5 No-Bake ideas to beat the heat.
I rely on Seamlessweb as much as the next busy New Yorker, but we all know this usually isn’t the best option for a well rounded-healthy meal. If you’re trying to make a conscious effort to eat better but just don’t have the time, are pure lazy, or don’t want to turn the oven on in this 90 degree+ jungle weather we experience all summer long, try one of these no-bake ideas instead.
1. Entrée: Spicy Thai Tuna Wrap
Who said tuna sandwiches were just for kids? Put an adult twist on yours during hot weather by mixing up a can of tuna with chopped cashews, carrots, scallions, add lettuce of your choice, your favorite hot sauce (a siracha base or peanut Thai ginger dressing works here) some chopped up celery or watercress, and wrap it all up in a whole wheat or basil infused wrap. 15 minutes or less, zero cooking required. If you can handle a can opener, you can handle this one.
2. Entrée: Chilled lime, cucumber, avocado and mixed bean soup.
All you need is a blender and an hour to chill this one. Mix whatever ingredients you like (throw in cilantro, green onion, lemon zest etc. for taste) blend, stick in the refrigerator, and top with beans, salsas, or whatever grabs your interest.
The protein and healthy fats from the beans and avocado in this will keep you satiated until dinner time.
3. Entrée: Caprese Salad 3 Ways
This one’s always a refreshing summer starter, but to turn the classic Italian marriage between melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella and fresh heirloom tomatoes into a more substantial meal try:
1. Adding the core components into a mixed cold quinoa salad using mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and diced basil leaves.
2. Serving cold pesto chicken on the plate as well – the pesto blends well with the other flavors and adds a more substantial element to the meal.
3. Serving the caprese as a cold whole grain pasta salad. (Add chopped walnuts for an element of texture and a dose of omega-3 fatty acids.)
4. Dessert: Trifle
This layered and whipped classic English dessert only looks complicated but is deceptively easy to make. So if you have a summer party or brunch with the in-laws where you need to impress, whip one up while staying cool.
Ingredients: Custard, layers of pound or angel food cake (I douse mine with brandy overnight which soaks into all the layers for an extra delicious kick), and layers of your favorite chopped fruit. Berries work well here or layer kiwi and pineapple for a tropical flare - avoid banana slices (these tend not to hold their structure well in this dessert). Top with whipped cream and orange zest or chocolate flakes for finishing touches!
5. Dessert: Ice Cream Smores Sandwiches
For those on the extreme end of the lazy spectrum (you know who you are) these are a low-effort dessert that will keep you extra chilled on a hot day.
Take your usual smores recipe and replace the hot marshmallows with marshmallow cream, adding a small scoop of Rockey Road ice cream in between the graham cracker and bittersweet chocolate layers for a messy and delicious summer twist on the campfire fave.
For more summer nutrition ideas and health information is available at Alix’s website wildernutrition.com.
I rely on Seamlessweb as much as the next busy New Yorker, but we all know this usually isn’t the best option for a well rounded-healthy meal. If you’re trying to make a conscious effort to eat better but just don’t have the time, are pure lazy, or don’t want to turn the oven on in this 90 degree+ jungle weather we experience all summer long, try one of these no-bake ideas instead.
1. Entrée: Spicy Thai Tuna Wrap
Who said tuna sandwiches were just for kids? Put an adult twist on yours during hot weather by mixing up a can of tuna with chopped cashews, carrots, scallions, add lettuce of your choice, your favorite hot sauce (a siracha base or peanut Thai ginger dressing works here) some chopped up celery or watercress, and wrap it all up in a whole wheat or basil infused wrap. 15 minutes or less, zero cooking required. If you can handle a can opener, you can handle this one.
2. Entrée: Chilled lime, cucumber, avocado and mixed bean soup.
All you need is a blender and an hour to chill this one. Mix whatever ingredients you like (throw in cilantro, green onion, lemon zest etc. for taste) blend, stick in the refrigerator, and top with beans, salsas, or whatever grabs your interest.
The protein and healthy fats from the beans and avocado in this will keep you satiated until dinner time.
3. Entrée: Caprese Salad 3 Ways
This one’s always a refreshing summer starter, but to turn the classic Italian marriage between melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella and fresh heirloom tomatoes into a more substantial meal try:
1. Adding the core components into a mixed cold quinoa salad using mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and diced basil leaves.
2. Serving cold pesto chicken on the plate as well – the pesto blends well with the other flavors and adds a more substantial element to the meal.
3. Serving the caprese as a cold whole grain pasta salad. (Add chopped walnuts for an element of texture and a dose of omega-3 fatty acids.)
4. Dessert: Trifle
This layered and whipped classic English dessert only looks complicated but is deceptively easy to make. So if you have a summer party or brunch with the in-laws where you need to impress, whip one up while staying cool.
Ingredients: Custard, layers of pound or angel food cake (I douse mine with brandy overnight which soaks into all the layers for an extra delicious kick), and layers of your favorite chopped fruit. Berries work well here or layer kiwi and pineapple for a tropical flare - avoid banana slices (these tend not to hold their structure well in this dessert). Top with whipped cream and orange zest or chocolate flakes for finishing touches!
5. Dessert: Ice Cream Smores Sandwiches
For those on the extreme end of the lazy spectrum (you know who you are) these are a low-effort dessert that will keep you extra chilled on a hot day.
Take your usual smores recipe and replace the hot marshmallows with marshmallow cream, adding a small scoop of Rockey Road ice cream in between the graham cracker and bittersweet chocolate layers for a messy and delicious summer twist on the campfire fave.
For more summer nutrition ideas and health information is available at Alix’s website wildernutrition.com.