Cool dinner ideas for when it's too hot to cook -

Summer brings with it so many things we love—beaches, ice-cream, less clothing—but it can also bring waves of heat, a perpetual sticky feeling, and a lack of motivation in the kitchen.

When you've worn out the ice-cream-for-dinner route, there are tons of healthier meal ideas that don't require cooking! And don't worry, we're not talking about salads.

Click through to see some delicious no-cook dinners.

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Cold spicy peanut zoodles -

Zucchini noodles are perfect for the summer, and mixed with peanut sauce, sesame oil, and scallions it's a great low-carb dish.

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Chilled cucumber, avocado, and sweet pea soup -

For the creamiest, tastiest, protein-rich cold soup, blend the ingredients with Greek yogurt, season with salt and pepper, and serve with chili oil, chives, and chopped pistachios.

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Sushi burrito -

Making sushi at home is actually easier than you think, and no one will judge you if you microwave leftover rice with water and flour to make it sticky.

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Blue-cheese buttermilk wedge salad -

When not expensively priced at a fancy restaurant, this is actually the perfect lazy summer dish. It requires no cooking and very little chopping, and you'll save a ton of money. For the dressing, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, salt and pepper, hot sauce, chives, garlic, and lemon juice, then slowly fold in blue cheese crumbles.

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Black bean tacos -

Top it off with fresh herbs and a bright cilantro and cumin cream, and you'll forget all about hot tacos.

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Italian corner deli sandwich -

If you've got a big appetite and little motivation to cook, assemble a classic sub roll with cold cuts and sharp cheese slices, plus whatever veggies and sauces you like.

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Summer rolls -

You can't go wrong with fresh rolls filled with cool and crisp veggies, dipped in a delicious peanut sauce.

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Loaded nachos -

Crunchy chips with cool guacamole, beans from the can, fresh salsa, and heaps of sour cream!

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Asparagus and arugula pasta salad -

Not every pasta can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad, but this one can. Lemon, red wine vinegar, pepper, and goat cheese provide the burst of flavor with none of the heat.

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Naengmyeon (cold soba soup) -

This Korean cold noodle dish is served in a chilled broth and can be topped with sliced cucumbers, Korean pears (or try watermelon), pickled radishes, and boiled egg. It's a subtle mix of sweet, tangy, and savory.

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Mediterranean tuna lettuce wraps -

You can liven up that tuna with feta cheese, chickpeas, tomato, and bell pepper.

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White bean and summer veg salad -

You get the creamy richness of a hearty meal but the freshness of a no-cook prep.

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Smashed chickpea sandwich -

Chickpeas are often used as a base for mock tuna sandwiches, and they can also be easily mixed with sauces like buffalo or other ingredients like avocado for a more protein-packed punch.

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Raw falafel wraps -

Raw falafel is surprisingly easy to make, using sunflower seeds as the base and combined with tahini, garlic, cumin, and shallot.

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Tomato gazpacho -

This cold soup is what fresh garden tomatoes dream of becoming.

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Hiyayakko -

This Japanese chilled tofu dish can be topped with katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), green onions, grated ginger, soy sauce, or tart Ponzu sauce.

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No-cook burrito bowl -

Opt for ingredients like beans, fresh salsa, guacamole, and corn.

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Panzanella -

This summery Tuscan chopped salad uses soaked stale bread, onions, basil, and tomatoes. Dress it with high quality olive oil and vinegar.

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Smoked salmon flatbread -

Use naan or another ready-made flatbread as a base for a more dinner-worthy take on the lox bagel.

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Artichoke caprese platter -

Amp up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with marinated artichokes.

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Shrimp ceviche tostadas -

Ceviche is a great summer option as the seafood dish uses fresh raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices, then spiced with chili peppers, chopped onions, salt, and cilantro.

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Microwave quesadillas -

Melted cheese on a hot summer day is possible if you lower your standards a little!

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Turkey, apple, and brie sandwich -

This combination is the most fancy deli turkey can get!

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Creamy broccoli slaw -

Broccoli is a powerhouse protein that can boost this side to a main. Combine broccoli, red onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, lime juice, and Greek yogurt for a healthier take on the usual mayo slaw.

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Fruit and cheese board -

You can add meats, breads, crackers, and whatever variety of cheeses and fruit to turn this appetizer into a full meal. It’s dinner and dessert, and it’s the fanciest no-cook dinner you can get!

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Spinach and turkey pinwheels -

These are great to make ahead and keep in the fridge for a quick, healthy, and most importantly cool dinner on hot days.

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No-cook fresh tomato sauce pasta -

You’re craving that leftover pasta, but you’re not interested in a pasta salad—what do you do? Chop up some fresh tomatoes, mix with garlic, salt, basil, and olive oil, then let it sit for up to an hour for the best no-cook sauce!

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Cucumber boats -

Using the cool, refreshing base of a cucumber ensures a crunchy and light vessel for whatever toppings you want—mashed chickpeas, tuna, leftover chicken, you name it.

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See also - Cool salad combos for the hot days ahead

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