As summer comes to a close, we have just a few weeks left to soak in the season. Before we know it, the temperatures will drop and the days will become shorter. While we still have warm weather, bright sun, and an abundance of summer produce, it’s a great time to enjoy fresh, homemade meals as often as we can.
So when it comes to summertime lunches, in particular, we think light, quick, and of course, delicious. We’re also sure to incorporate greens and other veggies into every dish to make certain we’re meeting our nutritional needs. Additionally, we look for options that will be easy to pack in lunchboxes so the kids can enjoy them as well. Here are some of our favorite lunch options that we’ve had on repeat this summer and that we’ll continue to make through the end of the season and beyond.
Pasta with Green Blender Sauce
A light bowl of pasta is always a perfect afternoon meal! In this simple dish, a bright, lemony, kale-based version of pesto is the star. The sauce is made with basil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, kale, avocado, and parmesan cheese all blended together to form an ideal combination of creaminess and flavor. It is then added to cooked pasta and ready to be enjoyed.
Chickpea Quinoa Salad with Turnip Greens
This quinoa salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Put it together the night before and lunch will be a snap. It’s packed with plant-based protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, and vegetables to help you reach your health goals, plus the citrusy dressing will ensure that it is as tasty as can be. There are so many reasons to love this recipe!
Salmon Mustard Greens Salad
If simple is your top priority, this salmon mustard greens salad will definitely fit the bill. With only four ingredients needed and no cooking involved, lunch doesn’t get much easier than this. Its low-carb nutritional profile is an added bonus for those looking to cut back. Overall, this meal is sure to be a summertime hit.
Kale and White Bean Bowl
As you can probably tell, we are loving plant-based recipes for summer lunches. The protein of choice for this one is white beans sautéed with onion, vegetable broth, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings. The bean mixture is then served over massaged kale and topped with fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. It’s a light dish, but still filling enough to keep you satisfied until dinnertime.
Dogs with Coleslaw
Hot dogs and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly, but it’s no secret that they’re not the healthiest food option. Add some extra nutritional value by topping them with vitamin-rich coleslaw. Kids and adults alike will approve of this lunch idea!
BKT Sandwich
Switch up the traditional BLT by swapping kale in for lettuce and using turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. Further, increase the number of nutrients in this simple sandwich by adding avocado as well! Those ingredients, along with the classic tomato and your favorite kind of bread, will come together as a tasty, well-balanced meal.
And there you have it: six lunch ideas that are perfect for the summertime. You can’t go wrong with any of these recipes, so give one or two (or all six!) a try. If you’re like us and crave light, fresh meals like these in the hot weather, we know you’re going to love them all. And if you have school-age children, they’ll surely appreciate finding these delicious dishes in their lunchboxes. We hope you enjoy your last few weeks of summery lunches, slow days, warm sun, and delightful seasonal produce!