15+ No-Cook Dinner Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less

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On May 26, 2025

If you don’t feel like powering up the oven or stove, these no-cook dinner options are for you! Enjoy an easy meal that takes no more than 30 minutes to prepare—perfect for busy summer evenings. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing salad or a towering sandwich, there are so many delicious meals to choose from. Try dishes like our Marry Me Chicken Salad Sandwich or our No-Cook White Bean & Spinach Caprese Salad for a flavorful meal that everyone will love.

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Marry Me Chicken Salad Sandwich

Photographer: Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This sandwich takes the satisfying combination of creamy, savory and tangy flavors from the original dish and gives it the sandwich treatment. We add a handful of peppery arugula to give a vibrant bite to every mouthful, but you can use baby spinach in its place if you prefer.

No-Cook White Bean & Spinach Caprese Salad

This easy white bean and spinach caprese salad features the classic combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil and tangy balsamic vinegar, but adds tender white beans and fresh baby spinach to the mix.

Turmeric Chicken & Avocado Wraps

Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

Turmeric, with its bright golden hue, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, while chickpeas add fiber and plant-based protein to these wraps. Mix up the chicken salad at the beginning of the week to enjoy in a wrap or serve it over greens if you prefer.

Tomato, Mozzarella & Arugula Sandwich

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, prop stylist: LIndsey Lower

This vegetarian sandwich is packed with protein, thanks to creamy fresh mozzarella cheese and plenty of walnuts blended into the roasted red pepper spread, which is reminiscent of romesco sauce.

Bhel Puri-Inspired Salad

Ali Redmond

This flavorful salad was inspired by bhel puri, a type of chaat (savory snack) served across India, and features puffed quinoa and lentils for extra protein and fiber.

Chicken & Spinach Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing

Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

The creamy feta dressing steals the show in this protein-rich salad, which makes a perfect lunch or quick and easy dinner. While you can buy feta cheese already crumbled, we like crumbling our own fresh from the block for this salad. We prefer the slightly sharper flavor of sheep’s-milk feta, but cow’s-milk feta works just as well.

Eat-the-Rainbow Chopped Salad with Basil & Mozzarella

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

This fresh and colorful chopped salad has all of the delicious flavors you love from a classic caprese salad, plus even more healthy veggies. Add grilled or roasted chicken for a quick main dish.

Chopped Italian Sandwiches

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

This mouthwatering chopped Italian sandwich is assembled using a method where all the ingredients are arranged in a single layer, finely chopped together and then layered onto the bread. Feel free to add Italian antipasto ingredients like canned artichokes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes or roasted bell peppers for an extra flavorful twist.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely

This light and fresh caprese pasta salad is brought together with a bright and tangy dressing, with fresh mozzarella pearls adding creaminess to every bite.

Veggie Sandwich

Ali Redmond

From beans to tofu to tempeh bacon, this high-protein veggie sandwich formula can help mitigate blood sugar spikes and keep you feeling full until your next meal.

Avocado Tuna Spinach Salad

Greg DuPree

Avocado adds creaminess while sunflower seeds provide texture and crunch in this easy tuna-spinach salad.

Shrimp Cobb Salad with Dijon Dressing

We’ve replaced chicken with shrimp in this delicious and easy spin on the classic Cobb salad. This satisfying salad takes just 20 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, but it’s also elegant enough to serve to guests.

Kale & Avocado Salad with Blueberries & Edamame

Bursting with nutrient-rich produce, this California-inspired salad is a delicious and satisfying way to get your vitamins. We love the unusual combination of blueberries, edamame and goat cheese.

Chopped Power Salad with Chicken

Jason Donnelly

Enjoy this filling and colorful salad for lunch or dinner. The dressing gets made in the same bowl that the salad is tossed in, so the greens absorb every bit of flavor.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Photography / Jennifer Causey, Styling / Ali Ramee / Audrey Davis

This simple tuna and macaroni salad is easy to pack and enjoy for work or school. The celery and bell pepper add a refreshing crisp crunch while the dressing—packed with flavor from dill, Dijon and lemon juice—complements the tuna.

Vegetarian Chopped Power Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing

Brie Passano

This healthy vegetarian salad recipe features chickpeas and quinoa for a boost of protein. Cilantro adds color and flavor when blended to make a creamy dressing. Serve this cold salad for lunch or dinner.