Serve a Delicious Three-Course Meal Without Cooking a Single Thing

Posted on 20 Jul 2020

During these sizzling summer days, making your favorite meals can be a challenge. Heat from your oven, stove, grill — even the toaster — can keep your home uncomfortably warm throughout the day and into the evening. To beat the heat, try out some of these mouthwatering recipes that will fill you up without cooking at all.

Appetizers

At Reunion, you’ll find gorgeous new homes that feature one-of-a-kind kitchens. Outfitted with spacious walk-in pantries and large kitchen islands, you’ll love chopping, slicing, and dicing in a modern kitchen from Oakwood Homes. For your first course, opt for a flavorful Mexican theme with homemade guacamole and shrimp tostadas. At the grocery store, you can find fully-cooked peel-and-eat shrimp to avoid using your stovetop. Using just a blender, easily make a batch of gazpacho, a chilled vegetable soup from Spain. With fresh and seasonal ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers, add savory caprese skewers and dainty finger sandwiches to your no-cook menu. Whether you create a multi-course meal or munch on appetizers during happy hour, these delectable starters will keep you and your home cool all summer long.

Entrees

Impress your guests with a succulent seafood spread. Ahi poke bowls and salmon wraps only require a few ingredients, most of which can be purchased pre-cooked — like the salmon for your wrap or rice for your bowl. With so many epic sandwich combinations, find a new favorite in a creative recipe — such as a chicken finger sub — or recreate the classic tuna salad sandwich for a filling main dish. Accompany your entree with a refreshing and nutritious salad: With so many crisp and flavorful veggies available like zucchini and squash, your summery salad can easily be the star of the show. In your stunning kitchen from Richmond American, gather your family for a dinner that will fill you up without firing up any of your gorgeous new appliances. 

Desserts

For your third course, deliver a sweet treat without baking, basting, or boiling. Gather your group in a gorgeous great room from TRI Pointe Homes to stave off the evening summer heat with a delicious popsicle. Create mouthwatering combinations using fruit and herbs like strawberry and mint, or creamy concoctions like cheesecake pops. If you have leftover seasonal fruit, consider popping it into pretty parfaits — the yogurt, granola, and fruit will satisfy your sweet tooth without needing to cook any of the elements. For a classic American throwback, opt for a simple icebox cake. Let your kiddos layer fluffy cake, whipped cream, and seasonal fruit to enjoy after a few hours in the freezer. To wrap up the perfect no-heat meal, keep it simple with a delectable no-bake cheesecake. Add cherries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity pop, or dish out this dreamy and creamy classic using just a squeeze of lemon and vanilla extract. Serve, enjoy, and most importantly — stay cool.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, these must-make meals are perfect for filling you up and cooling you down on a hot summer day. Allow your family to join in the fun around a stunning kitchen island from our one-of-a-kind home builders at Reunion. You’ll find spacious kitchens to create your masterpieces, not to mention beautiful dining areas, great rooms, and optional patios to enjoy your meals and spend your sweltering summer evenings. Don’t forget — share your culinary creations with us on Instagram!