80 No-Cook Recipes You Can Make in Record Time
Updated: Sep. 08, 2023
These quick, easy, no-cook recipes are perfect for budding chefs. Find delicious ideas for main dishes, sides, appetizers, salads and desserts.
Ham Salad
I first made this ham salad recipe for a shower, and everyone raved about it. Now when I go to a potluck, I take it—along with copies of the recipe. —Patricia Reed, Pine Bluff, AR
These are the best mayonnaise brands, based on taste tests.
California Roll Wraps
I love the California rolls I get at sushi restaurants and wanted to capture those flavors in a sandwich I could take to work. I started with the standard ingredients, added a few others and came up with a hit. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, OR
This is what imitation crab is really made of.
Caprese Salad
My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version, which tastes incredibly close, if not better, than any restaurant version we’ve tried. —Melissa Pearson, Sandy, UT
It’s also a perfect July 4th appetizer.
Strawberry-Banana Yogurt Smoothies
This frosty strawberry-banana smoothie with yogurt is a delightful way to get a substantial dose of nutrients early in the day. Frozen strawberries combine with banana to keep these frosty smoothies extra thick. —Christy Adkins, Martinez, GA
Fruity Chicken Salad Pitas
I found this handwritten recipe tucked inside an old community cookbook I bought more than 40 years ago. I made a few changes over the years to suit my family’s tastes. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, NY
Here are some healthy road trip snacks your family will love.
Cucumbers with Dill
Sprinkling cucumber slices with salt and letting them stand in a colander draws out excess water so they stay crisp when set on a barbecue buffet. Try this cucumber-dill salad alongside any grilled entree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Peanut Butter Whipped Cream Frosting
A luscious peanut butter whipped cream frosting is just a few ingredients away. Try it piped over your favorite chocolate cupcakes or dolloped onto hot chocolate. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Here’s the surprising history of peanut butter and jelly.
Club Roll-Ups
Packed with meat, cheese and olives, these roll-ups are always a hit at parties. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This is the best deli in every state.
Bok Choy Toss
Chop some fresh veggies, add a gingery bottled dressing and savor this unique bok choy salad that’s big on flavor and crunch. How cool is that? —Andrew McDowell, Lake Villa, IL
Pineapple Chicken Salad Sandwiches
These sandwiches are always welcome at lunchtime around our house. Sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans are nice additions to ordinary chicken salad. —Carol Alexander, Midland, MI
Here are lots of healthy lunch salads to take to work.
Peachy Buttermilk Shakes
The tang of buttermilk blended with sweet peaches prompts frequent requests for this shake from my husband and grandchildren. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, IN
Herbed Feta Dip
Guests can’t get enough of this thick, zesty dip that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavor. The feta cheese and fresh mint complement each other beautifully, creating the perfect sidekick for crunchy carrots, toasted pita chips, sliced baguettes or any other dipper you fancy. —Rebecca Ray, Chicago
Easy Seafood Salad
This super simple, deceptively delicious recipe was inspired by a seafood salad I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp for the conch and like it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, OK
Lime Coconut Smoothie Bowl
This Key lime and coconut smoothie bowl is the most refreshing thing on the planet! —Madeline Butler, Denver
Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad
This yummy medley of vegetables is a cool complement to zesty dishes like my fish, and also barbecued meats and poultry. —Florine Bruns, Fredericksburg, TX
Effortless Guacamole
Here’s one delicious, extra-easy classic you’ll turn to again and again. “I’ve been making this recipe since I started cooking, and that was a long time ago.” —DeAnn Lokvam, Tijeras, NM
Lemon-Garlic Hummus
You’ll need just five ingredients to blend together this smooth and creamy bean dip. It’s delicious and quick to make. —Kris Capener, Ogden, UT
Breakfast Parfaits
The combination of pineapple, raspberries and banana in these yogurt treats makes a bright and cheerful morning breakfast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad
I created this dish when I was trying to duplicate a very lemony Caesar salad. I think my version is not only delicious but more healthful too! —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, ID
Easy Tangy Coleslaw
You won’t have to fuss with a lot of seasonings to fix this tangy coleslaw. We’ve shared this old family favorite with many friends over the years. —Taste of Home Reader
PB&J Bites
These PB&J bites are fun to make and fun to eat! For a change of pace, replace the jam with Nutella and the rolled oats with sugar or crushed puffed rice cereal. —Kelly Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Breakfast Banana Splits
I can’t brag enough about this recipe. It’s elegant enough for a formal brunch, yet simple and nutritious. With different fruits and cereals, there are endless potential variations. —Renee Lloyd, Pearl, MS
Chocolate Fruit Dip
I’ve been told I’m not allowed to come to neighborhood parties unless I bring this dip! It’s always a big hit. I usually serve it with strawberries and pineapple, but it’s good with other fruit, such as apples and melon. —Sarah Maury Swan, Granite, MD
Guinness Float
That very first sip of a Guinness is what inspired this quick and easy dessert. The rich, creamy foam that gathers on the top of a freshly poured draft made me think of vanilla ice cream. At that point, I knew I had to combine the two in a Guinness float. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Peppy Peach Salsa
Garden-fresh salsas are one of my favorite condiments. So when I saw a recipe for peach salsa in the newspaper, I couldn’t think of anything that sounded better. —Jennifer Abbott, Moraga, CA
Chicken Salad
This is a recipe that always seems to be used at our family gatherings. Everyone loves it. Make a batch ahead for busy days. —Cathy Rauen, Ridgeway, CO
Antipasto Skewers
This elegant-looking appetizer is quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for dinner parties, cocktail parties and everything in between! —Amanda Dekrey, Fargo, ND
Fruit Salad in a Pineapple Boat
A sweet, summery treat that looks as good as it tastes! No one, young or old, will be able to resist this healthy fruit salad. —Amy Short, Lesage, WV
Creamy Pumpkin Hummus
I love to serve this pumpkin hummus with sliced apples, pears and pita chips. Top it with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of pumpkin oil and even fried sage leaves. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Peanut Butter, Apple and Raisin Sandwich
Tart, sweet and crunchy, these open-faced sammies are a perfect after-school (or after-work) snack. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Contest-Winning Easy Tiramisu
This recipe makes a great quick dessert for a special supper … or anytime. It’s easily doubled if needed. What a fun use for pudding snack cups! —Betty Claycomb, Adverton, PA
Tomato-Melon Chicken Salad
Nothing says summer like picking watermelon, tomatoes and raspberries, then tossing them together in a salad. The addition of grilled chicken makes it a satisfying summery meal. —Betsy Hite, Wilton, CA
Tropical Berry Smoothies
This fruity, healthy smoothie is a big hit with kids and adults alike because it tastes like a treat and still delivers the vitamins. The recipe is easy to increase based on the number of people you’ll be serving. —Hillary Engler, Cape Girardeau, MO
Ham Caesar Salad
One bite and you’ll fall in love with this combo! Serve with fresh iced tea and banana splits for a casual menu that won’t heat up your kitchen. —Mary Ann Schlabach, Sarasota, FL
Focaccia Sandwiches
Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, WI
Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes
These cute stacks really stand out in a holiday appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. —Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, FL
Peach Mango Caprese Salad
Summer in the Midwest offers a bounty of fresh produce. I wanted to come up with a new recipe for the harvested goods, and this bright, flavorful salad is the refreshing end result. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, IL
Bee My Honey Fruit Dip
Orange, cinnamon and nutmeg round out this creamy spiced dip. I serve it with apples, pineapple and strawberries. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, PA
Peanut Butter, Krispies and Chocolate Sandwich
This crispy, chocolatey sandwich is like a Saturday-morning cartoon cereal without the bowl. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
10-Minute Zesty Salsa
The view from our mountain home includes Pike’s Peak, so we frequently dine on our wraparound porch in good weather. During family get-togethers, we often savor this salsa with chips while we feast on the natural beauty all around us. —Taste of Home Reader
Cheesecake Berry Parfaits
The summer berry season is a real treat. This is an easy way to enjoy berries with cheesecake, which is a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, WI
Champion Roast Beef Sandwiches
When I have time, I like to prepare a roast with this much-requested recipe in mind. But when I need a quick meal in a hurry, I use deli roast beef with delicious results. —Taste of Home Reader
Mexican Layered Salad
Here’s another popular dish I like to prepare in advance, adding the cheese and chips just before serving. It’s a slightly different version of the traditional layered salad. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, TX
Cobb Salad Wraps
A homemade dressing lightens up these refreshing tortilla wraps. The avocado, bacon, blue cheese and tomato deliver the flavors I enjoy most while keeping me on my healthy eating plan. —Lynne Van Wagenen, Salt Lake City
Dreamy Fruit Dip
Everyone will love this thick cream cheese fruit dip. Serve it alongside apple wedges, pineapple chunks, strawberries and grapes. —Anna Beiler, Strasburg, PA
Feta Cheese–Stuffed Tomatoes
These tempting cheese-stuffed tomatoes are bursting with fresh flavor. Use the small end of a melon scoop to easily remove the pulp. —Laura LeRoy, Waxhaw, NC
California Avocado Salad
Spread a little sunshine with this easy salad. Just four ingredients drizzled with Orange Yogurt Dressing and you have a light lunch or a pretty side to serve with dinner. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Zippy Curry Dip
Everyone eats their vegetables when this creamy dip is served alongside them. The curry flavor gets stronger the longer the dip stands, so I like to make it in advance. —Priscilla Steffke, Wausau, WI
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-Up
I had a vegan wrap that was similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis
Hasselback Tomato Clubs
This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair it with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is roasting. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, KY
Cannoli Dip
Ricotta is one of my family’s favorite ingredients. I made up the cannoli filling and broke up some ice cream waffle shells to use as “chips and dip”—it was an instant hit! It’s also good served slightly warm. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, WA
No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats
Perfect for road trips, these peanut butter oatmeal balls won’t stick to your hands. Keep them in the refrigerator for portable snacks. —Sonia Rohda, Waverly, NE
Caprese Salad Kabobs
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make them as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, CA
Raspberry Coconut Balls
My family loves Hostess Zingers, especially the raspberry flavor coated with coconut, inspiring this treat to make for school bake sales. We can make about four dozen in 30 minutes, and they sell out fast! —Pam Clark, Wheaton, IL
Heavenly Filled Strawberries
These luscious stuffed berries are the perfect bite-sized dessert. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
Beer Dip
Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It’s perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it’s hard to stop eating once you’ve started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I’ve taken it to many parties, and I’m always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, CO
Italian Submarine
My Italian husband grew up eating this flavorful sandwich, which his mother used to make after Saturday chores were finished. Put the sub together a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then serve with chips, veggies and dip for a delicious meal. —Christine Lupella, Fifty Lakes, MN
Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It’s easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Creamy Pineapple Pie
Creamy pineapple pie is a light and refreshing dessert that’s quick to make and impressive to serve. This is one of our favorite ways to complete a summer meal. —Sharon Bickett, Chester, SC
So-Easy Snack Mix
I eat this tasty treat just as much as (if not more than) the kids! Have fun with it by adding other goodies into the mix, like nuts, cereal, pretzels and more. —Jeff King, Duluth, MN
Balsamic Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get-together. It’s an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA
Pay Dirt Cake
With layers of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and creamy filling, this is definitely a rich dessert. You can decorate the top with a few wrapped chocolate coins. —Betty Jean Jordan, Monticello, GA
Creamy Taco Dip
You’ll know this snack is a hit at your next gathering when you come home with an empty pan! —Denise Smith, Lusk, WY
Crab Louie Lettuce Wraps
Party guests can mingle and enjoy these tasty portable lettuce wraps without having to juggle plates and forks. —Michael Watz, Normal, IL
Cool & Crunchy Chicken Salad
When the weather sizzles, get your chill on with a cool chicken salad. Mine uses grapes, pecans and celery for that signature crunch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, ME
Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
A wedge salad gets the creamy treatment when topped with blue cheese dressing. Keep the dressing as a topper, or make it a dip for Buffalo wings. —Jenn Smith, East Providence, RI
Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls
I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to put salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead, experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, MO
Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas
My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that as good as they taste, they’re also good for them. —Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
ABC Cheese Dip
My children like this dip because the seasoning is mild. You can use plain veggie sticks or cut out numbers and letters from the sweet peppers. —Kimberly Miller, Norfolk, VA
Swiss Cobb Salad
Topped with ham, roast beef, bacon and other fixings, this hearty salad has an excellent blend of flavors. A from-scratch vinaigrette adds the refreshing final touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lemony Garbanzo Salad
Everybody goes for this super fresh salad with cumin-coriander dressing, especially on warm days. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, CA
Quick Crunchy Apple Salad
Pair crunchy toppings with smooth vanilla in this apple salad with yogurt recipe. You’ll love this creative combination! —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, ID
Fruit Kabobs with Cream Cheese Dip
These fruity kabobs are so refreshing on a warm day. They’re also a quick and easy treat for get-togethers. —Kathleen Hedger, Godfrey, IL
Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix
A filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, WA
Salami Roll-Ups
These bite-sized appetizers are a cinch to make, with just four ingredients—even your kids can help you with them! —Jean Baffuto, Apache Junction, AZ
Dill Vegetable Dip
A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, AL
Rise and Shine Parfait
Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago
Lemon Meringue Floats
I actually dreamed of this float idea one night and woke up knowing I needed to make it. Thank you, Mr. Sandman! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PA
Peanut Butter Granola Pinwheels
I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it’s really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, MA
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