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Summer Lunch Ideas

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The very best recipes for summer lunch ideas are those that are light, quick and that can be loved and shared with the whole family! Whether you’re hanging out with a group of friends, have family visiting, or are just home with the kids on summer vacation, these summer lunch ideas are sure to be a hit with everyone!

The Best Summer Lunch Recipes

Summer is such a fun time- between swimming, hanging with the kids, visiting family, and lounging outside, you are bound to get hungry! I have gathered together the best summer lunch ideas that are sure to please everyone whether it be a large crowd, your kids, or even by yourself!

This list contains classics like egg salad sandwiches as well as new and fun twists like sweet potato sushi! I know you will be able to find something for any craving you might be having!

Amazing Summer lunch ideas featuring 4 recipe images in a collage.
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1. Wedge Salad

This refreshing wedge salad is great for those hot summer days. It’s simple and light, yet delicious and satisfying!

Wedge Salad
A wedge salad is a delicious appetizer or side dish with crisp iceberg lettuce, blue cheese, bacon, and tomatoes! No basic side salad can compare to a huge wedge of fresh lettuce with delicious toppings! Plus, it's super easy to customize with your favorite dressing, cheeses, and veggies!
Check out this recipe
Closeup of the wedge salad on light grey plate and served with dressing, tomatoes, and bacon.

2. Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks

This dish can be ready to eat in only 10 minutes, but it’ll taste as if it took much longer. The sesame seed crust on these Ahi Tuna steaks will have you wanting to eat this all week!

Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
Making perfectly seared ahi tuna is easier than you may think, and adding a golden sesame seed crust takes it over the top! Ahi tuna sears quickly and doesn't require much for it to be totally delicious, so follow this recipe, and you can serve a gourmet fish dinner at home!
Check out this recipe
Pan seared ahi tuna steaks after brushing with sesame and crusting with sesame seeds.

3. Egg Salad Sandwiches

This classic lunch idea is made with staple ingredients that you probably already have! No need to run to the store, you’ll have this sandwich made in no time!

Egg Salad
This egg salad is a classic recipe that features hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and even some crisp and crunchy bacon! It will quickly become one of your favorite, quick recipes for a simple lunch or picnic. Eat it by itself or use it for the best egg salad sandwich you've ever had!
Check out this recipe
The best egg salad is made with your staple ingredients of the classic egg salad: hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasoning! Make it your own with all the wonderful options for stir-ins!!

4. Tuna Salad with Pasta

Pasta salad is delicious already, throw in some hearty tuna and you’ll have a new favorite lunch recipe! This recipe makes 6 servings so you can save the leftovers for another day!

Tuna Pasta Salad
My creamy tuna salad with pasta is a relatively healthy main course or side dish that is perfect for any occasion! Bow tie noodles, tuna, red onion, and Greek yogurt are all featured in this incredibly easy dish!
Check out this recipe
Best tuna salad with pasta served in white bowl on light background.

5. Shredded Chicken Tacos

These delicious chicken tacos are a great summer lunch idea for when the kids are out of school! Dress it up or down with any toppings you want!

Shredded Chicken Tacos
Savory shredded chicken tacos are an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will have fun making and eating together! Chicken is cooked until fall-apart tender and coated with tasty chicken taco seasoning and tangy salsa roja, then it’s ready to serve with your favorite toppings!
Check out this recipe
Square image of shredded chicken tacos.

6. Chicken Club Sandwich

This classic dish is better than anything you’ll be able to get at your neighborhood sandwich shop! This sandwich is stacked high with delicious toppings that will satisfy any sandwich craving you could have!

Chicken Club Sandwich
The layers of fresh toppings in this chicken club sandwich top off the pan seared chicken breast and bacon so wonderfully, truly a hearty and satisfying sandwich. When you are craving a sandwich, and not just any sandwich, but the perfect club sandwich.
Check out this recipe
Chicken club sandwich with fries on a parchment.

7. Tortilla Pizza

This lunch recipe is an absolute staple in my house as it is so quick and easy, yet delicious! You get all the flavor of your favorite pizza but on a light and crispy tortilla!

Tortilla Pizza
A crispy tortilla pizza is an easier and healthier alternative to a traditional pizza, with all your favorite pizza toppings! Perfect for lunch or dinner, these personal pizzas can be customized to your liking and only take a few minutes to make!
Check out this recipe
Sliced pepperoni tortilla pizza on white plate.

8. Air Fryer Frozen Burgers

Yes, burgers can be made in the air fryer and, let me tell you, they are delicious! No need to wait for the meat to thaw, pop them in the air fryer still frozen and you’re ready to go!

Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
Tasty, juicy air fryer frozen burgers cook up to perfection with very little effort on your part, making them a quick and easy family meal! These hearty burgers are so much better than anything from a drive-thru - plus, you truly can make them your way (so can everyone in your family)!
Check out this recipe
Air fryer frozen burger on bun with cheese and condiments.

9. Pinwheel Sandwiches

These little sandwiches are so versatile that you can fill them up with practically anything you want! This kid-friendly lunch is great for serving large groups, too!

Pinwheel Sandwiches
Pinwheel sandwiches are an easy-to-make, delicious choice for lunches, snacks, or appetizers. Perfect for holidays, game days, and everyday meals, these make-ahead sandwiches, rolled in tortillas or bread, are loved by all.
Check out this recipe
Square collage image of pinwheel sandwiches.

10.  Best Chicken Tortilla Soup

This delicious, savory soup is loaded with so much flavor that you’ll want to eat it again for dinner! Once you make this soup once, your family will request it again and again!

Chicken Tortilla Soup
This chicken tortilla soup combines common pantry staples for an amazingly flavorful soup that comes together in under an hour! It's one of my most requested soups, a family favorite, and an incredibly easy dinner to make when I haven't planned ahead! In fact, it's a comfort food must-have!
Check out this recipe
Large square perfect chicken tortilla soup with garnish served in white bowls.

11.  Dirty Rice

If you love Cajun food then you are going to love this hearty, flavorful dirty rice! It is one of my favorite summer lunch ideas for when I'm in the mood to mix it up!

Dirty Rice
This dirty rice recipe is full of Cajun flavor, hearty meat, and lots of aromatic veggies to make a super quick and delicious dinner! Whether you eat it on its own or serve it with sides, it is the perfect weeknight recipe! So, whip up an easy batch of dirty rice and let the good times roll!
Check out this recipe
Square photo of white bowl full of dirty rice.

12. Microwave Baked Potato

Why wait an hour for a baked potato in the oven when you can have one ready to eat in less than 15 minutes? This is a great option for a truly quick and easy lunch!

Microwave Baked Potato
A microwave-baked potato you can make in a matter of minutes, complete with all of your favorite toppings. This method is so easy, producing a perfect fluffy potato every time. Plus, it only takes 7 minutes to make.
Check out this recipe
Perfectly fluffy microwave baked potato topped with cheese, bacon, and more.

13. Pan Seared Salmon

This healthy and quick lunch will have you feeling so good afterward! Loaded with protein and Omega-3s, this is a recipe that you’ll love to have around!

Pan Seared Salmon with Crispy Skin
Pan Seared Salmon with crispy skin is delicious and easy to make. It turns out perfectly every time in just minutes! Season with salt, pepper, and some dill weed then serve with lemon slices or wedges for the perfect salmon dinner any night of the week!
Check out this recipe
Pan seared salmon served with wilted greens and lemon slices.

14. Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

These kid-approved chicken tenders are so easy, they only use 4 ingredients! Pair them with any side your kids like and you’ll have a great summertime lunch!

Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders
These copycat Cracker Barrel grilled chicken tenders are just as good as the real thing, maybe even better! The secret is in the Italian dressing, honey, and lime marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and tender while adding flavor. Cracker Barrel's tasty marinated chicken tenderloins are an easy way to feed the whole family, and they are always a hit with kids and adults alike!
Check out this recipe
Tender, tasty Cracker Barrel chicken tenders are perfectly cooked marinated chicken tenderloins.

15. Fish Stick Sandwich

This sandwich is a fun and delicious way to upgrade your traditional fish sticks! With the ability to customize the sandwich to your specific likes, this filling sandwich will be a hit with both kids and adults!

Fish Stick Sandwich
This easy-to-make fish stick sandwich combines delightfully crispy fish fingers with fresh bread and homemade tartar sauce! It's a crowd-pleasing quick lunch that doubles as a great short-notice dinner too!
Check out this recipe
Fish stick sandwich with lettuce and tomato, on a plain background.

16. Creamy Beef Shells

If you’re looking for some comfort food, this savory and cheesy pasta dish is the way to go! Ready in only 20 minutes, you’ll be ready to eat in no time!

Creamy Beef and Shells
This quick and easy creamy beef and shells pasta dinner combines hearty ground beef with plenty of cheese and tender pasta shells! It's a family-favorite dinner that can be on the table in just 20 minutes start to finish!
Check out this recipe
Closeup overhead of the creamy beef and shells before serving.

17. Sweet Potato Sushi

This unique summer lunch idea is such a fun and delicious way to mix up your ordinary lunch routine. The sweet and salty flavors in this vegetarian sushi will have you coming back for seconds!

Sweet Potato Sushi
Tasty sweet potato sushi is the perfect sweet and salty combo, with delicious sweet potato, salty nori, and sticky rice! This vegetarian sushi starts with crispy breaded sweet potato wrapped up in perfectly cooked rice, wrapped in nori, and drizzled in teriyaki sauce!
Check out this recipe
Best sweet potato sushi is an easy vegetarian dish to serve drizzled with my tasty teriyaki sauce.

You can't go wrong with any of these summer lunch ideas! Don't forget to come back and tell us which recipes were a hit at your house!

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Amazing Summer lunch ideas featuring 4 recipe images in a collage.
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Best Summer Lunch Ideas: Baked BBQ Sausage (+More Tasty Recipes!)

The very best recipes for summer lunch ideas are those that are light, quick and that can be loved and shared with the whole family! Whether you’re hanging out with a group of friends, have family visiting, or are just home with the kids on summer vacation, these summer lunch ideas are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 658kcal
Prep 5 minutes
Cooking 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 2-3 lbs sausage (Polish sausage (kielbasa), smoked sausage, beef sausage, turkey sausage, Italian sausage)
  • 2 cups BBQ sauce
  • 2 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Slice the sausage into ½-inch rounds.
  • Combine the BBQ sauce and liquid smoke in a large bowl. Add the sliced sausage and toss to combine.
  • Transfer the BBQ sausage to a 9x13 baking dish and sprinkle the brown sugar over the top.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes or until bubbling and sticky and the sauce has caramelized.

Notes

  • You can use frozen sliced sausage for this recipe, just add 10 minutes to the cooking time.
  • When scaling the recipe up or down, use a generous ½ cup to â…” cup of BBQ sauce per pound of sausage.
  • Storing: Leftover Baked BBQ sausages should be refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoyed within 3 days. They may also be frozen in a heavy duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
  • Reheating: Place leftover sausages and sauce in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. 

Nutrition

Calories: 658kcal (33%) | Carbohydrates: 48g (16%) | Protein: 24g (48%) | Fat: 41g (63%) | Saturated Fat: 13g (81%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg (36%) | Sodium: 1950mg (85%) | Potassium: 608mg (17%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 41g (46%) | Vitamin A: 327IU (7%) | Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) | Calcium: 53mg (5%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

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