Top 10 no-cook family meals

When it’s too hot to cook, you can still provide your family with a nourishing meal filled with nutrition and flavour. Our family no-cook recipes contain plenty of ideas for keeping cooking to a minimum, from using store-bought items such as rotisserie chicken to choosing easy-to-prepare ingredients like rice noodles, wraps and couscous.

If you’d like to get the little ones involved, try our no-cook kids’ recipes, or for something sweet try our easy summer no-cook desserts. Find more inspiration for nutritious and filling no-cook dinner recipes in our helpful cold dinner ideas guide.

1. Mango chutney chicken sliders

Serve up these delicious mango chutney chicken sliders for an effortless family meal. Wholemeal rolls are filled with shredded rotisserie chicken and a red onion, chilli and cucumber salad – all dressed with mint and yogurt mayonnaise and tangy mango chutney. You can leave out the red chilli for little ones and they’ll be just as tasty.

2. Tuna rainbow salad

Spruce up a humble tuna and sweetcorn salad with sugar snap peas, cooked beetroot and a lemon & mustard dressing. This no-cook tuna rainbow salad uses kid-friendly ingredients and will get them well on their way to 5-a-day. Try serving alongside our healthy coleslaw.

3. No-cook veggie fajitas

These no-cook veggie fajitas take just a little prep time and the kids will love assembling their own. Packed full of fibre-rich pinto beans, smashed avocado and pre-made chargrilled vegetables, we suggest leaving out the hot sauce if you have younger ones to feed. If you want to make it non-veggie, try adding king prawns or shredded cooked chicken.

4. Chicken, carrot & avocado rolls

With just six simple ingredients, you can whip up these easy tortilla wraps for a family picnic or an al fresco-style dinner. Try making chicken, carrot & avocado rolls for the kids – they’ll love the soft cheese and crunchy veg, while you’ll enjoy how little time it takes to make them. These super salad wraps are a great no-cook option, too.

5. Vietnamese veg parcels

Summer is the season for finger food, so try these Vietnamese veg parcels with a tasty dipping sauce. Rice flour pancakes just need a quick soak to make them pliable, then you can fill them with healthy shredded veggies such as cucumber, red pepper and carrot.

6. Flatbread pizzas

Store-bought flatbreads are a great option as a base for no-cook recipes. These flatbread pizzas show you how to whizz up your own hummus and suggest a selection of vibrant Middle Eastern flavours as a topping, but you could easily mix and match this to your family’s preferences.

7. Prawn grain poke bowls

If the heat has made you lose your apetitie, then a no-cook poke bowl could be the answer. Our prawn & grain poke bowls use a zesty marinade and pre-cooked grains to make a dinner full of goodness that the whole family can enjoy.

8. Chicken, mango & noodle salad

Enjoy the refreshing flavours of this no-cook chicken noodle salad featuring the delightful sweetness of mango. This dish offers a nutritious option for a low-calorie, low-fat supper. Utilising leftover chicken, it requires just 15 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a post-Sunday roast meal. Plus, it’s gluten-free, catering to various dietary preferences with ease.

9. Lentil & tuna salad

Whip up this effortless yet flavourful lentil and tuna salad for a quick and nourishing lunch or dinner option. In just 15 minutes you can have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy, perfect for hectic days. Elevate the dish with a classic dressing crafted from a blend of sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic and olive oil, adding a tangy touch that beautifully enhances the earthy notes of the lentils.

10. Prawn rice noodle salad

It’s easy to find cooked prawns in the supermarket – here, we’ve turned them into a quick and easy family meal. Try this prawn rice noodle salad next time you’re looking for a flavoursome no-cook recipe.