Meals That Dont Require Cooking

Feel good about your midweek meals with our healthy dinners. Amateur chefs fear not – these recipes are perfect for beginners as they don't require any cooking. Simply prep your ingredients in 25 minutes or less and dinner is on the table.

Featuring salads, soups and rice dishes, these recipes are full of bold flavours like chipotle, chilli and Asian-inspired ingredients. We feature low-calorie dishes and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Take the stress out of weeknights and spend less time in the kitchen with our top recipes.

See our ultimate quick and healthy recipe collection for more speedy meals.

1) Bang bang chicken cups

Chicken, lettuce, vegetables on blue wooden board

Top lettuce leaves with cooked chicken, colourful veggies and a bold peanut & sweet chilli sauce in our highly rated bang bang chicken cups recipe. This speedy dinner comes together in just 10 minutes. Use leftover chicken from a Sunday roast to help clear out the fridge. Cut cucumber, spring onion and carrot into fine matchsticks for a crunchy topping. These healthy lettuce cups are low in calories and gluten-free.

For more tasty low-cal meals, see our low-calorie collection.

2) Smashed cannellini bean tartine

Pile chunky bean smash, rocket and feta cheese on lightly toasted sourdough with our smashed cannellini bean tartine. This light meal makes for an easy dinner for two. Blitz cannellini beans with zesty lemon, garlic and olive oil then stir through chilli, parsley and cherry tomatoes. Our quick tartine is a great no-cook option for vegetarians.

See our healthy vegetarian collection for more inspiration.

3) No-cook chicken couscous

Our classic no-cook chicken couscous uses minimal ingredients for an easy low-salt dinner. Simply soak couscous and frozen peas in hot chicken broth for five minutes, then toss with cooked chicken, chopped tomatoes, olive oil and lemon juice. This healthy dish is great hot or cold, so set some aside for a packed lunch.

For more ways to use up chicken, see our leftover chicken collection.

4) Chipotle gazpacho

Discover our healthy chipotle gazpacho, full of bold flavours like red chili, fresh garlic, spicy chipotle and zingy lime juice. For this easy, no-cook soup, whizz the tomatoes and other ingredients in a blender and leave to chill for two hours. Make a chunky salsa by tossing spring onion, avocado, chilli, coriander and lime juice together. This vegetarian and gluten-free gazpacho contains three of your five-a-day and is loaded with vitamin C.

For more ideas, see our healthy soup collection.

5) Quick chicken hummus bowl

Chicken, hummus, spinach and avocado in white bowl

Pack in three of your five-a-day with this quick chicken hummus bowl. Start with an easy dressing by mixing creamy hummus, lemon and water, then combine with cooked mixed grains. Pile on cooked chicken, rich avocado, pomegranate seeds, red onion, toasted almonds and extra hummus. This filling supper takes just 10 minutes preperation and serves two.

For more healthy dinners, see our healthy chicken collection.

6) Garden salmon salad

Use up leftover salmon with this light garden salmon salad. This low-calorie salad is jam-packed with veg, including courgettes, fresh shelled peas, radishes and pea shoots. Simply cut the courgettes into ribbons and toss with the remaining veg, chunky salmon and light dressing. Scatter over mixed seeds and dill to serve and finish with a good grinding of black pepper.

See our healthy salad collection for more.

7) Asian prawn & pineapple salad

prawn salad with pineapple in white bowl

This Asian prawn & pineapple salad is packed with vibrant flavours like sweet pineapple, spicy chilli, fish sauce, fresh mint and lime juice. This no-cook salad can be served with steamed rice or boiled noodles, but also makes for a great dinner on its own. Whizz a simple dressing together and combine with beansprouts, prawns, cucumber, tomato and cashews. This easy, low-salt main takes just 20 minutes to prepare and serves four.

For more inspiration, see our healthy prawn collection.

8) Chilli crab with shaved fennel & parsley salad

Serve this chilli crab with shaved fennel & parsley salad at a dinner party as a light main that feeds six. This no-cook salad uses fresh white crabmeat – a better-tasting alternative to canned. The crabmeat and fennel can be prepared up to two hours ahead of serving. Combine with red chilli, parsley, lemon zest and olive oil for a sophisticated end result. Using minimal ingredients, this easy salad is healthy and gluten-free.

For more seafood dishes, see our healthy fish recipes.

9) Green cucumber & mint gazpacho

Loaded with four of your five-a-day, this healthy green cucumber & mint gazpacho is low in salt and vegetarian. Simply blitz all of the ingredients in a food processor and add extra vinegar, Tabasco and seasoning to your taste. Chill until very cold, then top with creamy yogurt, chopped mint and fresh chives. This gazpacho keeps well for up to two days in the fridge.

For more ideas, see our quick vegetarian recipes.

10) No-cook Asian prawn coleslaw

Full of Asian-inspired flavours, this no-cook Asian prawn coleslaw couldn't be easier. Mix lime juice, sugar, sesame oil, red chilli and fresh ginger for an easy dressing, then add shredded white cabbage, grated carrot, sliced raddish, cashews and coriander leaves and top with cooked prawns. This recipe can be easily doubled so it makes for a great packed lunch.

For more simple dinners, see our easy healthy recipes.

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Which no-cook healthy meal do you want to try? Leave a comment below…