Home Seasons Summer
ByChristina Herbst
Taste of Home's Editorial Process
Updated: Aug. 08, 2024
The best summer lunch ideas are colorful, flavorful and nutritious! You'll enjoy these cheery dishes all season long.
Kick that tired ham sandwich to the curb and treat yourself to these summer lunch ideas! These summer recipes are made with lots of in-season produce for flavor and freshness that can’t be beaten. Plus, they’re filling enough to hold you over until dinner.
Whether you’re craving a big, crunchy salad, veggie-heavy sandwich or kebob, you’re sure to find something satisfying to eat on a hot summer afternoon.
1/56
Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
This summer lunch idea showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
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If you want to taste summer in a baking dish Pioneer Woman’s corn casserole is a must-try!
2/56
California Roll Wraps
I love the California rolls I get at sushi restaurants and wanted to capture those flavors in a sandwich I could take to work. I started with the standard ingredients, added a few others and came up with a hit. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
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3/56
Triple Tomato Flatbread
Tomatoes are the reason I have a vegetable garden, and I developed this summer lunch idea as a way to show off my garden’s plum, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes. The dish is easy and will impress. —Rachel Kimbrow, Portland, Oregon
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4/56
Red, White and Blue Summer Salad
Caprese salad and fresh fruit always remind me of summer. In this salad, I combine traditional Caprese flavors with summer blueberries and peaches. I also add prosciutto for saltiness, creating a balanced, flavor-packed side dish. —Emily Falke, Santa Barbara, California
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5/56
Summer Garden Fish Tacos
I like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
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6/56
Grilled Brats with Sriracha Mayo
I am a Sriracha fanatic, so that’s what inspired this summer lunch idea. You can boil the brats in your favorite beer to reduce the fat and give them flavor before grilling, or spread garlic butter on lightly toasted buns. —Quincie Ball, Olympia, Washington
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Loving these summer lunches? Discover more of our best vintage recipes for an old-fashioned ladies’ luncheon.
7/56
Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers
The inspiration for this summer lunch idea came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
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8/56
Grilled Chicken Ramen Salad
I love this chicken ramen salad because it’s a complete meal in one bowl. Everyone loves when it’s on the table—that’s a reaction that doesn’t happen every night, so I appreciate the kudos when I get them! —Karen Carlson, Alameda, California
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9/56
Grilled Flank Steak with Summer Relish
My garden produces a nice harvest of tomatoes, scallions, corn, garlic and poblanos, so that’s what I use to make relish for this tasty summer lunch idea. —Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan
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10/56
Rustic Tomato Pie
Perk up your plate with this humble tomato pie. We like to use fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes and herbs, but store-bought produce will work in a pinch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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11/56
Chicken Parmesan Burgers
A restaurant-quality burger that’s topped with marinara and loaded with cheese—what’s not to love? Fresh basil adds even more flavor if you'd like. —Brooke Petras, Alpine, California
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12/56
Cucumber and Hummus Boats
The refreshing combo of cucumber and hummus really brings this meatless summer lunch idea together. It transports easily, making it a great option for weekday lunches. — Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
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13/56
Slow-Cooked Chicken Caesar Wraps
I first created this recipe for our daughter who loves Caesar salads, then later for our extended family on vacation. It's such an easy meal—perfect for vacations when you'd rather be outside than inside cooking all day. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Goes great with Dolly Parton’s coleslaw, the ultimate summer side dish!
14/56
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette
We love adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summer, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. This salad goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
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15/56
Shrimp Po'Boys with Pineapple Slaw
This twist on the traditional po'boy sandwich adds flavor and veggies while reducing fat and calories. For a smoked flavor, grill the shrimp. For a lower-carb option, serve the po'boy open-faced on a baguette half. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
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16/56
Chicken, Nectarine and Avocado Salad
This summer lunch idea is really summery and comes together very quickly. Using granola adds crunch and makes it different. I’ve tried using a various types of granola, and our favorites have been those that aren’t overly sweet but have lots of nuts. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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17/56
Coconut Chicken and Shrimp
I was looking for a fun, easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
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18/56
Tangy Cilantro Lime Confetti Salad
I love standout salads that burst with flavor—the kind that make you feel as if you’re splurging without having to eat that piece of chocolate cake. This summer lunch idea is one of my very favorites, and everyone I serve it to loves it as well. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming
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19/56
Wisconsin Butter Burgers
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter. My summer lunch idea is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
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20/56
Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles
This tangy shrimp summer lunch idea is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
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21/56
Summer Bounty Ratatouille
Make use of your garden’s surplus with this comforting dish from the Provence region of France. It’s a vegetable dish traditionally made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, garlic, bell peppers and various herbs. I highly recommend accompanying it with some freshly baked bread. —Phyllis Jacques, Venice, Florida
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22/56
Cheesy Summer Squash Flatbreads
When you want a meatless meal with Mediterranean style, these flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
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23/56
Brats with Sauerkraut
I’ve made many variations of this excellent summer lunch idea. It would be popular at a party or potluck. The bratwurst can be plain, smoked or cheese-flavored and served whole or cut in slices, with a bun or without. —Darlene Dixon, Hanover, Minnesota
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24/56
Halibut Soft Tacos
I sometimes serve these halibut tacos wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with grilled halibut. This summer lunch idea is quick, colorful and full of nutrients. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
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25/56
Southern Fried BLT
I’m really not big on tomatoes—but I do like them green and fried, so I decided to try them in a sandwich. It was a smash! If you’ve gotta have cheese, add sharp cheddar to this indulgent twist on the traditional BLT. —Stacy King, Rome, Georgia
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26/56
Garden-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Not only are these boats a delightful way to get your veggies, they're basically a one-dish meal that covers all the bases—just grab your favorite garden goodies and add any spices or mix-ins you like. —Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
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27/56
Crab Louie Lettuce Wraps
Party guests can mingle and enjoy these tasty portable lettuce wraps without having to juggle plates and forks. — Michael Watz, Normal, Illinois
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28/56
Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Chickpea salad sandwiches are further proof that chickpeas are the most versatile legume in the pantry. Lightly smashed, they soak up a creamy dressing loaded with vegan mayo, tangy mustard and fresh dill to make a plant-based take on classic deli salads like tuna or egg.
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29/56
Pressure-Cooker Fabulous Fajitas
When friends call to ask for new summer lunch ideas to try, suggest these tasty fajitas. Top as you like to add healthy color and extra flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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30/56
Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad
I created this summer lunch idea for a wedding I was catering, and it’s a good thing I made buckets of it, because I couldn’t stop eating it! This chilled creamy salad combines all the best flavors of jalapeno poppers with the delicate sweetness of fresh corn. —Amanda Miller, Hutchinson, Kansas
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31/56
Hasselback Tomato Clubs
This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair it with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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32/56
Classic Cobb Salad
Making this summer lunch idea is a lot like putting in a garden. I “plant” everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
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33/56
Mint-Cucumber Tomato Sandwiches
I jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family’s tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
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34/56
Lime Coconut Smoothie Bowl
This Key lime and coconut smoothie bowl is the most refreshing thing on the planet! —Madeline Butler, Denver, Colorado
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35/56
Pressure-Cooker Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I live in Georgia but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. —Ramona Parris, Acworth, Georgia
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36/56
Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches
Grill this eggplant, tomato and goat cheese sandwich to perfection…it makes a delicious meatless summer lunch idea. —Jennifer Jaras, Corona, California
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37/56
Denver Omelet Salad
I love this summer lunch idea. It may not be your typical lunch, but it has all the right elements. Plus, it’s easy, healthy and fast. Just turn your favorite omelet ingredients into a morning salad! —Pauline Custer, Duluth, Minnesota
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38/56
Lobster Rolls
To be truly authentic, melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet and toast the outsides of the buns before filling with the cool lobster. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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39/56
Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp
Chimichurri is a very popular condiment in Argentina and Uruguay and is most often used as a dipping sauce or a marinade for meats. My chimichurri shrimp version incorporates dill and lime, which give it a brighter flavor, making it ideal for spring and summer entertaining. —Bonnie Landy, Castro Valley, California
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40/56
Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice
This healthier take on kimchi fried rice is one of my favorite recipes because it's customizable. If there's a vegetarian in the family, leave out the bacon and add your favorite veggies. —Stefanie Schaldenbrand, Los Angeles, California
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41/56
Baked Chicken with Bacon-Tomato Relish
We eat a lot of chicken, so I’m always trying to do something a little different with it. My children love the crispiness of this summer lunch idea, and my husband and I love the flavorful relish—you can’t go wrong with bacon! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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42/56
Strawberry Feta Tossed Salad
A neighbor served this wonderful salad at a summer barbecue. I’ve since experimented with many ingredient combinations, but this one draws the most compliments. I took it to a baby shower, and not a seed was left in the bowl. —Lisa Lesinski-Topp, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
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43/56
Indian-Spiced Beefy Lettuce Wraps
Since I love the flavors of Indian food, I almost always have coconut milk, a jar of mango chutney and garam masala seasoning in my pantry. This recipe is one of my go-tos when I am short on time but want something that tastes spectacular. If you’d like to give this a different style of Asian flair, use hoisin sauce in place of chutney and Chinese five-spice powder in place of garam masala. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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44/56
Comforting Tuna Patties
My grandmother and mother made these tuna patties on Fridays during Lent. I'm not the biggest fan of tuna, but it's perfect in this dish. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington
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45/56
Easy Seafood Salad
This super simple, deceptively delicious recipe was inspired by a seafood salad I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp for the conch and like it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, Oklahoma
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46/56
Cheeseburger Quesadillas
The cheeseburger quesadilla is a mash-up of comfort food's greatest hits. It takes all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger—tangy, sweet condiments included—and packs them into the portable, dippable package of a quesadilla.
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47/56
Pressure-Cooker Tequila Salsa Chicken
I had this summer lunch idea at a local Mexican restaurant when celebrating a friend’s birthday. I fell in love with the spicy, smoky flavor from the tequila and decided to try Instant Pot salsa chicken at home. Boy, was it a success! It’s also great stuffed into flour tortillas or for making nachos. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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48/56
Cuban Sandwich Burgers
My mom would make these Cuban burgers when we would visit her in Florida. They are a take on the real Cuban sandwich. My kids love them. My boys could eat two of these monsters in one sitting. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
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49/56
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies—especially when it comes to experimenting with fresh ingredients like these. This meaty salad is wonderful at the start of asparagus season. —Tamara Steeb, Issaquah, Washington
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50/56
Instant Pot Taco Pasta
This dish is a welcome change from boring taco Tuesday. I've taken all the flavors of tacos and created an easy pasta dish. Kids love the taste, and I love how quick and easy it is to put together in the electric pressure cooker. To lighten things up, use ground turkey instead of the beef. — Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
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51/56
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
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52/56
Golden Beet and Peach Soup with Tarragon
One summer we had a bumper crop of peaches from our two trees, so I had fun experimenting with different summer lunch ideas. After seeing a beet soup recipe in a cookbook, I changed it a bit to include our homegrown golden beets and sweet peaches. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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53/56
Peach Mango Caprese Salad
Summer in the Midwest offers a bounty of fresh produce. I wanted to come up with a new recipe for the harvested goods, and this bright, flavorful salad is the refreshing end result. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
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54/56
Popcorn Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
I love combining classic flavors in new ways. This healthy summer lunch idea combines crispy popcorn shrimp and tacos! It’s one of my family’s favorites. To make the tacos lower in carbs, use lettuce instead of tortillas. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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55/56
Pressure-Cooker Smoked Salmon Pasta
I love making one-pot pastas in my pressure cooker. Every noodle soaks up the flavors of the delicious ingredients. I tried a version with some leftover smoked fish and fresh dill, and boom—this smoked salmon pasta was born. It's now a staple in our house because the dish is on the table in a half hour and the kids love it! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
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56/56
All-American Hamburgers
We do a lot of camping and outdoor cooking. Hamburgers are on our menu more than any other food. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
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Originally Published: June 10, 2020
Author
Christina Herbst
Formerly an associate editor, Christina chased down food trends to share the latest (and the weirdest) with Taste of Home readers. A professional brand and portrait photographer, Christina can't resist adding copious amounts of garlic and cheese to any recipe she gets her hands on.
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