Summer is here, and I’m all about those no-cook sauces that bring vibrant flavors to my dishes without heating up the kitchen. Here are seven of my favorites that make summer cooking a breeze!
1. Fresh Basil Pesto
Prep & Cook Time
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
- Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- While the processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until well blended.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Servings
Makes about 1 cup
Nutrition Info
Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon
2. Avocado Lime Dressing
Prep & Cook Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, and salt.
- Blend until smooth, adding water to achieve desired consistency.
Servings
Makes about 1 cup
Nutrition Info
Approximately 80 calories per 2 tablespoons
3. Spicy Sriracha Mayo
Prep & Cook Time
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime juice.
- Season with salt to taste.
Servings
Makes about 3/4 cup
Nutrition Info
Approximately 100 calories per tablespoon
4. Honey Mustard Sauce
Prep & Cook Time
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Servings
Makes about 1/2 cup
Nutrition Info
Approximately 60 calories per tablespoon
5. Tomato Salsa
Prep & Cook Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Mix well and season with salt to taste.
Servings
Makes about 2 cups
Nutrition Info
Approximately 20 calories per 1/4 cup
6. Tzatziki Sauce
Prep & Cook Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Season with salt to taste and chill before serving.
Servings
Makes about 1 cup
Nutrition Info
Approximately 50 calories per 2 tablespoons
7. Chimichurri Sauce
Prep & Cook Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the parsley, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Servings
Makes about 1 cup
Nutrition Info
Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon
Final Thoughts
These no-cook sauces are perfect for summer meals, adding flavor and freshness without the fuss. I can’t wait to hear which ones you try in your kitchen!