love about gazpacho is that there's just so much you can do with it. Case in point: Try this watermelon version that blends the savory and the sweet.
Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
Green Gazpacho
Now that you've tried the original and the fruit versions, why not experiment with green gazpacho? Topped with grapes and almonds, it's a hearty meal. If you're hosting, add it to your small bites repertoire by putting it in shot glasses for guests to sip.
Get the recipe from Zen Belly.
Ahi Poke Bowl
Poke bowls are arguably the best thing to happen to at-home chefs who don't want to turn on the stove. There are many versions, but you can start by making this classic recipe.
Get the recipe from Feasting At Home.
Ahi Poke Bowls With Pineapple and Avocado
Mix sweet and savory in this poke bowl by adding pineapple.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Burrata Tomato Salad
What do you get when you combine Caprese and burrata? Your new favorite salad. Trust us, it's addictive.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Fresh Summer Rolls
Assemble your favorite veggies and any other ingredients you like in summer rolls and get busy rolling! Make sure to include an ingredient that has a good crunch to it. This works as a light lunch or a snack.
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
Here is further proof that eliminating mayo from the equation is the secret to incredible coleslaw! We love this version, which uses Greek yogurt in place of the dreaded mayo.
Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
No-Cook Dinner Recipes
Biltong Salad
This dried beef salad is so easy to make—combine the ingredients in a mason jar or container, give them a good shake, and then toss the greens with dressing.
Get our recipe for Biltong Salad.
Roasted Beet Salad With Barley
If beets aren't part of your diet, you're seriously missing out. This vegetarian salad is also perfect if you're a fan of meal prep—it stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
Get our recipe for Roasted Beet Salad With Barley.
Spinach-Pomegranate Salad With Roasted Turkey
Make your salad more colorful and add a citrus flavor to the veggies and meat.
Get our recipe for Spinach-Pomegranate Salad With Roasted Turkey.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Avocado, and Goat Cheese
Packed with filling superfoods, this is the perfect dinner salad. Just make sure you have cooked chicken on hand (you can grab it at the grocery store).
Get our recipe for Grilled Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Avocado, and Goat Cheese.
Low-Calorie Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwich
It may be low-calorie, but this sandwich will fill you up. We recommend using leftover grilled meats that are already in your fridge or grabbing them from a deli. The pre-packaged deli cuts can be used in a pinch, but they're just not as healthy.
Get our recipe for Low-Calorie Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwich.
Ultimate Club Sandwich
It doesn't get much heartier than a club sandwich. Our version tastes just as good as anything you've ordered from room service, minus the hefty price tag and high-calorie count.
Get our recipe for Ultimate Club Sandwich.
Keto Arugula and Grapefruit Salad
This originated as a keto-friendly side dish, but it can easily be made into a full dinner by adding protein and fat.
Get our recipe for Keto Arugula and Grapefruit Salad.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumbers and tomatoes are a classic pairing, and you don't need to fire up the stove to make them delicious!
Get the recipe from Eating Bird Food.
Ginger Scallion Chicken Wraps
When you need a quick weeknight dinner, look no further than these ginger scallion chicken wraps. Easy to make, healthy, and filling, they'll quickly become a staple meal in your household.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Vegetarian Mezze Platter
We're all about turning appetizer platters into full meals. For vegetarians and anyone looking to cut down on their meat consumption, this vegetarian platter is a dream come true.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Ultimate Appetizer Board
Then, of course, there's the ultimate board that contains every food your heart could possibly desire. If eating appetizer boards for dinner is wrong, we don't want to be right.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Shrimp Avocado Salad
There's nothing better than a cold salad on a warm (or mild) day. This salad packs in the protein with shrimp and avocado—and, of course, you'll get your veggie fix, too.
Get the recipe from Show Me the Yummy.
Cheese Board for Wine Tasting
Hosting a wine tasting dinner? You've got to soak up the alcohol with some hearty foods, and this board will certainly do the trick.
Get the recipe from Foxes Love Lemons.
Trader Joe's Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards always make for an excellent dinner, and this particular recipe is perfect for those lazy days.
Get the recipe from The Baker Mama.
Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls
You can never go wrong with a poke bowl, and this recipe provides you with plenty of options depending on your preferred proteins and toppings.
Get the recipe from Inspiralized.
DIY Poke Bowls
If you've tried every poke recipe you can get your hands on, it's time to step it up and try these DIY poke bowls. If your friends are as enthusiastic about poke as you are, this could also be a fun dinner party activity.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Ultimate Gazpacho
The ultimate gazpacho recipe is hearty and can easily serve as a full dinner.
Get the recipe from Cookie + Kate.
Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho
For another delicious (and Instagrammable) gazpacho option, try the colorful heirloom tomato recipe.
Get the recipe from The View From Great Island.
Strawberry Peach Gazpacho
Get the best of both worlds by mixing sweet and savory in this fruity twist on traditional gazpacho.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
These fresh spring rolls are fun to make, and the peanut sauce is to die for. Eat them alongside a salad or sandwich (or heck, even a charcuterie board) and you'll have a full dinner.
Get the recipe from Cookie + Kate.
Avocado Shrimp Spring Rolls
A light and healthy meal that doesn't require any time in a hot kitchen? Yes, please!
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Stone Fruit and Burrata Salad
Stone fruit and burrata—need we say more?
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
No-Cook Snack & Condiment Recipes
Keto Everything Cream Cheese Cucumbers
A savory, low-carb snack that tastes so good you won't even miss the bread.
Get our recipe for Keto Everything Cheese Cucumbers.
Pistachio & Cranberry Cheese Ball
Impress your guests with this delicious and easy-to-make appetizer. Our recipe makes 16 servings, but you don't need to be playing host to enjoy this tasty food—if you want to make a half-batch and eat them yourself, we won't tell.
Get our recipe for Pistachio & Cranberry Cheese Ball.
Avocado Crispbreads with Everything Bagel Seasoning
We love avocado toast as much as the next person, but this lighter version makes an excellent snack that won't leave you feeling too full.
Get our recipe for Avocado Crispbreads with Everything Bagel Seasoning.
Kiwi, Cucumber, and Mango Salsa
Want to take your chips and salsa game to the next level? Look no further than this kiwi, cucumber, and mango salsa.
Get our recipe for Kiwi, Cucumber, and Mango Salsa.
Trail Mix Popcorn
This homemade trail mix takes a whopping five minutes to make and it's the perfect combination of sweet and savory. You'll never want to buy trail mix at the store again.
Get our recipe for Trail Mix Popcorn.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
While you're experimenting in the kitchen, why not try your hand at making some of your own salad dressings?
Get our recipe for Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Ginger-Lime Vinaigrette
This vegan ginger-lime vinaigrette will make all your salads both healthier and tastier. It's a win-win!
Get our recipe for Ginger-Lime Vinaigrette.
Guacamole
Nothing beats fresh, homemade guacamole, and our recipe is easy to make and healthier than what you'll find in the store.
Get our recipe for Guacamole.
Artichoke Dip
Artichoke dip is a tried and true classic that's often considered a splurge. We revamped the recipe to make it healthy (without sacrificing taste, of course), so grab some pita bread and dig in!
Get our recipe for Artichoke Dip.
Buttermilk
Don't you hate when you're cooking or baking and realize the recipe calls for buttermilk? Many of us don't always have buttermilk on hand, so there's no time like the present to learn how to make it at home. Don't worry, it only involves two ingredients!
Get our recipe for Buttermilk.
Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning is another pantry item we often find ourselves wishing we had on hand. Well, now you can by making your own with our super-simple recipe.
Get our recipe for Taco Seasoning.
Avocado Cilantro Hummus
Have we mentioned we love avocados? They're just so versatile! Case in point: this avocado hummus that's easy to make at home.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Green Goddess Hummus
The beauty of this hummus is that you don't have to follow the recipe to a T—use whatever herbs you have on hand, and you'll still wind up with a delicious final product.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Layered Corn Guacamole
If you've mastered making your own guacamole, why not try a new and different twist? We love the layered corn version.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Kopanisti
You've made the perfect crudité platter, but you're missing one thing: Kopanisti. This spicy whipped red pepper dip will complement it perfectly, and you'll be hooked from the moment you try it. Put it on crackers, pita, chips—the sky's the limit!
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Vegan Ranch Dressing
Whether or not you're vegan, this ranch dressing is definitely worth giving a try. It's a healthier version of ranch dressing—plus, it's always nice to have a few recipes on hand for when you have vegan guests.
Get the recipe from Feasting At Home.
No-Cook Pasta Sauce
We can't get around the fact that pasta needs to be cooked, but you can limit your time hovering over the stove without sacrificing homemade sauce.
Get the recipe from The Yummy Life.
No-Bake Energy Bites
Made from pantry items that any home chef almost always has on hand, these energy bites are fun and easy to make. The combination of oats, chocolate chips, honey, and peanut butter makes for a tasty snack that'll also give your energy a boost.
Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
Farmers' Market Hummus
There's no shortage of hummus recipes out there, but you should definitely check this one out—the list of suggested toppings will give you ideas to experiment with for days.
Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
Creamy Avocado Salsa Verde
Whether it's tacos, chips, enchiladas, or taquitos, this creamy avocado salsa is the perfect topping to take your meal (or snack) to the next level.
Get the recipe from Foodie Crush.
Melon Caprese Skewers
Yes, there are no cook skewers and they're to die for! Combine caprese with cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, and prosciutto and you'll have the most popular appetizer at the party. And hey, there's no rule against eating five or 10 and calling it a meal.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
No-Cook Dessert Recipes
Kombucha Piña Colada Popsicles
This healthy alternative to ice cream is easy to make, tasty, and contains probiotics. It may sound too good to be true, but we assure you it isn't!
Get our recipe for Kombucha Piña Colada Popsicles.
Keto Fudge
Fudge without cocoa? Just hear us out. The coconut and vanilla flavors will satisfy your sweet tooth and it's definitely worth giving this fudge a try even if you're not on the keto diet.
Get our recipe for Keto Fudge.
The Ultimate No-Bake Keto Cookie Dough
If you can never stop yourself from taking just a taste of cookie dough before it goes in the oven, we've got some excellent news for you. This recipe makes cookie dough that doesn't go in the oven—instead, you roll it into balls or cut it into squares and pop it right into your mouth.
Get our recipe for The Ultimate No-Bake Keto Cookie Dough.
Olive Oil Ice Cream
Vanilla ice cream doesn't have to be boring. Add the savory ingredients of olive oil and sea salt, and it just might become your new favorite flavor.
Get our recipe for Olive Oil Ice Cream.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
It's super easy to make ice cream sandwiches full of sweet, delicious ingredients: graham crackers, ginger snaps, bananas, strawberries, nuts, and dark chocolate sauce. This is the perfect dessert to make with your kids.
Get our recipe for Ice Cream Sandwiches.
Affogato
This simple recipe is a classic and there's a reason it never goes out of style—it's the perfect light dessert or late-night snack.
Get our recipe for Affogato.
Paleta
Paleta originated in Mexico, but lucky for us it has made its way to the states. These fruit-based frozen treats will quickly become a staple, and there are a few flavors to experiment with: mango-chile, banana, and strawberries and cream.
Get our recipe for Paleta.
Perfect No-Bake Cheesecake
This no-bake cheesecake recipe is simple to follow, and it has the added benefit of being lighter than a traditional cheesecake. We love this refreshing version.
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
No-Bake Cheesecake Jars
These no-bake cheesecakes only take about 30 minutes to make. Each family member can have their own jar and pick their favorite toppings to add, like chocolate ganache, whipped cream, lemon curd, and salted caramel.
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Only five ingredients are required to make these no-bake bars that combine two of the most popular dessert flavors out there, peanut butter and chocolate.
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
Quick & Easy Banana Pudding
Pudding can be a challenge for at-home chefs, but you won't find that problem here: In just 15 minutes, you'll have a delicious banana pudding. Want to prepare this treat in advance? It can sit in the fridge overnight.
Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.
Easy Banana Ice Cream
We love this banana ice cream! Once you've mastered it, there are 10 flavors to add to your repertoire, all included in this recipe.
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Vegan Matcha Buttercream Frosting
If you're anything like me, you may consider frosting as its own dessert. I maintain this vegan option can stand alone, but it's also perfect for topping cookies and cakes.
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Frozen Yogurt Covered Blueberry Bites
Get your daily fruit fix in the form of a sweet treat. Blueberries are the perfect size to freeze into bite-sized pieces, but you can also try other fruits like mango or kiwi.
Get the recipe from Live Eat Learn.
Five-Ingredient Honey Mama's Chocolate Bars
These gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate bars are easy to make, delicious, and the perfect treat to make if you or your friends have dietary restrictions.
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
