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12 no-cook recipes to make when it's too hot to turn on the oven

Monica Farber/Southern Living
Credit: Monica Farber/Southern Living

During summer in the South, there are many times when cooking is just off the table. Adding more heat to the house by turning on the oven or stove is the last thing most Southerners want to do when the temperatures outside are scorching. Luckily, there are plenty of classic Southern recipes to rely on in the summer to stay cool and satisfied. From ...

During summer in the South, there are many times when cooking is just off the table. Adding more heat to the house by turning on the oven or stove is the last thing most Southerners want to do when the temperatures outside are scorching.

Luckily, there are plenty of classic Southern recipes to rely on in the summer to stay cool and satisfied. From a classic tomato sandwich to chicken salad and more, these are the best no-cook dishes to make during the summer, according to our readers.

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01 of 12

Tomato Sandwich

southern tomato sandwich halves on plate
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It's no surprise that the most popular no-cook meal among our readers is a tomato sandwich, with tomatoes fresh from the garden and Duke's mayonnaise, to be specific.

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02 of 12

Tuna Salad

Southern Living Easy Tuna Salad ready to serve
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Whether served on lettuce, with crackers, or made into a sandwich, tuna salad is a no-fuss recipe—in a good way.

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03 of 12

Ham Sandwiches With Smoky Honey Mustard

Southern Living Ham Sandwich on a blue plate
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

A sandwich with potato chips and a pickle on the side is always a good idea on a hot summer day. Add our easy Smoky Honey Mustard to quickly elevate any sandwich made with cold cuts.

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04 of 12

Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad

Southern Living Old Fashioned Chicken Salad on plates to serve with lettuce and crackers
Credit: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

To make chicken salad without having to use the stovetop, readers like to use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or leftover chicken they have in the fridge or freezer.

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05 of 12

Pineapple Sandwich

Southern Living Pineapple Sandwich on a plate to serve
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Just three ingredients are needed to pull together this no-cook sandwich that's as simple as it gets.

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06 of 12

Charcuterie Board

southern charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, fruit, and olives
Credit: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

While charcuterie boards are often served as an appetizer, they can also serve as a great no-cook meal. Transform the meats, cheeses, veggies, and fruits you have on hand into a fun snack dinner the whole family will love.

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07 of 12

Classic Southern BLT

southern blt stacked on top of each other
Credit: Monica Farber/Southern Living

Our readers like to use microwave bacon or prepare bacon in the air fryer to still enjoy a fresh BLT without turning on the stovetop or oven.

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08 of 12

Ham Salad

Ham salad with saltine crackers - Southern Living
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Like the other cold salads mentioned on this list, ham salad can be served in a variety of ways and is great to keep in the fridge for a quick meal on a hot day.

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09 of 12

Chopped Salad

Southern Living Chopped Salad prepared on a platter to serve
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Chopped salad with either ham or turkey is a go-to for many Southern Living readers. They also adapt the veggies included based on what they have on hand or what's ready in their garden.

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10 of 12

Waldorf Salad

Southern Living Waldorf Salad in a bowl to serve
Credit: Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Waldorf Salad is hearty on its own, but some readers like to add rotisserie chicken when serving it as a main dish.

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11 of 12

Cucumber Sandwiches

Southern Living Cucumber Tea Sandwiches on a serving platter with a small plate of sandwiches beside
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If you're making a cucumber sandwich for just yourself, you can skip over the last step of cutting them into "fingers," but it makes a fun presentation for serving.

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12 of 12

Pimiento Cheese

Southern Living Basic Pimento Cheese in a bowl to serve with crackers and vegetables
Credit: Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

Pimineto cheese can serve as the star of a cold plate, slathered between two slices of bread for a quick sandwich, or served on a croissant. One reader recommends adding bacon to make it a little more filling.

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