No-Cook Solutions For Summer

Posted by Adina Steiman

I'll admit it. Summer makes me lazy in the kitchen. It's not just the thought of firing up a hot oven that's daunting -- it's that (can I admit this?) the weather saps my energy to make dinner at all. 

I could turn to take-out, I suppose, but then I usually end up eating heavy food that leaves me feeling weighed down. And I'd love to do some grilling, but until I move to my new apartment next month, I am sadly grill-less.

Solution? I scoured the Everyday Food archives for a few recipes that are not only no-cook, but almost ridiculously easy.

One of my favorite hot-weather ingredients is store-bought rotisserie chicken. I used to think of it as something to eat warm with mashed potatoes, but it's also a great solution when you'd like to add chicken to a quick salad or sandwich. 

This Asian Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a great example. Just shred the chicken (removing skin and bones), throw it in a bowl with salad greens and whatever crunchy vegetables you have in the fridge, and blend up a bright-green dressing to drizzle over the top.

Canned tuna is also an unsung supper hero -- oil-packed tuna, that is. It has a firmness and flavor that water-packed tuna just can't match, and makes for surprisingly sophisticated dinnertime salads. Tuna, Avocado, and Romaine Salad is a great example. It takes mere minutes to prepare, and extra-flavorful  tuna and creamy avocado contrast beautifully with the crisp radishes and romaine. It's a full meal all by itself, and the canned tuna gives you plenty of protein (and omega-3s). For a little extra heft, pair it with some crunchy bread (that someone else baked!).

Speaking of bread, the Tomato Bread Salad  from our new July/August issue also has great dinner possibilities. Ripe tomatoes, good olive oil, crusty bread -- yum! All it needs to be dinner is a hunk of fresh mozzarella cut into nice, big pieces and tossed right in.

Finding the ultimate no-cook dessert is easy: fresh fruit, of course. 

And for extra refreshment, try this tip: Add some freshly sliced cucumber to a pitcher of chilled water. Soon you'll be just as cool.

SEE THE RECIPES:
Asian Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Tuna, Avocado, and Romaine Salad
Tomato Bread Salad

Comments

[bobby nicoll]

I love your shows Martha. You always have interesting guests and information!

[Sorina]

You have a nice blog...keep up the good job:)

[Alexis]

The rotisserie chicken salad is a brilliant idea! Every time I buy one (yes, I'll admit that I buy them already cooked because the ones from our local store are quite delicious), I always have leftovers and never feel like eating the same thing twice. So I love this leftover solution that also requires no cooking!

[achenglovesfood]

I just bought a rotis chicken from Costco this week, and we STILL have leftovers. I can't wait to try this salad idea! It sounds perfect for a nice Saturday afternoon picnic. Thanks.

[Adina, Everyday Food]

Yes, achenlovesfood, using leftovers is a great way to keep cool in the summer -- and getting two meals out of one is definitely easier on the wallet! Stay tuned for more money-saving cooking tips on the blog...

[Mr.Sound]

I agree with you. The summer heat makes us lazy also. And would just want us to lay down and relax to the shade of our own ceiling. But we must move and we must eat:) Thanks for sharing good stuff here. Keep it up.
http://www.foodista.com/

[Teresa]

The Tomato Bread Salad is my new favorite no-cook side. I had some leftover Italian bread that I was going to toss, but it worked beautifully in this salad! Next time I'm going to try adding fresh sprouts to give it more "greens".

Teresa
http://marthastewart.onfineliving.tv