No-Cook Meals For When You’re Tired of Cooking

As a professional chef, the term “no-cook meals” isn’t one that I think about very often, because, well, I love to cook. As I was enjoying a delicious meal last night that I put together quickly after a dance class, I decided it was time for a post on quick and healthful meal ideas.

Massaged Kale Salad with Smoked Salmon

This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and holds up great. Put it alongside some store-bought smoked salmon (on toast or a bagel if you like), and you’ve got a satisfying healthful meal.

Cabbage Salad with Rotisserie Chicken

This crunchy, sweet and tangy salad goes great with BBQ. But hey, how about a store-bought rotisserie chicken and that jar of BBQ sauce from the fridge? That works, right?

Chickpea Pita Pizzas

Use store-bought hummous for these delicious homemade pita pizzas, and bonus! you just pile the salad right on top.

Arugula and Apple Salad

This sweet and peppery salad is delicious with added white beans, chickpeas, cut salami, or another protein of your choice. Can you say complete meal in a bowl?

Radish and White Bean Salad

Another salad? You betcha! You’ve been meaning to eat more veggies anyways, right? If you’re feeling like you just MIGHT have it in you to turn on a flame, make these fancy hard-boiled eggs too.

Mediterranean-Style Chicken Salad

Can you still call it a salad when it’s mostly meat? Absolutely! Crispy, crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs round out this hearty dish.

Spring Panzanella Salad

This Italian-style bread salad is the perfect way to use up stale bread, and can be adapted for every season!

No-Cook Meals Barely Cook Meals

I would be amiss if I didn’t share with you some of my favorite “barely-cook” meals for when you have it in you to do a little more.

Celery Salad + Cast-Iron Steak

Yes, you have to cook the steak, but how hard is that, really? And don’t dismiss this salad, it’s a reader favorite.

Frittata and Marinated Carrot Salad

A frittata (an egg pie), is one of the original fast foods. And it’s great for leftovers too. Same with this delicious salad.

Chickpea and Chorizo Tapas

This fun dish requires a small amount of cooking, but the reward is well worth it. Pair with Manchego cheese, olives, fresh bread, and your favorite glass of wine and you’ll be saying olé!

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