15 No-Cook Recipes That Can Help You Reach Your Weight-Loss Goals

Foxes Love Lemons

If you're trying to lose weight but you're so over cooking, you're in good company. While it's true that people who eat home-prepared meals tend to eat fewer calories, it's much easier to nuke a microwavable meal or pick up takeout, especially on busy weeknights.

There's no shortage of healthy recipes that help support weight loss, but many require cooking, prepping, and spending way too much time in the kitchen. So, we've rounded up some options that require no cooking at all, from refreshing salads to tasty sandwiches to indulgent desserts. Keep reading for 15 recipes that will keep you satisfied — and on track with your goals — without having to turn on your oven or stove top.

01
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Cookin' Canuck

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

This no-cook salad only takes 10 minutes to make and is loaded with tasty, nutrient-rich vegetables. Because veggies like cucumber contain a lot of water, it's super-hydrating, too!

Get the recipe: Mediterranean cucumber salad

02
Strawberry Smoothie
Fit Foodie Finds

Strawberry Smoothie

If you have a blender, that's all you need to whip up this nourishing smoothie. Strawberries are the star of this recipe — naturally sweet and low in calories, one serving of strawberries has less sugar than an apple and only half the calories of a banana, allowing this smoothie to taste sweet without added sugars.

Get the recipe: strawberry smoothie

03
Vegan Hummus Avocado Sandwich
Cookin' Canuck

Vegan Hummus Avocado Sandwich

Skipping the meat in this sandwich allows for a light and satisfying meal that's packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber to help you feel satisfied all-day long. Pair it with a piece of fruit for a well-balanced lunch.

Get the recipe: vegan hummus avocado sandwich

04
Turkey Egg Roll Salad
Foxes Love Lemons

Turkey Egg Roll Salad

This satisfying salad is perfect for busy weeknights. Toss everything together in no time, and enjoy the combination of protein, veggies, and homemade dressing that's just as good as takeout!

Get the recipe: turkey egg roll salad

05
Jicama, Black Bean, and Corn Salsa
Cookin' Canuck

Jicama, Black Bean, and Corn Salsa

Beans are a natural source of both protein and fiber: two nutrients that can help you feel fuller longer and, in turn, lose weight. Enjoy this salsa with some whole-grain crackers for a filling snack.

Get the recipe: jicama, black bean, and corn salsa

06
Healthy Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
Fit Foodie Finds

Healthy Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Who says you can't have cookies when you're trying to lose weight? These no-bake peanut butter cookies take little effort to make and use smart ingredient swaps to make them fit into a healthy diet.

Get the recipe: Healthy peanut butter no-bake cookies

07
Healthy, Mediterranean-Style Chicken Salad
The Mediterranean Dish

Healthy, Mediterranean-Style Chicken Salad

This chicken salad recipe combines pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and a slew of nutritious ingredients to create a lightened-up version of the classic dish you know and love.

Get the recipe: healthy, Mediterranean-style chicken salad

08
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Fit Foodie Finds

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are the perfect solution for busy mornings when you don't have the time, energy, or desire to cook. Just let your oats soak in the fridge overnight for a healthy breakfast that will keep you full until lunch.

Get the recipe: apple cinnamon overnight oats

09
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
A Spicy Perspective

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

You don't have to dirty up a bunch of pots and pans to make your own sauce. Puree the ingredients for this recipe in a food processor, and in a matter of minutes, you'll have a nutrient-dense sauce to enjoy over your chickpea or lentil pasta.

Get the recipe: roasted red pepper sauce

10
Three Bean Salad
Cooking Classy

Three Bean Salad

If you already have steamed green beans left over from dinnertime, put them to good use by whipping up this salad. The combination of three beans will fuel your body with nutrients that help support weight loss, without costing you a fortune.

Get the recipe: three bean salad

11
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
A Spicy Perspective

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

When your sweet tooth strikes, this chocolate chia seed pudding is extra-rich to cut even the fiercest craving. And because this recipe is made in individual servings, you minimize the risk of overindulging.

Get the recipe: chocolate chia seed pudding

12
Smoked Salmon Crostini
Foxes Love Lemons

Smoked Salmon Crostini

Top crostini with smoked salmon for an elegant yet simple dish that will help you get your fill of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.

Get the recipe: smoked salmon crostini

13
Mediterranean Tomato Salad
The Mediterranean Dish

Mediterranean Tomato Salad

Fresh and simple salads like this tomato-first dish are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and other key nutrients that help support your goals.

Get the recipe: Mediterranean tomato salad

14
Extra Creamy Avocado Hummus
The Mediterranean Dish

Extra Creamy Avocado Hummus

Don't shy away from healthy fats when you're trying to lose weight. Fats found in foods like avocado can actually help you feel more satisfied. Opt for this no-cook dip if you need something creamy to dip your veggies in.

Get the recipe: extra creamy avocado hummus

15
Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
Delightful E Made

Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is a classic no-cook dish, and this recipe — made with protein-rich Greek yogurt — is much healthier than any version containing mayonnaise.

Get the recipe: Greek yogurt tuna salad