When the last thing you want is to turn on the stove, these no-cook recipes come to the rescue. Quick to assemble, packed with flavor, and perfect for keeping things simple without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Alabama Fire Crackers

A white bowl filled with seasoned square crackers is placed on a wooden surface, with a red and white checkered cloth in the background.
Alabama Fire Crackers. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Alabama Fire Crackers are easy to make! Toss some crackers in a ziplock bag with a spicy oil mixture and marinate overnight for a spicy snack.
Get the Recipe: Alabama Fire Crackers

Coconut Chocolate Energy Balls

A clear glass bowl filled with chocolate energy balls—some coated in shredded coconut—rests on a rustic wooden surface, offering an easy no-cook recipe perfect for quick meals or snacking. A few energy balls are scattered outside the bowl.
Coconut Chocolate Energy Balls. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Sinfully indulgent but beautifully healthy! These chocolate coconut energy balls with dates are the easiest way to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Chocolate Energy Balls

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving a taste of the good old days? Dive into our Old Fashioned Ham Salad, a delightful blend of tender ham chunks and crisp dill pickle. This classic dish is both comforting and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect way to savor memories and create new ones with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded carrots and raisins on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.
Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This refreshing carrot raisin salad combines crisp shredded carrots and cabbage with plump raisins. A light and tangy dressing made with lemon juice and mayonnaise brings the flavors together.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Cabbage Apple Salad combines red cabbage and Golden Delicious apples with a zesty dressing. It’s great for any season!
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad

Plate of chicken salad next to spices and tomatoes.
Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Make this delicious, spicy version of traditional chicken salad!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad

Avocado Tomato Salad

Image shows a wooden bowl containing avocado tomato salad shown from overhead and sitting on a picnnic table.
Avocado Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Salad is so much more than just lettuce and dressing, and this avocado tomato salad proves that point. It’s a plethora of veggies tossed with romaine a fresh dressing you blitz together in your blender. Summer on a fork.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a hassle-free and refreshing summertime meal with canned chicken salad. With no cooking required, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for hot days. Pair it with your favorite greens or enjoy it as a sandwich for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Grinder Sandwich

A finished grinder sandwich is shown on a marble platter.
Grinder Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Italian Grinder Sandwich recipe combines savory deli meats, creamy provolone, crisp lettuce, onions, pepperoncini, and bright vinaigrette on a crusty Italian loaf. It’s perfect for gatherings or to share with friends and family at home!
Get the Recipe: Grinder Sandwich

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Be transported to Greece with this Prasini Salad, a simple, delicious Mediterranean dish of crispy romaine hearts, creamy feta cheese, fresh scallions and dill, and bright lemon vinaigrette. It’s a perfect side salad with any meal!
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Cowboy Caviar

A bowl of bean and corn salad with diced avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro surrounded by tortilla chips.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Cowboy Caviar is a refreshing and flavorful salad and dip made with a variety of beans, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Mango Pico de Gallo

A bowl of mango pico de gallo sits on a rustic wooden cutting board surrounded by limes, cilantro, and a pink linen.
Mango Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy mango pico de gallo is a fresh salsa that’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. 
Get the Recipe: Mango Pico de Gallo

Mango Custard

An overhead shot shows two ramekins with mango custard topped with chopped kiwi on a wooden cutting board.
Mango Custard. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A tropical escape in a bowl, blending ripe mango puree and smooth custard – a refreshing, creamy dessert worth breaking your diet for, providing a taste of sunshine without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mango Custard

Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Artichoke Jalapeno Dip in a black bowl with crackers nearby.
Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy, tangy, and with a spicy kick, Artichoke Jalapeno Dip is the perfect party pleaser! And, it’s crazy easy to make – grab some crackers and get dipping today!
Get the Recipe: Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Hero Sandwich

Side view of a hero sandwich with meats, cheese, and veggies.
Hero Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Elevate your lunch game with a hero sandwich—a culinary hero featuring a symphony of flavors, textures, and the perfect balance of ingredients that will have you craving more.
Get the Recipe: Hero Sandwich

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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