During summer in the South, there are many times when cooking is just off the table. Adding more heat to the house by turning on the oven or stove is the last thing most Southerners want to do when the temperatures outside are scorching.
Luckily, there are plenty of classic Southern recipes to rely on in the summer to stay cool and satisfied. From a classic tomato sandwich to chicken salad and more, these are the best no-cook dishes to make during the summer, according to our readers.
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It’s no surprise that the most popular no-cook meal among our readers is a tomato sandwich, with tomatoes fresh from the garden and Duke’s mayonnaise, to be specific.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Whether served on lettuce, with crackers, or made into a sandwich, tuna salad is a no-fuss recipe—in a good way.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A sandwich with potato chips and a pickle on the side is always a good idea on a hot summer day. Add our easy Smoky Honey Mustard to quickly elevate any sandwich made with cold cuts.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
To make chicken salad without having to use the stovetop, readers like to use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or leftover chicken they have in the fridge or freezer.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Just three ingredients are needed to pull together this no-cook sandwich that’s as simple as it gets.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
While charcuterie boards are often served as an appetizer, they can also serve as a great no-cook meal. Transform the meats, cheeses, veggies, and fruits you have on hand into a fun snack dinner the whole family will love.
Our readers like to use microwave bacon or prepare bacon in the air fryer to still enjoy a fresh BLT without turning on the stovetop or oven.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Like the other cold salads mentioned on this list, ham salad can be served in a variety of ways and is great to keep in the fridge for a quick meal on a hot day.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Chopped salad with either ham or turkey is a go-to for many Southern Living readers. They also adapt the veggies included based on what they have on hand or what’s ready in their garden.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Waldorf Salad is hearty on its own, but some readers like to add rotisserie chicken when serving it as a main dish.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you’re making a cucumber sandwich for just yourself, you can skip over the last step of cutting them into “fingers,” but it makes a fun presentation for serving.
Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
Pimineto cheese can serve as the star of a cold plate, slathered between two slices of bread for a quick sandwich, or served on a croissant. One reader recommends adding bacon to make it a little more filling.
