I Went For Bold Flavors With 19 Summer Lunch Recipes

ByMandy Applegate

There’s nothing polite about these 19 choices; they’re loud, proud, and unapologetically built for lunch. When the weather’s cooking, your plate should be too, and these meals don’t bother asking for permission. It’s like they read the summer forecast and decided to bring their own thunder. If lunch could shout, these would definitely be yelling.

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cold, creamy, and perfect for keeping things simple at lunch. Macaroni Salad makes it easy to add a side to any meal or enjoy on its own. It’s quick to prepare and easy to serve in bigger portions. Perfect for a no-fuss, filling addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

A Copycat Chipotle burrito bowl, filled with rice, fajita veggies, corn salsa, tortilla chips. and topped with a lime wedge.
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A layered option that feels fresh but hearty enough to stand as a whole meal. Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl keeps everything together in one bowl for easy eating. It’s ideal for those who want bold flavors without a huge preparation time. Works perfectly for group lunches or solo meals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo salad with mixed vegetables, including olives, tomatoes, and spinach, garnished with herbs.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Light and balanced with grains that hold everything together. Mediterranean Orzo Salad offers something refreshing and easy to share for mid-day meals. Great as a main dish or a side for a larger spread. It’s easily packed for on-the-go lunches, too.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Small, rolled portions that pack more flavor than they look. Pinwheel Sandwiches are quick to eat and can be served with almost anything on the side. They’re ideal for lunches when you want something you can pick up and eat easily. A dependable option whether you’re hosting or prepping for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Veggie Sliders

Close-up of a Veggie Burger Slider with a fried patty, sliced cucumber, shredded purple cabbage, greens, and mayonnaise in a bun. In the background, a blurred portion of another slider and a dish are visible.
Veggie Sliders. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Small, plant-based sandwiches that feel flavorful and easy to handle. Veggie Sliders give you a hearty bite without overpowering your lunch. They work for both vegetarians and meat-eaters looking to try something light. A great pick for casual meals or larger group setups.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Sliders

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A colorful mix of pasta and fresh ingredients that feels filling but not heavy. Pasta Primavera keeps flavors basic while still being interesting enough to stand out. A simple option that works as a main or a side meal. Perfect for those who love variety in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crisp and light but satisfying enough for a lunchtime break. Honeycrisp Salad brings together simple ingredients for a refreshing and crunchy option. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a heavier main dish. The texture makes it a standout every time.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Copycat Impossible Burger

Close-up of a burger with a plant-based patty, lettuce, and sauce in a bun.
Copycat Impossible Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A plant-based burger that looks and feels like the real thing. Copycat Impossible Burger is a great choice for those who want the satisfaction of a burger without the meat. It’s easy to dress up with your favorite toppings to make it your own. Whether at home or packed for lunch, it works both ways.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger

Corn Fritters

A stack of savory pancakes topped with a dollop of cream and chopped green onions, served on a plate with a bowl of dipping sauce nearby.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. Corn Fritters make for an easy-to-stack lunch option that doesn’t need much explanation. They’re great for quick meal prep or mix-and-match lunches with simple sides. Perfect as a go-to for both snacking and full plates.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A chilled dish with fresh flavors and just the right balance of texture. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies makes everything feel light but filling. It’s ideal for lunches that don’t weigh you down. The grilled veggies bring out extra richness in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Chickpea Nuggets

A plate of chickpea nuggets with a bowl of sauce.
Chickpea Nuggets. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bite-sized and plant-based, these nuggets feel like a twist on a classic idea. Chickpea Nuggets are perfect for dipping and pairing with any quick side. They’re easy for on-the-go lunches where you need something fast. A great option when you want to change things up at midday.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets

Morel Mushroom Pasta

A bowl of cavatappi pasta with morel mushrooms, garnished with grated cheese and fresh herbs.
Morel Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A warm, earthy dish that feels simple yet flavorful for a lunch meal. Morel Mushroom Pasta showcases its star ingredient without needing a lot of extra work. It’s filling enough to be a main dish but not overcomplicated. A perfect pick for those who love bold, natural ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Flaky and light yet rich in every bite. Caprese Pesto Tarts are an easy-to-grab lunch that feels unique but still comforting. The combination of flavors makes every bite feel purposeful. Perfectly portioned for busy days or smaller groups.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

A white dish filled with cooked fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, with a silver fork resting inside.
Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A baked option that became popular for a reason. Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta mixes creamy textures with pasta’s chewy bite. Great for making a quick but filling lunch without a lot of effort. This dish delivers bold and enjoyable flavors every time.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

Mushroom Pizza

Close-up of a pizza topped with arugula, mushrooms, cheese, and herbs on a parchment paper.
Mushroom Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A twist on pizza where the mushrooms steal the show. Mushroom Pizza keeps things simple but gives focus to earthy and rich textures. It’s perfect for lunch alone or sharing slices with friends. Whether warm or room temperature, it’s always easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Aglio e Olio

Close-up of fettuccine pasta tossed with grated cheese, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes being lifted with a fork.
Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A simple pasta dish with a focus on flavor rather than ingredients. Aglio e Olio feels both quick and satisfying for a mid-day pick-me-up. It’s perfect for busy lunches where you want something comforting. Great for solo meals or sharing without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Aglio e Olio

Mushroom Tacos

Three soft tacos filled with lettuce, mushrooms, shredded cheese, and cherry tomatoes, garnished with a lime wedge.
Mushroom Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A handheld option that feels hearty and flavorful. Mushroom Tacos show how plant-based meals can still pack bold flavors. Easy to make and even easier to eat anywhere. Perfect for lunches that need to be quick without losing their edge.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Tacos

Avocado Toast

Various avocado toasts with toppings including cherry tomatoes, fried eggs, black olives, and feta cheese on a parchment-lined surface.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simple but fulfilling with its creamy bite on top of crunch. Avocado Toast always feels like an easy but enjoyable option for lunch. You can keep it plain or add extras to customize each serving. Great for when you need something balanced and not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

An unexpected mix that combines pizza flavors with a fresh twist. Pizza Salad takes what you love about comfort foods and adds a lighter spin. Easy to eat and even easier to make in bigger portions. A smart choice for lunches that need variety without too much weight.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

A vegetarian for over 45 years, Mandy has taught herself to be creative in the kitchen, using traditional appliances and air fryers. Traveling extensively, Mandy loves learning and adapting vegetarian recipes from across the world.

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