Skip navigation

Simple no-cook summer dinners

Get through hot, lazy days with these Real Simple recipes

  Recipes from TODAY
Search for recipes featured on TODAY
Interactive
8 wines worthy of a feast
TODAY's Edward Deitch reveals favorites from around the globe.
Slideshow
Image: Chef Rocco DiSpirito
  Appetite for perfection
From Rachael Ray to Rocco DiSpirito, these celebrity chefs know how to turn up the heat in the kitchen.

more photos

  Obamas arrive in Moscow
July 6: President Obama and his family have arrived in Moscow for a U.S.-Russia summit. NBC’s Savannah Guthrie reports.

Video
  Surviving summer with kids
June 20: In this week’s Friday Whip, TODAY’s Meredith Vieira and Matt Lauer talk to five experts on how to brave the summer months with kids at home.

Today show

updated 12:01 p.m. ET June 20, 2008

School is almost out and the long, lazy days of summer nearly are upon us. So what do you do with your kids to get through the hot days ahead? Make summer evenings easier with these no-cook dinners from Real Simple.

Chicken salad in lettuce cups
Real Simple

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1 2 1/2 to 3-pound rotisserie chicken
4 medium carrots, shredded
6 scallions (white and light green parts), thinly sliced
Kosher salt and pepper
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 head Bibb lettuce, leaves separated

Recipe continues below ↓
advertisement


DIRECTIONS

Using a fork or your fingers, shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, carrots, scallions, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Divide the lettuce leaves among individual plates, spoon the chicken salad into lettuce leaves, and drizzle with the vinaigrette

Total prep time: 20 minutes

MANAGE YOUR RECIPES


Ham and pineapple wraps
Real Simple

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
Kosher salt and pepper
1 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
1/2 pineapple, cut into thin strips
2 carrots, cut into thin strips
12 ounces deli ham, cut into thin strips
12 large flour tortillas

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the cabbage, pineapple, and carrots, and toss to combine.

Divide the slaw and ham among the tortillas, and roll into wraps.

Total prep time: 30 minutes

MANAGE YOUR RECIPES


Shrimp salad with watermelon and avocado
Real Simple

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

1 pound frozen, fully cooked medium shrimp, thawed
4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into bite-size pieces
2 avocados, cut into bite-size pieces
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon honey
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper
Tortilla chips, for serving

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, watermelon and avocado.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, oil, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips.

Total prep time: 15 minutes

MANAGE YOUR RECIPES




Sponsored links

Resource guide