25 No-Cook Dinner Recipes When Nights Are Hot and You Need Something Light

POPSUGAR Photography
POPSUGAR Photography

Maybe it's hot out, maybe you're just feeling lazy; whatever the reason, sometimes you just want to skip using the oven or stove for dinner. You might need something a little lighter, more refreshing, and healthier, of course. For those times, look to these recipes to help you out. Not a single one requires you to heat anything up, yet all are still full of the nutrients your body needs to feel its best.

01
Taco Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Taco Salad

The cilantro-lime dressing gives this taco salad a fresh and zesty flavor, perfect for warmer weather. The layered ingredients also offer almost 25 grams of both protein and fiber.

Get the recipe: taco salad

02
Watermelon Caprese Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Watermelon Caprese Salad

Give your standard tomato and mozzarella caprese a hydrating makeover with this inventive watermelon caprese salad. You'll be surprised what a natural flavor fit cubed watermelon is in this Summer favorite.

Get the recipe: watermelon caprese salad

03
Hemp and Cabbage Detox Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Hemp and Cabbage Detox Salad

If you're on the hunt for a quick and tasty recipe, this crunchy cabbage and hemp salad is for you. Hemp seeds are a great source of omega-3s and vitamin E, and the combination of the cold-pressed oil and seeds in this recipe gives this fresh salad a nutty flavor you'll love.

Get the recipe: cabbage and hemp salad

04
Cucumber Mint Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cucumber Mint Soup

Cooling cucumbers, mint, and yogurt make up the base of this cucumber mint soup that will soothe, pamper, and debloat your belly all at once.

Get the recipe: cucumber mint soup

05
Eggless Kale Caesar Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Eggless Kale Caesar Salad

For just the same addictive taste as the original with an added bonus — vitamin-A-rich superfood kale — opt for this lighter caesar salad dressing instead.

Get the recipe: kale caesar salad

06

Sashimi Salad

If you want something light, slice up this easy fish crudo. Round out the meal by serving alongside a simple green salad.

Get the recipe: easy fish crudo

07
Raw Veggie Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Raw Veggie Salad

High in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A, this raw rainbow salad adds color and flavor to any meal. The water content in romaine works to hydrate your body, while the high fiber content in the red cabbage and carrots aids in digestion. Add avocado to bulk up this salad for a satisfying dinner.

Get the recipe: raw rainbow salad

08
Cucumber, Black Bean, Avocado, Corn, and Tomato Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cucumber, Black Bean, Avocado, Corn, and Tomato Salad

Crafted with basic ingredients, our cucumber, black bean, avocado, corn, and tomato salad is an incredible mix of flavors and textures. It's also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.

Get the recipe: cucumber, black bean, avocado, corn, and tomato salad

09
Avocado Shell Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Avocado Shell Salad

No need for the oven for this refreshing dinner: avocado shell salad. It has 60 percent of your recommended fiber for the day, aids in digestion, and may even diminish belly fat.

Get the recipe: avocado shell salad

10
Apple Cabbage Detox Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Apple Cabbage Detox Salad

For a lightened-up take on classic coleslaw, whip up this detox salad instead. Apples marry with the dynamic duo of red and Savoy cabbage, combining for a fiber-filled meal that aids in digestion.

Get the recipe: apple cabbage detox salad

11
Black Bean Mango Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Black Bean Mango Salad

After a hard workout, this vegan bean salad is the perfect, protein-packed refreshing meal. It has more than 13 grams of fiber and nearly 17 grams of protein to fill you up and help your muscles recover.

Get the recipe: black bean mango salad

12
Southeast Asian Gazpacho
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Southeast Asian Gazpacho

Classic Spanish gazpacho gets a tasty makeover in this Southeast Asian variation that's just as refreshing. Thai basil, cilantro, and ginger are all added to the mix.

Get the recipe: Southeast Asian gazpacho

13
Not-Tuna Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jaime Young

Not-Tuna Salad

Spruce up your salad with this protein-rich not-tuna salad fortified with an entire can of garbanzo beans, aka chickpeas. The pecans and apple pieces give this dish a crisp, fresh feeling.

Get the recipe: not-tuna salad

14
Summer Fruit Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Summer Fruit Salad

Make a summery salad a little more savory by mixing in avocado and dressing it with a lemon chia seed dressing. As an added bonus, all of the ingredients help the body debloat.

Get the recipe: summer fruit salad

15
Lemon Ginger Marinated Chickpeas
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Lemon Ginger Marinated Chickpeas

Full of fiber and protein, our recipe for lemony chickpeas makes a light — but filling — salad that is perfect for a warm day.

Get the recipe: lemon ginger marinated chickpeas

16
Rainbow Spinach Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Rainbow Spinach Salad

The more color in food, the more antioxidants it contains. This rainbow salad is made by using a variety of produce, including cabbage, carrots, avocado, and lettuce.

Get the recipe: rainbow salad

17

Mezze Platter

If Mediterranean is on your mind, then you'll love the variety that's found on a traditional mezze platter. Olives, hummus, tabbouleh, and tzatziki are just a few of the heart-healthy raw options you'll find on this traditional spread. Serve alongside fresh veggies or pita bread for a complete meal.

Get the recipe: mezze platter

18
Avocado and Corn Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Avocado and Corn Soup

Enjoy a creamy soup without having to use milk or cream — instead blend avocado and juiced corn kernels for a consistency that makes the most out of fresh produce.

Get the recipe: avocado corn soup

19
Watermelon-Bowl Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Watermelon-Bowl Salad

Could anything be more refreshing than serving up a tasty salad in its very own watermelon bowl? Highly doubtful. This vegan-friendly recipe is packed with tons of fresh produce and plenty of protein to fill you up.

Get the recipe: watermelon bowl

20
Lemon Tuna Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Michelle Bell

Lemon Tuna Salad

Substituting lemon and olive oil for mayonnaise makes for a lighter, brighter tuna salad that's perfectly in line with the Mediterranean diet. Tuck yours into pita bread, or serve it on top of a bed of fresh greens.

Get the recipe: tuna salad

21
Cucumber Caprese Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cucumber Caprese Salad

We gave traditional caprese salad a twist by adding in hydrating cucumber and fiber-filled avocado.

Get the recipe: cucumber caprese salad

22
Moroccan Slaw
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio

Moroccan Slaw

The turmeric dressing really makes this dish shine! Thinly chopped collard greens, paired with carrots and pistachios, are topped with tofu for protein. And the dish gets a hint of sweetness from a sprinkling of chopped, dried dates.

Get the recipe: moroccan slaw with turmeric dressing

23
Avocado Chickpea Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Avocado Chickpea Salad

If your garden is bursting with cherry tomatoes, this salad is for you. Chickpeas provide protein, avocado brings the creaminess, while lemon juice and dill bring the flavor. And, of course, your cherry tomatoes add a pop of color.

Get the recipe: chickpea avocado salad

24
Spinach Tuna Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio

Spinach Tuna Salad

This cooling spinach salads brings simple ingredients — cucumber, carrots, avocado —together for a magical flavor, thanks to the orange balsamic vinaigrette.

Get the recipe: Spinach Tuna Salad