10 Beat the Heat Meals That Aren’t Salads

Want to beat the heat this summer? Ditch the oven and fire up the microwave or air fryer instead! We’ve rounded up a list of 10 delicious and nutritious no-cook recipes that won’t heat up your kitchen, take hours to prepare, or burn a hole in your wallet. From Air Fryer Chicken Po Boys to a refreshing Coconut Lime Rice Bowl, these no-cook summer meals are the perfect cooldown. 

What makes the microwave your ultimate kitchen hero? 

According to a Harvard Medical School study, microwave steaming can retain more vitamins and minerals than practically any other cooking method due to quicker cook times, shorter heat exposure, and less liquid demand. Before your oven has the chance to pre-heat, your meal will be ready––your hydro bill will thank you for the break, too!  

Meet our silicone cookware line––created for quick, easy, and nutritious microwave cooking! They’re sure to be your BFF on those hot summer days. 

Here are 10 refreshing recipes that are guaranteed to keep you and your kitchen cool

1. Poke Bowl

This easy-to-assemble recipe goes from raw to ready in just 20 minutes! All you need to make it is some rice, shrimp, mayo, veggies, sesame oil, and low-sodium soy sauce. Skip the $20 takeout and save money with this $4.25-a-serving option instead! 

2. Coconut Lime Rice Bowl  

This budget-friendly recipe is loaded with nourishing ingredients like mixed greens, avocado, and cherry tomatoes—at only $2.49 a serving, you can’t go wrong! 

Tip: Serve this with canned tuna, salmon, or chickpeas for added protein on a budget!  

3. Butter Chicken Wraps  

Stretch leftover butter chicken into another meal. These wraps are packed with flavour and can be made in less than 15 minutes! 

Tip: Bulk it up with quinoa and spinach for a filling hot sandwich dinner. 

4.California Chicken Caesar Sandwich  

Featuring Rotisserie Chicken made in an easy-to-clean Round Steamer. At only $2.48 a serving, this recipe is a quick, nutritious, and budget-friendly option to cut down on your grocery bill! Your utility bill will also thank you because this recipe is ready in just 20 minutes in the microwave rather than 1 hour in the oven. 

"Rotisserie Chicken in less than 30 minutes—what!!!! I tested it out and it is true! So juicy and delicious. Made for dinner and had leftovers the next day!" – Carrie B 

 5. Cucumber Pinwheels  

Ready for the perfect kid-friendly meal on those “don’t-feel-like-cooking" days? All you need are four ingredients––cucumbers, cream cheese, whole wheat tortillas, and 3 Onion Dip Mix! Because they're so easy to pack and nibble on, they're the perfect finger food to serve at summer gatherings! Bring them to any backyard dinner party, picnic, or other outdoor event. Plus, each serving is only $1.53. 

6. Air Fryer Chicken Po Boys  

These classic Southern-style sandwiches are a must-have for hot summer days! You'll get the same great taste as deep-fried chicken while only using a fraction of the oil. 

7. Mediterranean Meatballs Power Bowl 

All the goodness of Greek meatballs, minus the lengthy cook time! This high-protein power bowl is ready in just 20 minutes compared to almost an hour in the oven and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Before your oven even has the chance to preheat, you can already shape and cook your meatballs in a steamer! 

8. Ancho Lime Steamer Rice  

Tangy citrus meets medium heat in this Mexican-inspired rice dish. It's only $0.39 a serving and is loaded with flavour! Raid your fridge for leftovers to stir in or serve along with the rice—crumble in leftover burgers, grilled chicken, or other proteins to bump up the nutrition! 

9. Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese  

With jalapeño popper pasta, you can bring in the heat without raising the temperature of your kitchen! This one-pot meal brings in flavours of a popular restaurant appetizer. It’s our unique take on an ultimate comfort food dish.  

10. Raspberry Lime Cheesecake Pops 

Craving something sweet? Skip the sugary popsicles from the convenience store and try these cheesecake pops instead! They’re made with only 5 ingredients, including Greek yogurt to add a bump of protein to your day, and will only cost you $1.12 a serving.  

Hungry for more? Head to epicure.com to discover more time-saving microwave meals and desserts!   
 

Written by Gabi Abreu, Epicure Product Education Specialist. (BSc Nutrition & Dietetics)