45 Best Summer Lunch Ideas That Are Quick and Delicious on Hot Days
Pack 'em up for a picnic outside.
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During those busy summer days when you're running from baseball practice to the pool, and maybe even trips to the beach, having a light and easy summer lunch is the key to keeping you fueled up for whatever the season has in store. And for the Drummond family, that also includes plenty of long, hot days working cattle. "Summer is the busiest time on the ranch,” Ree says, so she doesn't always have time for a big sit-down lunch. That's why this list of summer lunch ideas includes tons of easy lunch recipes that you can grab-and-go.
Of course, those who prefer to slow things down come summertime will also enjoy all the other scrumptious summer recipes on this list. Just look at the tomato pie that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon spent on the porch! Either way, when planning a summer lunch, the key is to keep your cool—whether that means whipping up portable picnic foods to take with you to a shady spot in the park or sticking to classic backyard cookout ideas, like pasta salads, hot dogs, and burgers.
If you're anything like Ree, you might want to enjoy your lunch early (before the heat really sets in). "In the summer, we'll usually have a big lunch before noon—we do the cooking outside and keep the fixings cool and crisp." Try Ree's grilled steak wraps or homemade chicken burgers for a lightened-up lunch, then pair it up with seasonal summer produce like tomato recipes, grilled corn, and a fruity twist on lemonade.
Cherry Tomato Pasta
Ready in just 30 minutes, this summer pasta is loaded with ripe cherry tomatoes, vibrant basil, and creamy ricotta. It's simple and full of seasonal flavor! Serve it as is or pair it with grilled chicken and a crisp salad for a fuller dish.
Get the Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe.
Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts
Don't be intimidated by the look of these tasty tarts! That flaky, golden base is actually just store-bought puff pastry. On top, you'll add a layer of pesto ricotta along with vibrant vegetables like squash, zucchini, and tomatoes.
Get the Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts recipe.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Highlight seasonal ingredients with every bite when you make these juicy mushroom caps. They get marinated in a garlicky balsamic glaze, then stuffed with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and crispy parmesan-panko breadcrumbs.
Get the Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms recipe.
Grilled Tomatoes
With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes on the grill, you’ll have the most delightful summer dish! Eat them on their own or paired with fresh mozzarella and a handful of basil for a fun twist on Caprese salad.
Get Ree's Grilled Tomatoes recipe.
Pickle Cheeseburger Bites
You can turn a cheeseburger into the perfect lunch portion thanks to this fun recipe that swaps traditional buns for dill pickle chips. Stack mini beef patties, cheese, lettuce, and tomato onto skewers, then serve with a creamy ketchup-mayo dipping sauce.
Get Ree's Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.
Asparagus Salad
Tossed with crispy bacon, shaved parmesan, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this easy-to-prepare asparagus dish is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Better yet, it stays fresh in the fridge for days. Hello, simple meal prep!
Get the Asparagus Salad recipe.
Chili Dogs
For a heartier but still so summery option, you'll want to cook up these hot dogs complete with a tangy and bold homemade chili topping that's customizable with your favorite add-ons like cheddar cheese, diced onions, or even coleslaw.
Fish and Chips Salad
Transform traditional pub favorites into a light and zesty summer dish that features crispy beer-battered fish and golden fries layered on fresh buttery lettuce. Top with pickled red onions and drizzle with a creamy tartar sauce dressing.
Get the Fish and Chips Salad recipe.
Shrimp Salad Rolls
This quick, coastal-inspired meal is so ideal for summer days! It features fresh shrimp tossed with mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, and herbs, that get stuffed in a toasted hot dog bun. Serve with classic potato chips or a side of pasta salad.
Get Ree's Shrimp Salad Rolls recipe.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Bacon
Looking to spice up your summer lunches? This ultimate flavor-packed sandwich takes toasted ciabatta buns and fills them with juicy grilled chicken marinated in a zesty honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese.
Get Ree's Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Bacon recipe.
Green Goddess Salad
This salad is both light and satisfying for sunny days! An updated take on the classic, it features crisp green cabbage, cucumbers, snap peas, and scallions tossed in a creamy, herb-infused avocado dressing made with ingredients like spinach, basil, lemon, and parmesan.
Get the Green Goddess Salad recipe.
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls make an excellent summer lunch—light, fresh, and packed with vibrant veggies, greens, and optional protein like shrimp or chicken. Served with a peanut dipping sauce, they offer a refreshing, quick, and customizable meal for the season. Grab some precut veggies from the store to save even more time!
Get the Spring Rolls recipe.
Lemon Pasta
If you get a craving for pasta on a summer afternoon, this light and zesty option is sure to hit the spot! Made up of mostly pantry staples, like lemons, olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese, it can be ready for lunch in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Lemon Pasta recipe.
Fried Chicken and Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Easy to assemble and packed with savory, Southern delight, this sandwich is the perfect indulgent meal for leisurely summer afternoons. Crispy fried chicken is layered on a soft bun and topped with rich, creamy pimento cheese, pickle slices, and lettuce.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Who says pizza can't be healthy? Use up your garden zucchini with these mini pizzas that are made by layering slices of the squash with tomato sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and toppings like pepperoni or veggies.
Get the Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe.
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a quintessential summer lunch option, boasting fresh, crisp romaine lettuce topped with a creamy, tangy homemade Caesar dressing. Of course, you'll also throw in heaps of parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons.
Get the Caesar Salad recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Wraps make for a classic and cool lunch! With tender, shredded chicken and bold buffalo sauce, this recipe is hearty, too! That gets layered with a creamy ranch sauce, crunchy cabbage, and fresh veggies, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
Get Ree's Buffalo Chicken Wraps recipe.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Look no further for a bowl full of Mediterranean flavors and textures. This salad combines tender orzo pasta with vibrant veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, then it's all dressed in a bright and tangy vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
Get Ree's Mediterranean Orzo Salad recipe.
Esquites
Inspired by Mexican street corn, this easy-to-make dish combines roasted corn kernels with a creamy mixture of mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and spices for a tangy, smoky flavor. Top it off with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
Get the Esquites recipe.
Tomato Sandwich
Make summer tomatoes the star of this simple weekday sandwich. Aside from the thick slices of juicy heirloom tomatoes, there's only two other ingredients: fluffy white bread and flavorful garlic-basil aioli.
Get the Tomato Sandwich recipe.
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