35 Simple summer Lunches

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Indulge in the refreshing flavors of summer with these simple lunch recipes that are perfect for picnics, backyard barbecues, or lazy afternoons by the pool. From vibrant salads and tasty soups to mouthwatering sandwiches and quick skillet dishes, these hassle-free meals will keep you fueled up without weighing you down.

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

This refreshing and light seafood pasta salad is the perfect dish for summer. It combines shrimp, crab, and pasta in a creamy dressing.
Get The Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers on a plate with lemon wedges.
Shrimp skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Are you tired of the same old grilled shrimp skewers? Why not make them in an air fryer if it’s too hot outside to cook? It’s a great alternative to an outdoor grill that produces the same crispy texture and delicious flavor.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets on plate with ketchup.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. Photo Credit: Little Bit Recipes

Try this easy and delicious homemade air fryer chicken nuggets recipe. Making these simple golden, crunchy nuggets takes less than a half hour.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Mexican Steak Pizza

Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.
Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This unique Mexican pizza with carne asada steak is flavorful. It’s the perfect combination of ingredients to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. It’s a tasty way to repurpose a leftover grilled steak.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Navy Bean and Ham Soup in a serving crock.
Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Enjoy the classic comfort of navy bean and ham soup! This hearty dish is filled with savory, smoky flavor and will fill you up until dinner.
Get The Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Santa Fe Salad

Santa Fe Salad with creamy dressing.
Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Salads are perfect for a quick and easy summer lunch. This Santa Fe Salad is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken or turkey from the previous night.
Get The Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Slow Cooked Chili

Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.
Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This slow-cooker chili is the perfect dish when you are craving something hearty. The best part is that it can be made and left to cook until you are ready to eat.
Get The Recipe: Slow-Cooked Chili

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spooon.
Vegan Mexican rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

An easy and delicious dish that can be whipped up in no time is vegan Mexican rice. Serving alone or with your favorite Tex-Mex foods like tacos or burritos is an excellent option. It cooks in a small baking dish that will fit in an oven or air fryer.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Rice

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Salad with bacon on a plate.
Broccoli salad with bacon. Photo Credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Packed with crunchy vegetables and savory bacon, this broccoli salad with bacon will surely be a hit. It is an easy, delicious side dish for any summer meal.
Get The Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Shrimp and Corn Bisque

Shrimp and Corn Bisque in a serving bowl.
Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Have you been looking for a new delicious dish to add to your lunch rotation? If so, this easy shrimp and corn soup bisque will become a summer favorite.
Get The Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

Personal Pizza

Single serve pepperoni pizza.
Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little BIt Recipes

Do you love eating pizza but have no one to share it with? No problem! You can enjoy a delicious homemade personal pizza to serve just one person without fuss. The mini size can be cooked in a toaster oven or air fryer.
Get The Recipe: Personal Pizza

Individual Mini Frittata

Individual Frittatas in ramekins.
Individual Frittatas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

This mini frittatas recipe creates convenient single-serving dishes, perfect for busy mornings or relaxing weekend brunches. The best part? It’s made with five simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The mini size dishes fit right in a small toaster oven or air fryer so you don’t have to fire up a full-size oven.
Get The Recipe: Individual Mini Frittata

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Wings on white plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

You can cook frozen chicken wings with minimal effort and no added fat or oil with an air fryer. Only a few simple ingredients are needed to quickly whip up crispy and flavorful wings.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Easy Potato Soup

Potato soup in a white serving bowl.
Easy Vegetarian Potato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Cooking a delicious soup doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This easy potato soup recipe is perfect for lazy summer days, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation.
Get The Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Salmon Salad

Salmon salad served on two white plates.
Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Treat yourself to a delicious, healthy meal with the best salmon salad recipe! This flavorful dish is simple to prepare with fresh ingredients and is ready in about fifteen minutes.
Get The Recipe: Salmon Salad

Seafood Pot Pie

Seafood Pot Pie in small pie dish.
Seafood Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

If you want something savory and comforting, bake these mini seafood pot pies. They are made with a creamy sauce and a variety of seafood. And it’s easy to make right in a small toaster oven or air fryer, so you don’t heat the kitchen!
Get The Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup with Sausage
Italian Minestrone Soup. Photo Credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The smell of freshly cooked Italian minestrone soup is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this hearty and delicious soup in no time.
Get The Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Bacon cheeseburger salad in a bowl.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is like a Big Mac in a bowl. It’s an easy and hassle-free dish, with simple ingredients that require only minimal preparation. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator, making it a convenient and delicious option.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Italian Sandwich

A finished grinder sandwich is shown on a marble platter.
Italian Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Italian Grinder Sandwich recipe combines savory deli meats, creamy provolone, crisp lettuce, onions, pepperoncini, and bright vinaigrette on a crusty Italian loaf. It’s perfect for gatherings or to share with friends and family at home!
Get the Recipe: Italian Sandwich

Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch

A white plate with two wedges of lettuce with bacon and dressing.
Bacon Ceasar Wedge Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Make this knife and fork classic Wedge Caesar Salad with Bacon that looks super fancy but is so easy to make with just 5 ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch

Yum Woon Sen

A plate of yum woon sen with patterned napkins and bowls of cilantro, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges.
Yum Woon Sen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Yum Woon Sen, or Thai Glass Noodle Salad, is loaded with ground meat, plump shrimp, veggies, and a tangy lime juice and fish sauce dressing.
Get the Recipe: Yum Woon Sen

Crunch and Munch Taco Salad

Taco salad in edible salad bowl.
Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Experience the best of both worlds with this vibrant and satisfying salad that boasts all the flavors of a taco. With seasoned ground beef, crispy lettuce, and a medley of colorful toppings, this taco salad bowl is a fiesta on your plate. Get ready to indulge in a fresh and flavorful meal that will leave you craving more.
Get the Recipe: Crunch and Munch Taco Salad

Avocado Tuna Melt

avocado tuna melt one blue plate
Avocado Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This simple yet delicious lunch idea combines creamy avocado, tuna salad, and melted cheese on toasted bread. It’s a refreshing and filling option that can be enjoyed cold or warm for a light and satisfying summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Melt

Curry Cravings Chicken and Onion

Curry Chicken with Onion inside golden pan.
Curry Chicken with Onion. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Delight in the aromatic and spicy allure of this curry chicken with onion. Tender chicken is bathed in a fragrant curry sauce, with the sweetness of onion adding depth and complexity to the dish. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to the exotic flavors of curry.
Get the Recipe: Curry Cravings Chicken and Onion

Canned Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Canned Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Savor the taste of summer with a refreshing canned chicken salad. This easy and hassle-free meal is perfect for hot days when you want something quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad

Antipasto Salad

Antipasto salad on a plate and platter with a silver fork.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Whether you need a refreshing lunch or dinner salad this no cook Antipasto Salad will be the perfect meal. Light but filling it’s got everything you want in a salad, fresh greens, sliced meats, cheeses, olives and more!
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Hero Sandwich

Side view of a hero sandwich with meats, cheese, and veggies.
Hero sandwich. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Elevate your lunch game with a hero sandwich—featuring a delicious combination of flavors, textures, and the perfect balance of ingredients that will have you craving more.
Get the Recipe: Hero Sandwich

Canned Chicken Patties

Canned chicken patties on a plate with broccoli.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo Credit: Real Balanced.

These Canned Chicken Patties are gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly, and kid-friendly! Whipped up in only 20 minutes, they can be served on their own, alongside your favorite steamed vegetables, or on bread as a sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Bacon ranch pasta salad in a clear bowl with a striped towel.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon is a rich and creamy side dish that pairs super well with all your summertime favorites. Prep this 30-minute, one-bowl salad, and it will be a welcome addition to your weekend dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Bite-Sized Burger Delights

Mini burgers with parsley.
Low Carb Burger Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Experience burger heaven in miniature form with these bite-sized burger mini bites. Each mouthwatering morsel is bursting with flavor and perfectly sized for snacking or entertaining. Get ready to delight your taste buds with these irresistible mini bites that will leave you craving for more.
Get the Recipe: Bite-Sized Burger Delights

Blackened fish tacos

Blackened fish tacos in taco holders.
Blackened Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos are fish taco perfection! Flaky seasoned fish in soft corn tortillas with a creamy cilantro lime sauce.
Get the Recipe: Blackened fish tacos

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Mediterranean grain bowls on a white marble counter.
Mediterranean Grain Bowls. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Mediterranean Grain Bowls combine pre-cooked grains, lots of healthy vegetables, and fresh, bright, bold Mediterranean flavors for an easy, nourishing, and delicious weeknight meal that comes together in about 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Philly Cheesesteak Skillet

melted cheese over Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Indulge in the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a lighter and simpler way. This skillet lunch combines tender ground beef, sautéed bell pepper, and melted cheese for a mouthwatering and satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Skillet

Bacon Egg Salad

Image shows a Bacon Egg Salad sandwich on a white plate.
Bacon Egg Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a delightful bacon egg salad, a perfect summertime meal that requires no cooking. If you already have hard-boiled eggs in your fridge, this recipe becomes even easier to whip up and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A salad of mixed greens, basil, halved cherry tomatoes, and burrata on a white plate.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a fresh summer salad featuring spring mix, fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, rich olive oil, and sweet, tangy balsamic reduction.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

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