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- Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter chicken is extra juicy, tender, and flavorful. Bathed in garlic butter sauce with an extra flavor of lemon!

This chicken recipe is one of my family’s favorite dinners, and I often make it on weekend nights. It is quick, needs minimal effort, and has fewer ingredients. 

2- Lemon Pepper Chicken

The lemon pepper chicken is a zesty, tangy, and refreshing chicken gravy marinated with lemon juice, yogurt, and black pepper.

It’s not just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and never fails to impress your guests!

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- Chili Oil Potatoes 

Are you craving zesty, fiery, citrusy, juicy, and tangy potatoes?

Try these chili oil potatoes, which are ready in under 10 minutes! Seasoned with garlic chili oil, these Potatoes are the perfect midday snack for your entire family.

5- 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. 

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- Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala is the epitome of all Chicken curries. The aroma of smoky chicken with zesty Indian tomato sauce makes this recipe better than any takeout menu. 

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 compliments 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.