Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to jazz up your lunchtime routine with fresh, vibrant flavours. Say goodbye to boring sandwiches and hello to creative, easy-to-make summer lunch ideas that will keep you cool and satisfied all season long!
There’s something about summer that makes everything taste better, especially when it comes to lunch. Whether you’re picnicking in the park or lounging in your backyard, fresh ingredients and light, flavourful dishes are a must. From crisp salads to juicy fruits, these easy-to-make meals will keep you cool and satisfied all summer long.
IMHO nothing says summer lunches quite like simplicity and freshness. These meals are not just tasty but also quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any summer day. Say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to lunches that are as exciting as the season itself!
10 GENIUS SUMMER LUNCH IDEAS YOU’LL WISH YOU TRIED SOONER
1
ITALIAN BRUSCHETTA
Fresh, flavourful, and so easy to make, this classic tomato bruschetta is the perfect fresh and vibrant summer lunch! It's loaded with diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil. Truly delicious and a classic for a reason!
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2
HEARTY BEEF BRISKET SANDWICHES
Nothing beats tender shredded brisket piled high on a bun with melted cheese and crunchy coleslaw. These beef brisket sandwiches are perfect with fresh or leftover brisket and have summer written all over them!
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3
PF CHANG’S CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAP SALAD
This packed and flavourful salad is a fun take on the famous Pf Chang's chicken lettuce wrap appetizer! It's loaded to the brim with all the goods but without the work of having to stuff your own wraps. Win-win.
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4
SHRIMP PASTA WITH GARLIC
Shrimp pasta with garlic is a light yet satisfying dish, with juicy shrimp and a simple garlic sauce that’s perfect for summer. It’s quick to whip up and makes a versatile and refreshing lunch option for those hot days.
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5
EASY GUACAMOLE
Easy guacamole is a summer lunch must-have because it's fresh, flavourful, and takes just minutes to prepare. Pair it with some crunchy veggies or tortilla chips for a light, satisfying meal that’s perfect for enjoying in the sunshine.
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6
CREAMY MUSHROOM ORZO
If you're a fan of easy AND delicious then this orzo with mushrooms is a must try! It's packed full of flavour thanks to simple and fresh ingredients and its light and refreshing qualities make it the perfect summer lunch idea.
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7
SPINACH SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES AND SPICY TOASTED NUTS
This spinach salad with strawberries is perfect for those summer months when it's too hot to turn on the oven or you don't feel like cooking! It's fast, fresh, flavourful, and the perfect homemade poppy seed dressing sends it over the top!
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8
GRILLED CHICKEN (ON THE BBQ)
Perfectly grilled chicken makes a great summer lunch all on its own or for adding to salads, bowls, sandwiches, wraps or any and all of your favourite summer chicken lunch dishes!
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9
KALE CAESAR SALAD
This Kale Caesar Salad is loaded with crispy chickpea "croutons", healthy homemade parmesan "cheese" and a creamy made from scratch dressing that brings it altogether. Light and refreshing, it's the perfect summer lunch!
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10
OVER HARD FRIED EGGS
These over hard fried eggs are as simple to make as they are delicious! Serve them up on their own alongside all of your favourite breakfast foods…but for lunch! Or, serve them on top of bowls, burgers, sandwiches, avocado toast, and more.
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11
FRESH CUCUMBER SALAD WITH DILL
Fresh cucumber salad with dill is a summer lunch favourite because it’s incredibly refreshing and light. The crisp cucumbers combined with fragrant dill and a tangy dressing make for a cool, hydrating meal that’s perfect for hot days.
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12
NO KNEAD FOCACCIA WITH CHERRY TOMATOES AND ROSEMARY
No knead focaccia with cherry tomatoes and rosemary is a perfect summer lunch treat because it’s easy to make and bursting with fresh flavours. The soft, chewy bread topped with juicy tomatoes and aromatic rosemary makes for a delightful meal that pairs beautifully with salads or can be enjoyed on its own.
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13
HEALTHY BAKED TURMERIC CHICKEN
This recipe for baked turmeric chicken is super simple to make with only a few basic spices you probably already have in the cabinet. It's fresh, vibrant, super flavourful, and absolutely perfect for summer. SPOILER ALERT: It goes great on salads!
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14
SPINACH SALAD WITH PEARS, WALNUTS, AND BLUE CHEESE
This refreshing spinach salad is loaded with juicy pears, toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and sliced red onions. It's tossed in the perfect tangy honey dijon vinaigrette that takes it to a whole other level.
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15
MANGO HABANERO SALSA
Mango habanero salsa is a summer lunch sensation, combining sweet mangoes with a spicy kick of habanero for a flavour explosion. It’s perfect for dipping tortilla chips, topping grilled chicken, or serving alongside fish tacos, adding a tropical twist to any sunny day meal.
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16
GREEK-STYLE PORK SOUVLAKI
Delicious and authentic Greek flavours make this better than the pork souvlaki you're used to ordering in the food court. Grilled up to perfection on an outdoor or indoor grills, these meaty and flavourful skewers could not be more perfect for summer lunches!
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17
BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALSA
Salsa with corn and beans is a perfect summer lunch addition, offering a blend of sweet corn, hearty beans, and zesty flavours that complement any dish. It’s great on its own with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats and salads, adding a refreshing and nutritious touch to your meal under the sun.
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18
MARINATED TUNA STEAKS ON THE GRILL
Marinated tuna steaks on the grill are a stellar choice for a summer lunch because they cook quickly, are packed with protein, and have a delicious smoky flavour. Pair them with a fresh salad or grilled veggies for a light yet satisfying meal that's perfect for enjoying outdoors on a sunny day.
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19
LIGHT BABA GANOUSH
Light baba ganoush is an ideal summer lunch option because it’s cool, creamy, and packed with smoky eggplant flavour. Perfect for dipping fresh vegetables or spreading on pita bread, it’s a refreshing dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious on hot summer days.
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20
SALMON COBB SALAD WITH EASY HOMEMADE DRESSING
This salmon cobb salad is packed and loaded with all the goods! Wild canned salmon makes it a breeze to put together and a healthy homemade Greek yogurt dressing sends it over the top!
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21
FRESH SPRING ROLLS WITH PEANUT SAUCE
Fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce are a perfect summer lunch choice because they are light, refreshing, and packed with crunchy vegetables and herbs. They're easy to assemble and dip, making them a deliciously cool option for a hot day's meal. Don't forget the peanut sauce for dipping!
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22
PASTA SALAD WITH TUNA
Tuna pasta salad is a fantastic summer lunch option because it's hearty, refreshing, and can be made ahead of time. Packed with protein-rich tuna, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing, it's a satisfying meal that's perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick bite on a sunny day.
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23
LOW CARB CAULIFLOWER HUMMUS
This 7 ingredient cauliflower hummus is incredibly flavourful, deliciously creamy, and so close to the real thing, you might not even be able to tell the difference! Serve it up with crisp veggie sticks or crackers for a quick and easy summer lunch.
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24
TUNA SALAD WITH HARD-BOILED EGGS
Tuna salad with eggs is a classic summer lunch choice that's both nutritious and filling. The combination of protein-packed tuna and hard-boiled eggs, mixed with creamy mayo and crunchy vegetables, makes for a satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and enjoy on a hot day.
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25
CLASSIC CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
A classic Caesar salad with chicken is an ideal summer lunch because it's light yet satisfying, combining crisp romaine lettuce, savoury grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, crumbled bacon, and tangy Caesar dressing. It's a refreshing option that provides a balance of flavours and textures, perfect for enjoying on a warm day.
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As you indulge in these mouthwatering summer lunch ideas, remember that simplicity and vibrant flavours are the key ingredients for a perfect meal in the sunshine. With fresh ingredients and creative twists, summer lunches can be both nourishing and exciting. Whether you’re unwinding by the pool or hosting a backyard get-together, these recipes promise to keep you cool and satisfied all season long.
Let these dishes inspire your culinary adventures and bring a taste of sunshine to your table. Whether you prefer crisp salads, savory sandwiches, or sizzling grills, there’s something here to elevate every summer meal. So, here’s to enjoying good food and sunny days ahead!
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