Too Tired to Cook? 16 No-Cook Girl Dinner Plates That Are Actually a Real Meal

Some nights the most you can manage is opening the fridge. That still counts as making dinner, and it can still be a real meal. The girl dinner trend started as a joke about snacking for supper, but the plates that get the most love online have one thing in common: a protein, something fresh and something filling. Every girl dinner below follows that rule, none of them needs the stove, and all of them cost less than takeout. Which one is calling your name tonight..

The Girl Dinner Plate: Tomato, Tuna and White Beans

This is the plate we would make on any tired weeknight. A quick tuna and white bean salad gives you protein and fiber, juicy tomatoes with salt and olive oil feel like summer, and a torn chunk of crusty bread makes it filling. Add a few slices of deli turkey and grapes and it looks like a cafe plate. It takes about 10 minutes and one bowl.

You will need: 1 can (5 oz) tuna in olive oil (drained), 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans (rinsed), 1/4 red onion (finely chopped), 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper, 1 large tomato (sliced), flaky salt, 4 slices deli turkey, 1/2 cucumber, a handful of grapes, crusty bread.

How to make it: 1. Mix the tuna, beans, onion, parsley, lemon juice and olive oil in a bowl, then season. 2. Slice the tomato onto a plate, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with flaky salt and pepper. 3. Add a big scoop of the tuna and bean salad. 4. Fold the turkey slices, slice the cucumber, and add grapes. 5. Tear off a chunk of bread and dinner is served.

Girl Dinner: Italian Chopped Sub Salad

Everything you love about an Italian sub, minus the soggy bread. Salami, provolone, crunchy lettuce, pepperoncini and a tangy red wine vinaigrette get chopped small so every forkful has a bit of everything. Eat it straight from the bowl or with a few breadsticks on the side. It also packs well for tomorrow’s lunch.

You will need: 3 cups chopped romaine, 2 oz Genoa salami (chopped), 2 oz provolone (cubed), 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/2 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed). Dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Shake the dressing ingredients in a small jar. 2. Chop all the salad ingredients into small, even pieces. 3. Toss everything with the dressing. 4. Season to taste and serve right away with breadsticks or crackers.

Greek Chickpea Salad With Feta

For a meatless girl dinner, canned chickpeas are a tired cook’s best friend. Toss them with cucumber, tomato, olives, feta and a lemon dressing and you have a filling bowl with plant protein that tastes even better the next day. Scoop it up with pita chips if you want some crunch. Would you add chicken or keep it veggie?

You will need: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (rinsed), 1 cup diced cucumber, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, 1/3 cup crumbled feta, 2 tbsp red onion (minced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Add the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, olives and onion to a bowl. 2. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice and oregano. 3. Pour over the salad and toss. 4. Top with feta and season. 5. Eat now or chill up to 3 days.

Girl Dinner: Burrata Caprese and Bakery Bread

This one feels fancy, but it is just good shopping. A ball of creamy burrata, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic make a plate you would pay a lot for in a restaurant. Pick up a garlic loaf or focaccia from the bakery to swipe through the creamy middle. Pure comfort in five minutes.

You will need: 1 ball (4 oz) burrata, 2 ripe tomatoes (sliced or wedged), a handful of fresh basil, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic glaze, flaky salt and black pepper, 3 or 4 slices bakery garlic bread or focaccia.

How to make it: 1. Arrange the tomatoes on a plate and season with salt and pepper. 2. Set the burrata in the middle. 3. Tear basil leaves over the top. 4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. 5. Break the burrata open at the table and serve with the bread.

Turkey, Apple and Cheddar Snack Plate

A grown up version of the lunchbox you loved as a kid. Sharp cheddar and crisp apple slices are a classic pair, folded turkey adds protein and whole grain crackers make it filling. Add a spoon of honey mustard for dipping. It is the plate to make when you want to eat with your hands on the couch.

You will need: 4 slices deli turkey, 2 oz sharp cheddar (sliced), 1 apple (sliced), 10 whole grain crackers, a handful of almonds or walnuts, a few pickles or cornichons, 1 tbsp honey mustard.

How to make it: 1. Slice the apple and toss it with a squeeze of lemon so it stays bright. 2. Fold or roll the turkey slices. 3. Arrange the turkey, cheese, apple and crackers on a plate. 4. Add nuts and pickles. 5. Put the honey mustard in a small dish for dipping.

Girl Dinner: Cold Peanut Noodle Bowl

Thin rice noodles do not need a stove, just hot water from the kettle or tap. Soak them, rinse them and toss them in a creamy peanut sauce with crunchy vegetables. Store-bought rotisserie chicken or edamame adds protein. Make a double batch, because this girl dinner is even better cold for lunch the next day.

You will need: 4 oz thin rice noodles, 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1/2 cucumber (sliced thin), 1 cup shelled edamame (thawed) or shredded chicken, 2 green onions, crushed peanuts, cilantro. Sauce: 3 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 to 3 tbsp warm water.

How to make it: 1. Cover the noodles with very hot water and soak 8 to 10 minutes until soft. 2. Drain and rinse with cold water. 3. Whisk the sauce until smooth. 4. Toss the noodles with the sauce and vegetables. 5. Top with green onion, peanuts and cilantro.

Shrimp Cocktail Plate With Lemon

Buy cooked, peeled shrimp from the seafood counter and dinner is basically done. Chilled shrimp with a quick homemade cocktail sauce feels like a steakhouse starter, and it is high in protein and light at the same time. Add a simple side salad or some crusty bread to make it a full meal. Fancy dinner for one, no stove required.

You will need: 1/2 lb cooked, peeled shrimp (chilled), 1 lemon (cut in wedges), a side salad or crusty bread. Cocktail sauce: 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 to 2 tsp prepared horseradish, 1 tsp lemon juice, a few dashes of hot sauce, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce.

How to make it: 1. Keep the shrimp very cold until serving. 2. Stir the cocktail sauce ingredients together and taste for heat. 3. Arrange the shrimp around a small bowl of sauce. 4. Add lemon wedges. 5. Serve with a simple salad or bread.

Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Plate

Smoked salmon is ready to eat right out of the package, which makes it perfect for a no-cook night. Pair it with cool cucumber, a swipe of cream cheese, capers and dill, then add rice cakes or crackers for crunch. Try a new girl dinner combo by adding a sliced hard-boiled egg from the deli case. It tastes like Sunday brunch.

You will need: 3 oz smoked salmon, 1/2 English cucumber (sliced), 2 tbsp cream cheese (or whipped cream cheese), 1 tsp capers, fresh dill, 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced), 3 rice cakes or a handful of crackers, lemon wedge, black pepper.

How to make it: 1. Spread cream cheese on the rice cakes. 2. Top with cucumber slices and folded salmon. 3. Add red onion, capers and dill. 4. Finish with lemon juice and pepper. 5. Put any extra cucumber and salmon on the side of the plate.

Prosciutto, Peach and Ricotta Plate

Salty prosciutto and sweet fruit is one of the best flavor pairs in the world. Ripe peach or pear, creamy ricotta with honey and a handful of arugula make a plate that feels like a summer evening in Italy. It is the girl dinner to make when you want to feel a little fancy. Toast is optional. Use canned peaches in juice if fresh ones are out of season.

You will need: 3 oz prosciutto, 1 ripe peach or pear (sliced) or 1 cup canned peaches (drained), 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta, 1 tsp honey, a handful of arugula, 1 tsp olive oil, black pepper, a few slices of baguette.

How to make it: 1. Spread the ricotta on a plate and drizzle with honey. 2. Add the fruit slices. 3. Drape the prosciutto loosely around the plate. 4. Toss the arugula with olive oil and pepper and pile it on. 5. Serve with baguette slices.

Girl Dinner: Deli Roll-Ups With Veggies and Ranch

Kids love these, and honestly so do grown ups. Thin slices of turkey or ham get a layer of cream cheese, a crunchy pickle spear or bell pepper strip, then a quick roll. Serve them with baby carrots, snap peas and ranch for dipping. It is the girl dinner that also works for the whole family on a busy night.

You will need: 8 slices deli turkey or ham, 3 tbsp whipped cream cheese, 4 dill pickle spears or 1 bell pepper (cut in strips), 4 slices provolone (optional), baby carrots, snap peas, cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup ranch dressing.

How to make it: 1. Lay out the meat slices and add a slice of cheese if using. 2. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each. 3. Add a pickle spear or pepper strip at one end. 4. Roll up tightly and cut in half if you like. 5. Serve with the vegetables and ranch.

Bakery Bread With Tomato, Olive Oil and Salami

In Spain, rubbing ripe tomato on bread is a whole meal tradition, and it could not be simpler. Crusty bread gets rubbed with garlic and grated tomato, drizzled with olive oil and topped with salami or ham. Add a few olives and some cheese and you have a tapas night at home. Who knew dinner could take five minutes?

You will need: 4 thick slices crusty bakery bread, 1 garlic clove (halved), 2 ripe tomatoes, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, flaky salt, 3 oz sliced salami or serrano ham, a handful of olives, a small wedge of Manchego or other cheese.

How to make it: 1. If you have a toaster, toast the bread; if not, use it fresh. 2. Rub the cut side of the garlic over the bread. 3. Grate the tomatoes on a box grater and spoon the pulp over the bread. 4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. 5. Top with salami and serve with olives and cheese.

Couscous Salad Bowl (Just Add Hot Water)

Couscous is the fastest grain there is. Pour hot water over it, cover for 5 minutes and it is ready, no stove needed if you use a kettle. Toss it with cucumber, tomato, herbs, chickpeas and a lemon dressing for a fresh, filling bowl. Need more dinner inspiration? Our classic American salads are full of easy ideas.

You will need: 3/4 cup dry couscous, 3/4 cup boiling water, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup chickpeas (rinsed), 1 cup diced cucumber, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/4 cup chopped parsley and mint, 1/4 cup crumbled feta, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice.

How to make it: 1. Put the couscous and salt in a bowl and pour over the boiling water. 2. Cover and let it sit 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. 3. Let it cool for a few minutes. 4. Stir in the chickpeas, vegetables and herbs. 5. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice and top with feta.

Gazpacho With Bread and Hard-Boiled Eggs

Gazpacho is a cold Spanish soup you make in a blender. Ripe tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, garlic and good olive oil blend into something bright and refreshing. Serve it with crusty bread and a couple of hard-boiled eggs (many stores sell them already peeled) and you have protein, vegetables and carbs in one easy girl dinner.

You will need: 2 lb ripe tomatoes (cored), 1 cucumber (peeled), 1/2 red bell pepper, 1 small garlic clove, 1/4 small red onion, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp sherry or red wine vinegar, 1 tsp salt, 1 slice day-old bread (optional, for body), 2 hard-boiled eggs, crusty bread.

How to make it: 1. Roughly chop the vegetables. 2. Blend them with the garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt and bread until smooth. 3. Chill at least 30 minutes, or serve right away over a few ice cubes. 4. Taste and add more salt or vinegar. 5. Serve with halved eggs and bread on the side.

Girl Dinner: Hummus Protein Plate

A big swoosh of hummus is the base for a plate that keeps you full. Top it with ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken, add crunchy vegetables and warm pita, and you have a Mediterranean dinner for one. A sprinkle of paprika and a drizzle of olive oil make store-bought hummus look homemade. What is your favorite hummus flavor?

You will need: 1/2 cup hummus, 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 tsp olive oil, pinch of paprika, 1/2 cucumber (sliced), 1 bell pepper (strips), cherry tomatoes, a few olives, 1 pita bread.

How to make it: 1. Spread the hummus on a plate in a big swirl. 2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika. 3. Pile the chicken on one side. 4. Add the vegetables and olives around the plate. 5. Cut the pita into wedges for scooping.

Rotisserie Chicken Grain Bowl

Ready-to-eat grain pouches (or leftover rice) plus a rotisserie chicken from the store make a bowl that tastes like a salad bar favorite. Add whatever vegetables you have, a spoon of pesto or tahini sauce, and a handful of greens. It is a balanced dinner with almost no effort. Pesto or tahini, which team are you on?

You will need: 1 cup ready-to-eat quinoa or rice (room temperature or microwaved), 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 cup mixed greens, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta, 2 tbsp pesto thinned with 1 tbsp lemon juice.

How to make it: 1. Put the greens and grains in a wide bowl. 2. Add the chicken, tomatoes and carrots in sections. 3. Sprinkle with cheese. 4. Drizzle with the thinned pesto. 5. Toss before eating, or keep it pretty for a photo.

Yogurt, Granola and Fruit: Dessert for Dinner

We had to end with something sweet. Thick Greek yogurt has plenty of protein, so a big bowl with crunchy granola, fresh berries and a drizzle of honey is a fair dinner on a night when nothing else sounds good. Add a spoon of peanut butter for staying power. So, which girl dinner are you making tonight..

You will need: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup granola, 1 cup mixed berries, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter, 1 tbsp chia seeds or chopped nuts.

How to make it: 1. Spoon the yogurt into a wide bowl. 2. Add the berries and granola. 3. Drizzle with honey. 4. Add the nut butter and sprinkle with chia or nuts. 5. Eat right away so the granola stays crunchy.