Play It Cool

A menu of no-cook recipes for the hottest days

How to avoid overheating during summer swelters: lounge in the pool, drink lemonade, camp out in front of the fan—and don’t cook, right? But you’ve still gotta eat. Rather than shun the kitchen until after Labor Day, try this menu, which requires no stove, oven, or heat source of any kind. Everything here is light, summery, and best served cold, proving you can dine well and still stay chill.

Blackberry Kir Royale
A classic French apéritif—bubbly with a dash of black currant liqueur—gets a fruity burst with the addition of frozen blackberries and blackberry syrup.

Cucumber and Green Grape Gazpacho
Not all gazpachos require tomatoes. This white one whips together grapes, cucumbers, and almonds for an airy yet filling no-cook soup.

Tuna, Olive, Avocado, and Green Bean Salad
The soup-and-salad combo is usually reserved for colder months, but serving this healthy tuna dish alongside the gazpacho proves it works well in summer, too.

Pistachio-Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
This triple-decker delight layers pistachio, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream to form a frozen dessert that’s both nostalgic and elegant.