Any chance we have to avoid extra heat in the summer is welcome. As the weather warms, you may be looking for ways to prepare meals without added heat. How do you keep things fresh, satisfying and full of flavor without using your stove, oven or slow cooker? Fortunately, there are plenty of nutrient-packed, protein-filled options that don’t require any cooking, even for those who follow a vegan diet.

When it comes to meal planning, most of us crave ways that we can step away from the stove or oven. If you’ve been on the lookout for no cook vegan meals, we hope this list of ideas has got you thinking of options and alternatives. Whether you prepare a cold meal yourself, make it ahead and eat it cold or order either takeout or a meal delivery service, be sure to give yourself a variety of flavours, textures and meals.

We’ve put together the following list of delicious ideas for no cook vegan meals. These meals will keep you away from the stove and have you asking for more.

1. Cold Soups

Soups are a tasty, versatile option for vegan diets. Thankfully, many of them taste just as good cold as they do warm. For your summer meal, think of gazpacho, filled with tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers or a cold carrot soup, topped with spices, avocado and green onions. These colourful, cool dinner options are both nutritious and refreshing.

2. Protein-Packed Salads

Protein-packed salads is another no cook vegan meal that you will surely loved. Perhaps the most versatile meal, served cold, for any diet is a summer salad. Vegan salads range from lighter spinach, beet and mandarin orange slices to a more robust bread salad with tofu, root vegetables and fresh basil.

Another vegan staple is a protein-rich chickpea salad with onion, tomatoes and cilantro. No matter your preference of vegetables, don’t be shy as you experiment with combinations of herbs and other flavour add-ons—black sesame seeds, crumbled, uncooked ramen noodles—your imagination is your only limit.

3. Noodles

If you’re craving noodles, some vegan options allow you to avoid boiling a pot of water. Consider zucchini noodles, which can be eaten raw—simply use a spiralizer and a bit of muscle power to produce beautiful noodles, ready to be topped with fresh garlic, tomatoes, avocado and / or pine nuts.

You can also buy no cook vegan noodles and simply cover them in a vegan-friendly coconut or curry sauce to let the noodles soften. After a few minutes, top with edamame beans, cilantro or cherry tomatoes and enjoy.

4. Meal Delivery Service

Let’s face it, even if you plan ahead for leftovers to last a few nights, you will likely grow tired of eating the same meal night after night. This is where vegan food delivery services can be a huge win. With fresh ingredients delivered in easy-to-use kits, meal delivery services can provide plenty of flavour, nutrition and variety without any of the shopping, cooking or planning—a win for hot summer nights.

Of course, ordering in from your favourite vegan restaurant is a quick work-around solution for nights that you don’t want to cook. Depending on where you live, you may have one or even a handful of vegan restaurants that will deliver to your home. Of course, there are drawbacks to ordering in every night—the decision-making can feel like a burden, the wait-time for delivery can vary and the cost can be prohibitive.

5. Wraps and Sandwiches

Of course, the evergreen no-cook meal is a sandwich or wrap. To make a meal out of your vegan sandwich or wrap, think about adding a variety of flavours and textures. Crunchy lettuce, combined with creamy avocado or a chickpea paste, for example, provide a flavourful backdrop for cucumbers, artichoke or other favourite fillings. For extra zip, add sundried tomatoes, fresh herbs or your favourite curry paste.

6. Spring Rolls

For a tasty alternative to salads, soups and sandwiches, think about making delicious, colourful spring rolls. Finely cut your favourite veggies—spring roll staples include carrots, bell pepper, romaine lettuce and red cabbage. Think about adding mint and ginger for extra kick. Prepare and wrap your rice paper, roll your filling ingredients like you would a burrito, slice in half and dip in your favourite vegan sauce.

7. Leftovers

One of the easiest ways to enjoy a cool vegan meal on a hot night is to prepare your meals ahead of time. Vegan burgers, chili or lasagna can all be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until your next dinner. Of course, this strategy requires time to make your meals ahead and a bit of planning to make sure they are eaten before the food goes bad. If you have the time to pre-plan and prepare, you may be able to give yourself a night, or even a few nights, off of cooking.