Beat the Heat with Creative No-Cook Recipes

By: Dana Angelo White, M.S., R.D., A.T.C.

Chicken Summer Rolls; Food Network Test Kitchens

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Beat the heat and spend less time in the kitchen with these healthy and inspired no-cook dishes.

Summer Rolls

These rolled goodies live up to their name. Transform leftovers into a seasonal, handheld meal filled with leftover or rotisserie chicken, plus crisp veggies and herbs.

Recipe to Try: Chicken Summer Rolls (pictured above)

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Layered Squash

Try this out-of-the-box summer squash recipe to wow guests, or enjoy it as a simple weeknight dinner.

Recipe to Try: Summer Squash Carpaccio

Overnight Oats

Just mix and refrigerate oats; breakfast will be waiting for you in the morning. Filled with tummy-pleasing fiber and natural sweetness, this complete meal contains just a few simple ingredients.

Recipe to Try: Apple Pie Overnight Oats

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Chef Name: Food Network KitchenFull Recipe Name: Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and MintTalent Recipe: FNK Recipe: Food Network Kitchen’s Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Mint, as seen on Food NetworkProject: Foodnetwork.com, CINCO/SUMMER/FATHERSDAYShow Name: How to Boil Water

Couscous

A little hot water is all it takes to cook these tiny grains of wheat. Add herbs, fresh vegetables and protein to round out dinner.

Recipe to Try: Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Mint

Bean Salad

In case you haven't heard, pulses are pretty amazing. Pop open some cans and mix beans with seasonal produce such as corn and bell peppers for an antioxidant-filled salad.

Recipe to Try: Black Bean and Corn Salad

Tuna-rific

Never underestimate this affordable and Omega-3-rich seafood. Wrap this tuna salad in a whole-grain tortilla, or spoon it into fresh lettuce leaves for a lower-carb version.

Recipe to Try: Tuna Salad

Chilly Soups

Taste summer in every slurp. Cukes, melon and a hint of chile pepper blended together makes a cool and refreshing soup. Top your dish with extra chopped cucumber for some crunch.

Recipe to Try: Cold Summer Soup

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.