Give Your Oven the Night Off

Not every recipe needs the oven. In fact, plenty of no-cook dishes are just as flavorful—with the added bonus of saving your precious time! Give yourself and your oven a break with 20 simple recipes to whip up in minutes. Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

1. Egg Salad

We know, we know—hard-boiled eggs require an oven, no? Not necessarily! Pre-packaged eggs do all the heavy lifting for you by not only being boiled but also cold. Mash them with some mustard, green onion, and a dash of seasoning. You can also use mayonnaise or squeeze in some lemon juice.

Photo by Mustafa Bashari on Unsplash

2. Turkey Pinwheels

Sliced turkey, cream cheese, and tortillas star in this simple recipe. The best part about this recipe is the filling’s versatility. Toss in shredded cheese, chopped olives, or an assortment of spices to make these all your own.  

Photo by Shameel mukkath on Pexels

3. Chicken Salad

Need to do something with those rotisserie chicken leftovers? Chicken salad’s got your back! Grab some pulled chicken, celery, carrots, and cabbage for this simple recipe—though you can add whatever tickles your fancy.

Photo by ABHISHEK HAJARE on Unsplash

4. Smoked Salmon Flatbread

Everyone loves smoked salmon, but it’s something else on flatbread. A little arugula, dill, and capers make this a restaurant-quality recipe anyone can put together. 

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5. Seafood Salad

Mussels, scallops, and even imitation crab meat do well in seafood salad recipes. Like any salad, the world is your oyster and you can add any number of goodies from celery to red onion. Either way, you’ll have a protein-packed lunch. 

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6. Caprese Sandwich

Sandwich or salad? It doesn’t matter because both are delicious! All you need for this is fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Feel free to add these ingredients between a ciabatta bun for added crunch. 

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7. Gazpacho

Break out the blender—it’s time for gazpacho. This summertime soup is perfect for any time of the year, only requiring a handful of ingredients to get the job done. It’s also the perfect way to get rid of those tomatoes. 

Photo by Bakd&Raw by Karolin Baitinger on Unsplash

8. Avocado and Chicken Sandwich

Do you have sliced chicken on deck? Slap it between two slices of fluffy whole-grain bread! Fresh avocado slices, tomato, and red onions help bring everything together. You can also add mozzarella cheese for a touch of flair. 

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9. Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This classic sandwich is creamy, easy to make, and packed with protein. After mashing your chickpeas you’ll need red onion, dijon mustard, and a handful of sprouts to top it off. If you want a little crunch, add some sunflower seeds.

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10. Stuffed Avocado

Stuffed peppers are delicious, but they need the oven and we don’t always have time to wait for them. Stuffed avocados, on the other hand, don’t need anything but shredded chicken, cream cheese, tomatoes, and salt and pepper. Need a veggie option? Use quinoa instead!

Photo by Rejoice Denhere on Unsplash

11. Crab Rolls

Hot dog buns aren’t just for hot dogs. Whether you have real or imitation crab, either works great alongside old bay seasoning, lemon juice, and dill. No one ever said no to celery or chives either. 

Photo by Jaradah Fish on Pexels

12. Charcuterie Spread

Deli meat, cheese, olives, fresh fruit—the possibilities are endless on a charcuterie board. It’s the perfect no-cook spread and feeds plenty of hungry mouths.  

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13. Smoothie Bowl

Don’t put that blender away so quickly! That blueberry smoothie is calling your name! Grab crushed ice, fresh fruit, and chia seeds for a simple but delicious recipe ready in no time. A scoop of protein powder will also fill your belly for longer.

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14. Classic Caesar Salad

Okay, we admit—it’s not the healthiest salad. However, it is one of the best tasting, which makes it a great no-cook option. All that creamy dressing with iceberg lettuce, bacon bits, and shredded cheese? Absolutely. 

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15. Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Go back to basics with this easy-peasy sandwich. Ham slices, swiss cheese, and a dollop of mustard bring all that flavor without any of the hassle. 

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16. Crab Salad

If you have ten minutes and imitation crab meat, you’re halfway to this tasty salad. The only other items you need are old bay seasoning, red onion, and fresh herbs. 

Photo by Thembi Johnson on Unsplash

17. Tuna Salad

Crab may not be your thing, but tuna is a crowd favorite. Crack fresh pepper over canned tuna and mayo for an easy, no-cook dish that’s not only perfect for salads, but also works great in sandwiches. 

Photo by Hilary Halliwell on Pexels

18. Spring Rolls

Not everyone has rice paper in their kitchen, but if you have any lying around you can easily put together yummy spring rolls. Who could ever say no to peanut butter, cabbage, rice, and hoisin sauce?

Photo by Budi Puspa Wijaya on Unsplash

19. Ceviche

Ceviche is as bright as it is delicious, and we couldn't think of a better no-cook dish. Avocado, red onion, tomato, and sea bass usually make up classic recipes, but you can also use shrimp. It’s a terrific app or main. 

Photo by Léo Roza on Unsplash

20. Avocado Toast

An easy anytime food, avocado toast has graced our plates for years. It’s easy to see why—mashed avocado with a nice egg and freshly cracked pepper? Sounds like a heart-smart dish to us! 

Photo by Jasper Gribble on Unsplash