21 Summer Lunch Recipes I Keep Making Again

ByMandy

The first time was curiosity, the second time was convenience, and by the third round, these 21 summer lunches had unofficially become regulars. They hit that sweet spot between not boring and not exhausting. Every time something else gets suggested, it just quietly circles back to these. It’s not a rut if it still works.

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A croissant sandwich filled with buffalo chicken and blue cheese, served on a white plate with celery sticks in the background.
Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bold and spicy flavors steal the show in Buffalo Chicken Salad, offering a mix that’s easy to love. It’s versatile enough to enjoy as a light lunch or a quick side for more robust meals. Bringing a kick to your routine, it’s a dependable option for anyone who loves tangy meals.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pasta takes on a bright twist with a splash of bold citrus flavor in Best Lemon Pasta. Balanced between refreshing and hearty, it’s perfect for meals when you want something easy yet satisfying. Its simple preparation makes it a quick go-to for any busy day.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh layers of flavor shine through in Easy Caprese Salad, which pairs simple ingredients for a great combination. It’s a dish with textures that complement each other perfectly, offering a timeless mix. Perfect for those who appreciate light meals without compromising on enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Shrimp Tempura Roll

Close-up of sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, and rice, topped with sesame seeds and a drizzle of spicy mayo on a beige plate.
Shrimp Tempura Roll. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Seafood lovers will enjoy the crispy and flavorful bite of Shrimp Tempura Roll. This roll is a crowd-pleaser due to its combination of textures and its gratifying balance of taste. Whether shared or enjoyed solo, it’s a great option for quick meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll

Asian Slaw

A bowl of colorful coleslaw with shredded purple and green cabbage, carrots, chopped peanuts, and greens, mixed with dressing.
Asian Slaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crunchy flavors meet bold dressing choices in Asian Slaw, which makes a refreshing side or standalone lunch. Known for its texture and unique mix, it’s perfect for pairing with nearly any main dish. Its vibrant blend offers a staple for both casual and planned meals.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

French Bread Pizza

Four slices of French bread pizza with tomatoes and cheese on a cutting board.
French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A fresh take on flatbreads gives French Bread Pizza a simple yet flavorful edge perfect for quick lunches. This dish balances crispness and warm toppings for an easy option everyone can enjoy. Great for changing up pizza night or casual meals at home.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible.
Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bite-sized layers bring convenience and flavor together in Ham and Cheese Sliders. Perfect for gatherings or small meals on the go, this dish balances simplicity with how filling it can be. It’s a fun spin on classic sandwiches in smaller portions.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh greens meet bold flavors in Pizza Salad, a combination that offers all the good parts of pizza without the heaviness. It’s loaded with crispy textures that make it enjoyable for anyone. A smart mix for meal prepping or a quick weekday meal.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Close-up of cooked beef chunks garnished with chopped herbs on a plate with a spoon nearby.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bite-sized steak pieces stand out in Garlic Butter Steak Bites, combining rich flavors with easy preparation. Great for adding a bit of indulgence to your lunch, this dish pairs well with sides or works alone. It’s all about simple yet crave-worthy bites in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet and crunchy flavors blend in Honeycrisp Salad, which features fresh and light textures. Whether eaten solo or paired with a protein, it’s a reliable option for something less heavy. With layers that keep the meal interesting, it’s always in high demand.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Artichoke Pizza

A pizza with artichokes, tomatoes and spinach.
Artichoke Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm and crispy flavors make Artichoke Pizza a go-to option for fast lunches and pizza fans alike. Its unique spin on toppings creates a meal that stands out from traditional slices. Perfect for eating alone or sharing, it’s a choice that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke Pizza

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet with a spicy twist, Hot Honey Chicken Salad combines bold contrasts for a dish everyone remembers. Balancing flavor with hearty textures, it’s versatile enough for light lunches or larger meals. Adding heat doesn’t mean losing the convenience of meal simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

A white plate holds grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bite-sized portions come to life in Grilled Shrimp Kabobs, offering a great mix of smoky and fresh flavors. Great for keeping meals fuss-free, this dish works well for casual or spontaneous lunch plans. A reliable way to enjoy something hearty without too much prep.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

A Copycat Chipotle burrito bowl, filled with rice, fajita veggies, corn salsa, tortilla chips. and topped with a lime wedge.
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Customizable and packed with variety, Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl brings the flavors of your favorite fast food closer to home. It’s easy to toss together, making it a great option for busy days. Perfect for those who love bold mixes that feel filling and complete.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Spicy Udon Noodles

Close-up of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, including carrots, green beans, and chopped red peppers, garnished with sesame seeds. Chopsticks are picking up some noodles.
Spicy Udon Noodles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Flavors with a kick define Spicy Udon Noodles, giving standard noodles their own exciting twist. This dish is everything you’d want when you’re craving something bold yet simple to prepare. It’s an easy-to-make option with flair that keeps meals from feeling dull.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodles

Greek Chicken Kabobs

Grilled chicken skewers topped with a creamy white sauce and chopped herbs, served on a plate with sliced vegetables.
Greek Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Tender chicken pieces set Greek Chicken Kabobs apart, blending fresh flavors in an easy and manageable way. Perfect for lunches with quick setups, this dish is known for bringing variety to your usual protein choices. It’s simple yet layered enough to keep meals fresh.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Kabobs

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges.
Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining two favorites, Taco Pasta Salad offers a mix of bold flavors without turning heavy. Balancing pasta with taco-inspired ingredients, this dish keeps lunchtime exciting. When you want variety without complicating cooking, this one fits perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Italian Sub Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley.
Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bite-sized rolls packed with flavor make Italian Sub Pinwheels a fun, easy option for small lunches or snacks. They’re quick to make but still offer plenty of gratifying ingredients. Perfect for reducing mess without losing out on a hearty bite at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

Tortilla Pizza

Four tortilla pizzas on a wooden cutting board.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Thin, crispy wraps meet pizza toppings in Tortilla Pizza, delivering a spin on traditional slices. Great for keeping things light while still full of bold flavors, this dish works well for meals or side options. It’s a smart way to enjoy pizza with a little less heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Sweetcorn Fritters

Sweetcorn fritters in a stack.
Sweetcorn Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy bites that pack a lot of flavor define Sweetcorn Fritters, giving you a hearty, simple snack or lunch idea. Great for when you’re looking for something handheld and satisfying, they’re simple to pair with other meals. Perfect for easy portions on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Sweetcorn Fritters

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining crunch and light sweetness, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad delivers variety without sacrificing simplicity. It’s a good option for those who enjoy flavor-packed yet manageable meals. Whether served over a bed of greens or kept simple, it keeps lunch quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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