Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and refreshing meals that taste great and are easy to make. When it gets hot, we all want food that is delicious and simple to prepare, especially for picnics, barbecues, or lunches at home. Having a bunch of good summer recipes can make meals more fun and enjoyable.
In this blog post, we’ve put together 20 summer lunch recipes that are just right for sunny days. From crisp salads to tasty wraps and filling bowls, these recipes use fresh, seasonal ingredients that are both healthy and satisfying. You’ll find a mix of plant-based options, protein-packed dishes, and refreshing salads, all designed to keep you cool and full of energy.
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Basil
This watermelon salad is a refreshing and simple summer dish. It combines juicy watermelon cubes with crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a balsamic reduction made from balsamic vinegar and coconut sugar. The flavors are a delightful mix of sweet and salty, with the balsamic reduction adding a touch of sweetness to balance the savory feta.
Recipe by Eatingbirdfood
Chicken Pasta Salad
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is a delicious and versatile dish, perfect as a BBQ side or a main meal. Combining the best elements of chicken salad and macaroni salad, this dish is refreshing, filling, and easy to make.
Recipe by Dinnerthendessert
California Roll Wrap
The California Roll Wrap is a quick and easy recipe that features surimi (imitation crab sticks) and ripe mango, along with fresh greens like lettuce and cucumber. The wraps are made even more flavorful with a creamy garlic sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
This recipe is light, refreshing, and almost meat-free, making it a healthy meal option. Additionally, it’s versatile, as you can substitute grilled or roasted chicken for the surimi if desired.
Recipe by Foxyfolksy
Ramen Noodle Salad
The Ramen Noodle Salad is a crunchy salad that’s perfect for picnics, dinners, or summer potlucks. It’s a mix of coleslaw, red cabbage, carrots, snap peas, scallions, toasted cashews, and sunflower seeds. The dry ramen noodles are crushed and added to the salad for extra crunch. The salad is dressed with a sweet and tangy Asian-inspired dressing made from vegetable oil, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a bit of sugar. The recipe is quick to make, taking only about 20 minutes, and can be served immediately or chilled for later. You can also customize it by adding different vegetables, nuts, or even some protein like shrimp or chicken.
Recipe by Bellyfull
Chili Lime Fish Tacos
The Chili Lime Fish Tacos are a quick and delicious summer meal featuring flaky white fish, baked in a flavorful sauce of chili, lime, butter, and garlic. Paired with a fresh peach salsa, these tacos combine light, zesty flavors with the sweetness of juicy peaches. The recipe emphasizes using sustainable Barramundi fish, which is noted for its quality and eco-friendly farming practices. The tacos are easy to prepare and make for a refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for sunny days.
Recipe by Pinchofyum
Chopped Italian Sandwich
The Chopped Italian Sandwich is a flavorful and versatile dish that elevates the typical sub by chopping up a mix of cold cuts, veggies, and a tangy dressing. This makes the ingredients easy to blend and enjoy in every bite. The recipe is perfect for meal prepping, customizable to individual tastes, and ideal for parties or gatherings due to its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature. The chopped mixture can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge for quick assembly throughout the week, making it a convenient and delicious option for summer lunch.
Recipe by Foodfolksandfun
Egg Salad
The egg salad recipe from Simple is a classic food dish that is simple to prepare and full of delicious flavor. This egg salad balances creaminess with the texture of eggs and includes seasonings to enhance the taste. It’s a versatile recipe that can be used for quick dinners, picnics, or parties, and it’s easily adaptable with variations like adding green onions, fresh herbs, or pickles for extra crunch and flavor. The egg salad can be enjoyed on thick country bread, buns, or even in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
Recipe by Simplejoy
Rustic Tomato Galette
The Rustic Tomato Galette is a simple and delicious way to highlight the flavors of ripe, late-summer tomatoes. This recipe involves arranging tomato slices on a rolled-out pie crust, topped with sharp Cheddar cheese and fresh herbs. The edges of the crust are folded over the tomatoes to create a rustic, free-form pie. After brushing the crust with a beaten egg, the galette is baked until golden brown. The result is a flaky, savory pastry that’s perfect for serving warm with a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs.
Recipe by Countryliving
Mediterranean Bowl with Salmon
The Mediterranean Bowl with Salmon is a vibrant and wholesome dish inspired by Mediterranean flavors. It features lemon-herb marinated salmon, tender quinoa, garbanzo bean salad, crisp greens, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and homemade Tzatziki. This bowl is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition, offering a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying summer lunch any day of the week.
Recipe by Therealfooddietitians
Cucumber Boats with Crispy Chickpeas
The Cucumber Boats with Crispy Chickpeas recipe is a nutritious dish that turns cucumbers into vessels for a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for lunch, offering a combination of crunchy roasted chickpeas, savory rice, and a sweet and spicy tahini sauce. The cucumbers, when hollowed out and filled, provide a refreshing base that complements the tasty filling. This recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable, allowing you to experiment with different fillings and sauces to suit your taste preferences. It’s a great option for those looking to enjoy a healthy, plant-based lunch that’s both simple and delicious.
Recipe by Plantbasedrdblog
Greek Salad with Chicken
The Greek Salad with Chicken is a crisp, fresh, and Mediterranean dish that’s perfect for summer lunch. It combines the ingredients of a classic Greek salad, such as kalamata olives, feta cheese, and crunchy cucumbers, with grilled chicken for added protein. The salad is topped with a homemade Greek dressing that blends olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. This dish is not only healthy and flavorful but also versatile enough for both lunches and light dinners. The ingredients hold up well in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for prepping ahead of time.
Recipe by Foodiecrush
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Bowls with Healthy Coleslaw
The Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Bowls with Healthy Coleslaw is a quick and easy mea. This dish combines tender, tangy BBQ chicken, crispy homemade sweet potato fries, and a creamy coleslaw made with a simple, healthy dressing. The BBQ chicken is cooked in the Instant Pot until it’s easily shreddable, making it a convenient option for meal prepping. The sweet potato fries are baked or air-fried to perfection, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional fries. The coleslaw, made with a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots, is tossed in a tangy dressing of apple cider vinegar, avocado oil mayo, and a touch of maple syrup. This meal is balanced, filling, and family-friendly, making it a great addition to your lunch rotation.
Recipe by Maryswholelife
Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce
The Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce is a nutritious dish, ideal for summer lunches. It combines spiralized zucchini, edamame, and a variety of crunchy vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with protein and flavor, thanks to the inclusion of edamame and peanuts. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, staying fresh for up to five days in the fridge. The light, refreshing ingredients make it a satisfying yet not overly heavy meal, ideal for warm weather.
Recipe by Frommybowl
Avocado Tuna Salad
The Avocado Tuna Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish ideal for summer lunches. Combining bright veggies, savory tuna, and creamy avocado, it’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, and gatherings. The tangy Dijon mustard and zesty lemon juice add a delightful kick, while the creamy texture makes it a crowd-pleaser. This salad is quick to make, budget-friendly, and can be customized with extra veggies, fresh herbs, or a touch of cheese. It’s a great option for a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Recipe by Therecipecritic
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich with Grilled Pineapple and Cabbage Slaw
This sandwich combines smoky BBQ jackfruit with sweet grilled pineapple and a crunchy quick-pickled cabbage slaw, all served on a sprouted whole grain bun. The jackfruit provides a texture similar to pulled pork, making it a satisfying plant-based alternative. The grilled pineapple adds a caramelized sweetness, while the cabbage slaw offers a refreshing crunch. Despite its gourmet appearance, the sandwich is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal dish for summer picnics and barbecues.
Recipe by Tastingtothrive
Strawberry Burrata Salad
It features a base of peppery arugula topped with juicy strawberries and crisp cucumbers. Creamy burrata cheese adds a rich texture, while candied pecans provide a sweet, crunchy contrast. Fresh basil leaves infuse the salad with aromatic flavor, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy finish. Optional pickled red onions can add an extra layer of zest
Recipe by Twopeasandtheirpod
Chicken Caesar Wrap
The Chicken Caesar Wrap is a fresh and delicious twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining all the traditional ingredients like Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and croutons, with added chicken for extra protein. All these elements are wrapped up in a tortilla, making it a convenient meal. You can enjoy these wraps at home, pack them for work or school lunches, or take them on a picnic. The versatility and ease of preparation make them a fantastic option for a light and flavorful meal.
Recipe by Twopeasandtheirpod
Grilled Shrimp and Pesto Corn Salad
Combining tender grilled shrimp, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a fragrant basil pesto, this salad is both flavorful and satisfying. It’s quick to prepare and makes for a light yet filling lunch, ideal for enjoying on warm summer days. The addition of lemon juice helps to keep the ingredients fresh and prevents browning, ensuring the salad stays bright and appetizing.
Recipe by Betsynutrition
Peach Mango Caprese Salad
The Peach Mango Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, adding the sweetness of ripe peaches and mangoes to the traditional combination of tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. This refreshing salad is brightened with fresh basil and cilantro, then tossed in a homemade balsamic dressing that adds a perfect balance. It’s a flavorful dish, capturing the essence of the season’s bounty in every bite.
Recipe by Tasteofhome
Cold Cucumber Soup
Made with fresh cucumbers, Greek yogurt, and a blend of basil, dill, and garlic, it’s tangy from lemon juice and balanced with a touch of honey. This chilled soup is not only cooling but also bursting with flavors of herbs and a hint of richness from olive oil. It’s an ideal choice for a light lunch or a starter to a summer meal, offering a crisp and revitalizing taste that complements the season perfectly.
Recipe by Themediterraneandish
