7 Summer Recipes That Don't Require Any Cooking

Welcome to the dog days of summer, a particularly grueling time for home cooks. Why you ask? Because there is nothing worse than turning on a stove or warming up an oven when your house is already 100 degrees. That's why it's important to have recipes that don't require any cooking or baking in your arsenal and ready to go come dinnertime. This means no heat whatsoever — no oven, no stove, no toaster, and no microwave.

Besides barbecuing (which I am always in favor of), there shouldn't be a need to cook all of your meals in the summer. This is the time to take advantage of all the fruits and vegetables that are in season that don't require a grill, a stove top, or an oven for you to enjoy. Think watermelon, cucumbers, fennel, peaches, and avocado. And don't think you're stuck eating plain old salad for the rest of the summer, because there are plenty of recipes here that are not only hearty and filling, they'll suit your every taste from breakfast all the way to dessert.

These recipes are also great for dorm room cooking, especially if you're hungry on a Sunday night when the dining halls are closed, and the rest of the hall is crowding around the kitchen, waiting in line for the microwave. In most cases, the only kitchen utensils you will need for these meals are a cutting board and a sharp paring or chef's knife. Warning: ridiculously easy recipes coming up.

1. Guacamole

We're going to start out with the basics. Everyone should know at least one decent guacamole recipe, and this recipe made with five ingredients, not including salt and pepper, is one of the fastest recipes to prep. Side of nachos not included.

2. Hummus

Hummus is a simple spread of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic blended together. The spread can be used as a dip (perfect for pita chips and vegetable crudites), or spread on a veggie sandwich. Here's the perfect hummus recipe to get you started.

3. Peanut Butter And Granola Bites

This peanut butter and granola recipe doubles as breakfast and a snack. Combine protein-rich peanut butter, hearty oats, and sweet bananas, and you have the perfect portable meal.

4. Watermelon Salad With Queso Fresco And Pickled Onion

Watermelon and cheese, you say? Yes, and it's delicious. The juicy sweet watermelon and the salty crumbly cheese is the ideal sweet and salty combination. Go ahead and feel fancy as you whip up this watermelon salad in your dorm kitchen.

5. Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a veggie-packed soup originating in Spain and served cold. This gazpacho recipe combines cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, and red wine vinegar into a refreshing summer soup.

6. Cantaloupe And Mozzarella Caprese Salad

Bring on the meat! Prosciutto and cantaloupe are a classic pairing, and combined with fresh mozzarella, you have an updated version of a caprese salad — minus the tomatoes.

7. No-Bake Icebox Cake

You didn't think I'd forget about dessert, did you? This ice-box cake recipe is so old-school, your grandmother probably has it in her recipe box. And there's a reason for it — it's easy to make with simple ingredients, and it's delicious.

Looking for some more fun food ideas? Visit Bustle on YouTube!

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