Enjoy those lazy days of summer with these cool, vintage recipes. We have old-fashioned ideas for salads, sandwiches and more.
30 No-Cook Dinners Grandma Made in Her Summer Kitchen
Updated on Feb. 01, 2024
1/30
Pear Waldorf Pitas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 mini pitas halves
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 67 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
Find more no-cook dinner ideas. (They keep the kitchen cool!)
2/30
Loaded Avocado BLT
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband invented this twist on a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. I like to make it with extra slices of bacon; if you want, you can leave the Gorgonzola cheese out of the avocado spread. —Lori Grant, Kingsport, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 420 calories, 29g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 921mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
3/30
Refreshing Shrimp Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Avocado, strawberries and shrimp are wonderful together in this filling yet light salad. Balsamic or raspberry vinaigrette dressings go well with the salad, as do Asian-inspired dressings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 cups: 239 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
4/30
Egg Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a pared-down version of a classic egg salad recipe. You can also add a little cream cheese for an extra-creamy spread. —Linda Braun, American Egg Board, Park Ridge, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 294 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 431mg cholesterol, 438mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein.
5/30
Classic Cobb Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I plant everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
6/30
Healthy Tuna Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On a hot summer day, there's nothing more refreshing than this salad. I grow a few tomato plants in my garden and the fresh-picked taste makes the dish even more of a treat. —Diane Selich, Vassar, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup tuna salad with 1 tomato: 280 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 656mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
7/30
Muffuletta
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Muffuletta, which originated in New Orleans, is named after the round, crusty Sicilian loaf of bread it's traditionally served on. While I favor my own olive salad, there are several good versions available in most supermarkets. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 762 calories, 59g fat (18g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 2326mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
8/30
Ham Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this ham salad recipe for a shower, and everyone raved about it. Now when I go to a potluck, I take it—along with copies of the recipe. —Patricia Reed, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup ham salad: 229 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1023mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
9/30
Peanut Butter, Chicken and Basil Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Stay with me, here. These classic Thai flavors work on so much more than noodles...try 'em on a sandwich and you won't be disappointed. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 263 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
10/30
Fruity Chicken Salad Mini Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken salad ranks among the classics, and this version is a hit at parties of all kinds. Feel free to substitute green grapes for the red, or toss in extra strawberries when they're in season. The filling can also be served on a bed of salad greens. —Marcy Kamery, Blasdell, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 sandwiches: 524 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 669mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
11/30
Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fabulous way to dress up ordinary tuna salad. This easy recipe makes a quick dinner or lunch at the office, and it's good for you. —Heather Senger, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 279 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
12/30
Cobb Salad Sub
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 233 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
13/30
The Elvis Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Like the King himself sang, you'll be "all shook up" when you taste this savory-sweet sandwich. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 266 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
14/30
Cool & Crunchy Chicken Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When the weather sizzles, get your chill on with a cool chicken salad. Mine uses grapes, pecans and celery for that signature crunch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 340 calories, 24g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1/2 starch.
15/30
Chicken Salad with Grapes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken salad with grapes is ready in a snap when using rotisserie chicken and a few quick chops of pecans, sweet onion and celery. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken salad: 311 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
16/30
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these simple yet special cranberry walnut chicken salad sandwiches for a birthday party. Tangy cranberries and crunchy celery pep up the chicken. Leftover turkey works well too. —Shannon Tucker, Land O' Lakes, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 411 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
17/30
Cucumber Salad Boats
Total Time
10 min
From the Recipe Creator:
Scoop out the seeds and fill fresh cucumbers with your favorite salad for a crunchy and refreshing light lunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
18/30
Swiss Cobb Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with ham, roast beef, bacon and other fixings, this hearty salad has an excellent blend of flavors. A from-scratch vinaigrette adds the refreshing final touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 531 calories, 42g fat (9g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 922mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
19/30
Lobster Roll Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Mayonnaise infused with dill and lemon lends refreshing flavor to these super sandwiches. Try pan-toasting the buns in butter for something extra special. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 354 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 887mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
20/30
Cherry Chicken Croissants
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a similar chicken salad at a restaurant and created my own version. It may seem like an odd combination, but the ingredients work really well together. My children love it, and it only takes a few minutes to cut everything up—so easy!
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 616 calories, 39g fat (12g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
21/30
Turkey Pinto Bean Salad with Southern Molasses Dressing
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is a welcome alternative to the usual post-Thanksgiving fare. It's a tasty main dish loaded with good-for-you protein. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 379 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
22/30
Tarragon Tuna Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's surprising how a few herbs can brighten up tuna salad. Made with reduced-fat mayonnaise, this version gets its zip from mustard. It makes a terrific light lunch or Sunday brunch dish. —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 151 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
23/30
Cobb Salad Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A homemade dressing lightens up these refreshing tortilla wraps. The avocado, bacon, blue cheese and tomato deliver the flavors I enjoy most while keeping me on my healthy eating plan. —Lynne Van Wagenen, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 372 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
24/30
Italian Sub
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Italian husband grew up eating this flavorful sandwich, which his mother used to make it after Saturday chores were finished. Put the sub together a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then serve with chips, veggies and dip for a delicious meal. —Christine Lupella, Fifty Lakes, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 340 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 1130mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
25/30
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The delicious taste and smooth texture of avocados and the crisp shrimp salad create a heavenly combination. Serve it as a cool and satisfying lunch or a light, quick and easy dinner. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup avocado mixture: 252 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
26/30
Summer Splash Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it’s too hot to eat inside, I head out to the patio. Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss with mango, watermelon and grapes for an ooh-ahh healthy chicken salad. —Barbara Spitzer, Lodi, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture with 1 cup lettuce and 1 tablespoon pistachios: 262 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
27/30
Southern Peanut Butter Mayo Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Yep, Southerners love the combo of peanut butter and mayo. The mayonnaise flavor disappears into the peanut butter, just making it creamier and more delicious. I add cheddar to mine because, hey, I'm from Wisconsin. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 320 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
28/30
Focaccia Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 113 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
29/30
Smoked Salmon Egg Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Served on croissants, these grown-up sandwiches offer a great way to use leftover Easter eggs. Salmon adds smoky flavor. —Cathy Tang, Redmond, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 533 calories, 40g fat (11g saturated fat), 265mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
30/30
Mint-Cucumber Tomato Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family's tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 286 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
