Don’t Turn On the Oven—Try These 27 Recipes Instead

When it’s hot out or you’re just not in the mood to deal with the oven, these recipes are a great way to keep things easy and cool. You don’t need a bunch of steps or a heat wave in your kitchen to make something good. These are the kinds of go-tos that are quick to throw together but still hit the spot. Perfect for when you want to keep it simple and skip the extra heat.

An image of chickpea tuna salad in a bowl.

Chickpea Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Black beans and a tangy cilantro lime dressing come together in minutes. It’s a quick way to break out of the usual lunch routine without turning on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Vegan Niçoise Salad

An image of vegan nicoise salad served on a big bowl. — Vegan Niçoise Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan Niçoise salad uses chickpeas, crisp veggies, and a bold vinaigrette. It’s great for a no-heat lunch that still feels like a real meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Niçoise Salad

Daikon Salad

Crisp daikon and carrots tossed in a sweet and sour dressing come together fast. It’s a good pick when you want something light and don’t want to cook.
Get the Recipe: Daikon Salad

Spinach Avocado Salad

Spinach, avocado, tomatoes, radishes, and cotija cheese pair with citrus dressing in this quick salad. It works well when you're keeping things fresh without the stove.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Italian Chopped Salad

This Italian chopped salad mixes up quickly with crunchy vegetables and champagne vinaigrette. It’s a solid choice when you want flavor without spending time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Veggie Pinwheels

Veggie pinwheels with hummus are easy to roll up and serve. They’re great for when you want something quick and fresh with zero cooking involved.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pinwheels

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Chickpeas replace tuna in this quick salad that works in bowls or sandwiches. It’s a smart no-cook option when you want something filling fast.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Heirloom Caprese Salad

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl. — Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Caprese salad keeps it simple with just six ingredients and fresh tomatoes. It’s a go-to for easy, no-heat meals that still feel put together.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

A creamy, bold pimento cheese filling makes this sandwich come together fast. It’s a strong no-cook pick when time is short and you just need to eat.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

An image of cranberry salad with pecans served in a white salad bowl with a fork on the side. — Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Goat cheese, cranberries, and pecans bring big flavor to this easy salad. It’s ready in ten minutes and fits into any day you don’t feel like cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Kale Salad With Cranberries

Kale salad with cranberries, lemon, and nuts adds crunch without extra prep. It’s a fast way to make lunch feel different without using heat.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl. — Mango Avocado Salad. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Mango and avocado with lemon vinaigrette bring brightness to your plate. It’s a colorful way to mix things up without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Simple Chopped Salad

An overhead image of vegan chopped salad in a bowl with a serving spoon in the middle. — Simple Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Packed with vegetables, this vegan chopped salad takes just minutes to make. It’s a strong option when you’re over your usual meals and want something easier.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Veggie Taco Salad

This vegetarian taco salad brings bold flavor without needing to cook anything. It’s quick to make and works great for a no-oven meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Taco Salad

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad is easy to throw together and goes with just about anything. It’s a simple way to add something bold without using heat.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Kale, prunes, pomegranate, and feta come together with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s easy to make and works for both everyday meals and casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Honeycrisp Salad

Apples and spiced cider vinaigrette give this salad a seasonal feel. It’s a fast way to add something fresh without relying on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Tofu Spring Rolls With Apple

These tofu spring rolls are packed with crunchy vegetables, herbs, and peanut sauce. They’re a complete meal when you want something cool and quick.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Spring Rolls With Apple

Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono

A black bowl of Japanese cucumber salad garnished with sesame seeds. — Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Japanese cucumber salad is crisp and clean, great for cutting through heavier dishes. It’s ready fast and perfect for days when the stove stays off.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono

Hot Turkey Sandwich

Turkey, gravy, and peas turn into a simple sandwich with no cooking needed. It’s a practical, no-heat way to use leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Hot Turkey Sandwich

Chopped Italian Sandwich

These Italian sandwiches stack meats, cheese, and pepperoncini on soft rolls in minutes. They’re a go-to when you need lunch fast and don’t want to cook.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Italian Sandwich

The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Overhead image of best broccoli salad with creamy dressin on a bowl. — The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, and creamy dressing comes together quickly. It’s great for prepping ahead when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Get the Recipe: The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table. — Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Kale and apples mix with poppy seed dressing for a crisp, fast salad. It’s an easy switch-up from basic greens with no heat required.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Rotisserie chicken, almonds, and dressing turn into a fast chicken salad sandwich. It’s ready in minutes for when you need a quick, no-cook meal.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry

Arugula, cucumbers, goat cheese, and cranberries mix with lemon vinaigrette in this light salad. It’s an easy no-cook meal that still feels fresh.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls. — Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

This version of tabbouleh swaps in hemp seeds for a lighter take. It’s fast to throw together and works when you want something simple and cool.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Chickpeas, pickles, and spices mix into a protein-packed sandwich spread. It’s a great choice when you're short on time and skipping the stove.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich