Summer Lunch Ideas (under 20 minutes)
Are you looking for lunch ideas for summer? I’ve got you covered, from refreshing pasta and chicken salads to easy burgers and crunchy veggies bowls; this guide has covered a lot of quick summer lunch ideas.
During the scorching summer days, nothing is better than meals made of seasonal ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, zucchini, eggplants, and some chicken recipes satisfy your craving for the perfect summertime meal.
I know many of us feel bothered in the kitchen during the summer. Standing on a stove feels like standing in hell. So, I prefer make-ahead recipes to get out of this stress. And here I’ve shared some easy, make-ahead, quick, and freezer-friendly lunch ideas that will hit the spot.
20 Summer Lunch Ideas
1- No Cook Summer Pasta
Feeling overwhelmed in the kitchen during the summer? Don’t worry; try this no-cook summer pasta and say no to cooking. The freshness of tomatoes, herbs, and aromatic garlic cloves gives you a cherished taste.
This quick, easy, and no-fuss recipe requires minimal ingredients and has a delicious taste.
2- Caesar Pasta Salad
Caesar pasta salad is another light and refreshing salad suitable for summer lunch or afternoon snacks. Combining fresh veggies with Caesar salad dressing gives an utterly divine flavor. Thankfully, you only need 15 minutes of preparation time for this recipe.
3- Vegan Tuna
If you want something healthier and satisfying, try this Vegan tuna. It’s a breeze to make; you just need 10 minutes to whip it up. It’s the perfect lunch idea, or you can make it ahead for picnics, parties, gatherings or evening BBQ parties. My kids adore this creamy and tangy tuna sandwich, and yours will, too!
4- Chinese Pasta With Beef
This Chinese pasta with Beef is an overpowering and substantial meal idea for lunch. Don’t worry! This recipe is super easy to make.
All you need is ground Beef, black paper, soy sauce, pasta and some garlic cloves. The taste is so filling and hearty making this pasta perfect for busy summer days and gatherings.
5- ORZO RECIPE
The Orzo pasta looks like fluffy rice, but the taste of this Orzo recipe is just insane. It’s a vegetarian meal that comes out in under 20 minutes, and you can serve it with BBQ or any grill recipe.
If you’re in the mood for a plant-based meal, whip up this Orzo pasta—you’ll thank me later!
6- Tortellini Pasta Salad
This tortellini pasta salad’s vibrant and colorful bowls are enough to surprise your guests.
A lot of crunchy vegetables in one place with cheese tortellini and zesty Italian dressing makes a perfect combination. You can sprinkle some fresh herbs, squeeze lemons or add kalamata olives for an extra eye-catching texture.
7- Chicken Salad with Grapes
Chicken salads always feel filling and shooting during summer days. And this Chicken salad with grapes and almonds feels like heaven on the tongue. The fresh ingredients with Greek yogurt make this salad a perfect treat for summer times.
8- California Club Sandwich
Everyone loves club sandwiches because they are super easy to make and quick solutions to eliminate hunger. This California Club sandwich is better than all others because the creamy avocado, bacon, and turkey make it a more filling and healthy option for lunch.
Swiss cheese is another nutritious ingredient in this sandwich. Further, add mayonnaise to make it creamier and elevate the mild flavors.
9- Best Chicken Salad Croissant
Nothing is better than these mini chicken salad croissants, a perfect option for large gatherings, parties, and picnics, or you can serve it with grilling recipes. The poppy seed, mayonnaise, honey, and vinegar dress well with crunchy vegetables and red grapes.
The best part is that these salad croissants are versatile; you can substitute many other ingredients to fulfill your cravings. Feel free to add seasonal vegetables, herbs, nuts, and fruits.
10- BAKED TILAPIA RECIPE
If you’re looking for a low-carb yet healthy and delicious recipe, try this Baked Tilapia. It comes out in just 15 minutes.
The garlic butter lemon sauce is the secret ingredient in this recipe, making it more flavorful and savory. The best launch idea for those who love tangy flavors.
12- EASY SHAKSHUKA
Last week, I made this Shakshuka and got a lot of complaints from my husband and kids. This dish has savory tomato sauce, red pepper, onion, garlic and some ground spices.
You can serve it with bread or naan or just use it in wraps to make a substantial meal for lunch.
13- Air Fryer Tuna
This Tuna melt is a no-fuss recipe because it uses an air fryer. Just place the tuna in the air fryer and relax for some time.
The result of this tuna melt is insane; the cheesy layer, crunchy celery, and tangy pickles make you a fan of this recipe.
14- Low Carb Big Mac Salad Bowl
I often make this low-carb big mac salad during summer holidays, and this thing hit the right spot. Loaded with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, special sauce, and ground beef gives the next level of pleasure. If hunger’s got you in its grip, take a chance on this recipe; it might become your favorite.
15- Truffle Roast Beef Sandwich
Say hello to this juicy and savory truffle roast beef sandwich, one of the best buddies for summer lunch. Juicier slices of roasted Beef, arugula, parmesan, and some basic spices are what you need to make this delicious sandwich.
16- No-Cook DIY Tuna Poke Bowl
If you’re a sushi lover looking for something great, this Tuna Poke bowl is a perfect option. No special ingredient is needed; all the items are easily available in your pantry. Because of Tuna and avocado slices, this bowl is full of protein, and it is best for individuals on a muscle-making journey.
17- Ground Chicken Burgers
I love burgers, especially in summer, because there’s no cooking involved. This ground chicken burger is my go-to option for picnics and family gatherings.
Those succulent chicken with crunchy seasonal vegetables gives you unbeatable pleasure. This high-protein burger is the best alternative to traditional beef patties burgers.
18- Mango Cucumber Salad
In summer, nothing feels better than the sweet taste of mangoes, and this mango cucumber salad is enough to fulfill your mango cravings.
Besides mangoes, it includes all the refreshing cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and a zesty lime dressing, which is best to beat the heat during summer.
19- Vegan Wedge Salad
This Vegan wedge salad is another suitable option for the summer launch. The iceberg lettuce with tomatoes provides a cool and fresh flavor, perfect for hot days.
Plus, this salad is super easy to make, and you don’t need fancy ingredients to whip it up. And do you know this salad comes out in just 10 minutes– how easy it is!
19- Masala Fries
If you want zesty fries, try these masala fries.
These Masala Fries are crispy and crackling on the outside and juicy on the inside. A no-fuss recipe that requires minimal ingredients, and it’s truly a time saver. You can adjust the heat level according to your taste buds.
20- Aloo Gobi Matar
Aloo gobi matar is one of the classic Indian and Pakistani vegan recipes made with some traditional Indian spices. The bursting flavors and tangy taste make it the best recipe for spicy lovers. Thankfully, you can craft this recipe in under 30 minutes.
