The summer sunshine can make cooking a tasty lunch a little harder. After all, no one wants to hover over a hot stove during peak sun-sizzling hours. Flavorful and nutritious, these easy ideas will make lunch your favorite meal of the day. They’re super simple to make and are a great way to keep cool. From cucumber sandwiches to veg-packed salads, there’s plenty to get excited about!
1. Cucumber Sandwiches
Cucumber sandwiches are the ultimate fresh, light, and cooling treat. They’re a must for all your tea parties, bridal showers, or just as a light summer lunch. These fancy sandwiches are made with cucumbers, a tangy herb spread, and crustless bread. They date back to 1800s England, where they were an afternoon tea staple. And you’ll feel just as sophisticated gobbling them under the summer sunshine!
2. Cobb Salad with the Best Dressing
There’s no better way to beat the heat than with a cooling and fresh cobb salad. This protein-packed salad is loaded with chicken, bacon, boiled eggs, and blue cheese. An amazing dressing takes this salad to a whole new level. A mix of balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard adds so much flavor to each and every bite.
3. Chicken Caesar Wraps
On the go? These chicken Caesar wraps make for a delicious portable lunch. Take them on your next hike, picnic, or beach trip! And they’re so easy to make. Just toss chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, croutons, and Caesar salad dressing together. Then, add everything to a tortilla wrap and get stuck in. It’s really that simple. The whole family will love these protein-packed wraps.
4. Veggie and Hummus Sandwich
These veggie and hummus sandwiches make for the most delicious and veggie-friendly lunch. A flavorful sandwich always hits the spot at lunchtime. And when it’s loaded with fresh veggies, tangy cheese, and creamy hummus, you just can’t say no! Enjoy this healthy sandwich with a side of chips, fries, or salad for the perfect lunch. Yum!
5. Chickpea Salad
If you’re looking for a healthy, speedy lunch, this chickpea salad is just the ticket. This veg-packed salad is loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, creamy avocado, and feta cheese. Everything is brought together with a lovely, fresh lemon dressing. Plus, chickpeas add a nice bulk of protein that will leave you feeling satisfied for hours. And it only takes 10 minutes to make!
6. Italian Chicken Burgers
Super hungry? These hearty Italian chicken burgers hit the spot every time. They’re kind of like a cross between a juicy burger and a cheesy chicken parm! This is such an easy recipe to make. Perfect for those days when you’re craving a filling lunch with minimal effort. Tasty chicken patties are simmered in marinara and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s that easy.
7. Grilled Vegetable Pizza
Make the most out of summer produce! This grilled vegetable pizza is topped with all your favorite summer veggies. Keep the heat out of the kitchen and whip up this pizza on the grill. It’s a whole lot faster to make too. Is there any better way to eat veggies than on a pizza? It’s a great way to get picky eaters to eat their five a day!
8. Shrimp Po Boys Sandwich
Planning a trip to the beach? These shrimp po boys sandwiches are the perfect lunch grub. You have to have seafood when you’re by the seaside. And these shrimp sandwiches will knock your socks (and snorkels) off. Tender shrimp is drizzled with a creamy and spicy sauce and topped with crunchy cabbage on a soft roll. Yummy!
9. The BEST Homemade Sloppy Joes
If you’re in the mood for something seriously meaty, these homemade sloppy Joes always hit the spot. They’re just so satisfying. The sweet and savory combo is delicious, while the messiness of it all is just mouthwatering. The whole family will love these filling sandwiches. Sloppy Joes are just impossible to resist.
10. Classic Chicken Salad
Whether in a sandwich or by itself, a classic chicken salad is always a popular picnic treat. Cold, creamy, and hearty, chicken salad is the perfect midday lunch to beat the summer heat. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. And the best part is, you can spruce up this salad any way you like. Throw in some grapes or dried cranberries for extra sweetness. Yum!
11. Loaded Tater Tot Nachos
These loaded tater tot nachos make for a delicious light lunch, or a tasty side to some homemade tacos. Crispy tater tots are smothered in melted cheddar cheese and bacon. You can top them with absolutely anything you like. Sliced green onion, chopped tomatoes, and fresh sour cream are all especially scrumptious. You can even throw on some jalapenos for a kick of spice!
12. Nectarine Summer Salad with Shredded Chicken
Zesty and fresh, this nectarine summer salad is bursting with fruity goodness. It’s perfect to enjoy under the summer sunshine. And it’s absolutely loaded with tasty ingredients. A base of shredded chicken and fresh greens is topped with lots of fresh veggies and herbs. Throw in some spring peas, avocado, cucumber, sweet cherry tomato, fresh mint, and basil. Now, that sounds like perfection!
13. Butter Burger
Treat yourself to an extra special burger for lunch today. These butter-soaked burgers are juicy, cheesy, and of course, packed with buttery goodness. You don’t have to watch your waistline every day. These burgers are perfect for a cheat day! The patties are seared to perfection in butter to give them a nice, crispy edge.
14. Healthy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
On the hunt for a light and protein-packed lunch? Whip up these zucchini noodles with shrimp scampi. This is a great recipe if you’re looking to incorporate more veggies into your diet. It’s also super light and fresh, which is perfect for those hot summer days. This veggie twist on shrimp scampi makes for a great low-carb alternative. You won’t miss the pasta one bit.
15. Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
This apple, pecan, and chicken salad recipe is just fantastic. It’s a great way to keep your summer lunches healthy. It’s packed with apples, pecans, rosemary, dried cranberries, and chicken. The key is a skinny homemade dressing that’s as delicious as can be. It takes this salad to a whole new level. Load this mouthwatering salad onto sliced whole-grain bread for a delicious lunch.
16. Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas
Get your hands on some fresh summer veggies and whip up these fabulous quesadillas! These healthy quesadillas are jam-packed with roasted vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and pesto. They sound pretty perfect, don’t they? You can definitely use store-bought pesto. But if you want these quesadillas to be extra flavorful, make the pesto from scratch!
17. Stuffed Zucchini Boats
These stuffed zucchini boats make for a wonderful and easy summer lunch. Stuffed zucchini is an easy, fresh, and delicious way to enjoy summertime squash. And you load them up with anything you like! Add lemon zest, fresh thyme, and Parmesan cheese to the boat filling for a delicious punch of flavor. Yum!
18. Tortellini with Pesto and Roasted Veggies
Pasta lovers are going to fall head over heels in love with this three-cheese tortellini! It’s brimming with the most amazing, fresh, and vibrant flavors. From the bright pesto to the sweet roasted veggies, there’s so much to love. Use fresh summer veggies like zucchini and squash for the ultimate summertime feast.
19. Pigs in a Blanket (with Cheese!)
When lunch comes around and you’re only hungry for some light finger food, whip up these pigs in a blanket. They’re fun, easy to make, and always a hit with the kids! Just wrap hot dogs and American cheese in pastry and whack them into the oven. Don’t forget the ketchup and mustard for dipping!
20. Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
In the mood for something fresh and zesty? Throw together this cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad. Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado are smothered in an amazing lemon dressing. The final touch is a little fresh cilantro. And you’re all ready to get stuck in!
21. Avocado Salad
If you adore avocados, then you’re going to love this salad! This veggie-loaded avocado salad will leave you feeling amazing. It’s a great and easy way to get your daily veggies in because it tastes fantastic. Gobble up this healthy salad by itself, or on the side of some grilled chicken or veggie frittata.
22. Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Caprese sandwiches are fantastic to have on those sweltering hot days. They’re fresh, light, and filling at the same time. These Caprese sandwiches are extra special because they’re also loaded with chicken. Grilled chicken breasts, tomatoes, and mozzarella are tucked into a ciabatta roll and slathered with pesto. Could a sandwich get any better?
23. Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwich
Don’t waste a minute out of the summer sunshine! There’s no need to take a trip to Arby’s when you can make sandwiches that taste just as good at home. Chicken salad is the best kind of salad. Especially when it tastes as good as this. This sandwich is overflowing with chicken, apples, grapes, and crunchy pecans. Sweet, meaty, and nutty, it doesn’t get any better than this.
24. Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Looking for a great vegetarian sandwich? This smashed chickpea salad sandwich is the perfect lunch for summer. It’s so easy to make. And it tastes even better the next day! Making it perfect for meal prep. Enjoy this tasty sandwich under the summer sunshine. That sounds like pure bliss!
25. Grilled Chicken Fajitas
Make lunch a little more exciting with these fun grilled chicken fajitas! They taste just as good as they look. Pull out the grill and cook up some chicken, vegetables, and flour tortillas. Top the fajitas with fruity salsa, and some crema. Yum! These bright fajitas are perfect for the blue skies and warm days of summer. Get the whole family together and make a day of it!
26. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
If you love all things pickle flavored, you won’t be able to get enough of this dill pickle pasta salad. It’s tangy, delicious, and perfect to bring to your next backyard barbecue or potluck. It’ll be a guaranteed hit! And the best part is you only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. Easy-peasy.
27. Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad
This jalapeno popper corn salad is the perfect dish to bring to a summertime cookout. Summer is the perfect time to pull out the grill and invite all your friends and family over. As good as the grilled meats are, there’s just something about the sides that always stand out! This corn salad is one of those dishes that always steals the show. It’s the best side salad to please a crowd.
28. Make-Ahead Turkey Sandwich Kebabs
Cutting back on carbs? You can still enjoy the great taste of a turkey sandwich, in kebab form! These low-carb turkey sandwich kebabs are perfect for when you’re on the go. Simply make them ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator for whenever you’re ready. They always go down a treat at picnics, parties, or even as a packed lunch. Easy!
29. One-Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet
If you’re on a budget this one-pot cheesy taco skillet is great for when you’re in a pinch. It’s packed with low-cost ingredients like veggies, beef taco flavor, and melted cheese. You can even throw in some leftovers! Top this taco skillet with a Mexican cheese blend, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Gobble it up with a fork or some tortilla chips. Delish.
30. 1905 Salad
This 1905 copycat salad is just as delicious as the original. You’d think it came straight from Columbia Restaurant! This salad bowl is loaded with shredded lettuce, ham, cheese, tomatoes, and olives. You know, the works! It has the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Serve this sensational salad with Cuban bread and cream butter for the perfect lunch. Click on a star to rate it!
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