Having friends over for lunch in the summer is the BEST.
But figuring out what to make can be a little tricky.
You want something that’s easy, but also feels special for your guests.
And you DEFINITELY don’t want to spend all afternoon in a hot kitchen.
That’s where these ideas come in.
I’ve put together a list of simple and delicious summer lunches that are perfect for sharing.
They’re fresh, full of flavor, and won’t have you cooking for hours.
You’ll find everything from big, colorful salads to easy sandwiches and other light bites that are guaranteed to be a hit.
1. Cucumber Salad
This fresh Cucumber Salad is an easy and delicious summer side dish.
Every bite bursts with the crisp flavor of cucumbers, onions, and a yummy vinegar dressing.
It’s truly delightful.
2. Boneless Turkey Breast in Air Fryer
The Boneless Turkey Breast in Air Fryer delivers a perfectly juicy and tender meal in under an hour.
Prepare this simple dish using either boneless or bone-in turkey breast, elevated by a flavorful herb butter.
3. Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts
Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts offer a delightful crunch that’s simply irresistible.
These delicious sautéed artichoke hearts make a perfect appetizer, salad topper, or easy side dish.
4. Watermelon Canapés
Watermelon Canapés are a wonderfully easy and healthy appetizer that everyone will enjoy.
This refreshing watermelon recipe offers a delicious and simple bite for any occasion.
You will love preparing these delightful watermelon canapés for a quick, vibrant treat.
5. Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Bowl
This Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s packed with incredible Middle Eastern flavors, making dinner delicious and easy.
6. Crispy Fish Tacos with Mango Chilli Salsa
Enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors with our Crispy Fish Tacos with Mango Chilli Salsa.
This delicious crispy fish tacos recipe features perfectly fried fish, brightened by a zingy mango chilli salsa and creamy chipotle-lime sauce.
7. Radish, Avocado and Egg Mayonnaise Sandwich
Jazz up your midday meal with the Radish, Avocado and Egg Mayonnaise Sandwich. This delightful blend brings together creamy avocado, crisp radish, and savory egg mayonnaise for a truly satisfying bite. It’s a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy lunch.
8. Quick and Easy White Bean Salad (vegan, gluten free)
This Quick and Easy White Bean Salad is a delightful and healthy option for any time of day.
Enjoy this versatile Mediterranean bean salad on its own, in a wrap, or with your favorite crackers for a satisfying snack.
9. Artichoke Pizza
This Artichoke Pizza features a rich and creamy spinach artichoke base.
It’s generously topped with plenty of cheese for a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
10. Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Enjoy the fresh taste of summer with this Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette.
It brings together juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, all highlighted by a bright basil vinaigrette.
This salad is simple to prepare and truly delicious.
11. Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef and Swiss Sliders
These Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef and Swiss Sliders are a delicious hit perfect for any gathering. Featuring tender roast beef and melted Swiss cheese, they’re topped with a tangy Dijon sauce for an irresistible bite.
12. Shish Kabob Recipe
This Shish Kabob Recipe features tender marinated beef, colorful peppers, and onions, all grilled to juicy perfection. It’s a quick and easy meal option, wonderful for grilling or even baking in the oven.
13. Thai Cucumber Salad
Enjoy the authentic taste of your favorite Thai Cucumber Salad right at home.
This refreshing cucumber salad comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for any meal.
14. Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe
Get ready for the easiest Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe. This dish delivers super tender, amazingly zesty chicken using just a few simple ingredients, right in your Instant Pot.
15. Southwest Chicken Salad
Southwest Chicken Salad is a delicious dish featuring seasoned chicken breast and the bold flavors of the southwest. It’s perfectly complemented by a zesty cilantro lime dressing and crispy tortilla strips for a satisfying crunch.
16. Easy Salami Pasta Salad (Antipasto)
This Easy Salami Pasta Salad (Antipasto) brings bold flavors to your table.
It’s a hearty mix of fusilli pasta, savory salami, crisp bell peppers, and tender artichoke hearts, all tossed in a tangy dressing.
This simple salad is perfect for gatherings and always a crowd-pleaser.
17. Egg Salad Sandwich
This delicious Egg Salad Sandwich is always a favorite for a reason.
It’s an easy Egg Salad Tea Sandwich recipe that’s perfect for light lunches or delightful gatherings.
Enjoy perfectly hard-boiled eggs blended into this creamy, satisfying classic.
18. Cheeseburger Sliders
Cheeseburger Sliders are a fun and delicious meal perfect for the whole family.
This easy recipe combines seasoned ground beef with fluffy Hawaiian rolls and melty cheddar cheese.
They’re the perfect bite-sized burgers everyone will love.
19. Grilled Fish Tacos with Guava Salsa – Sierra Leone Flavours
Get ready to enjoy our Grilled Fish Tacos with Guava Salsa, showcasing delightful Sierra Leone Flavours. These healthy grilled fish tacos are perfectly paired with a vibrant, spicy guava salsa. It’s a truly fresh and exciting meal that brings a burst of flavor to your table.
20. Nutty Brown Rice Broccoli Bowls
Nutty Brown Rice Broccoli Bowls are a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for any time.
These delightful broccoli bowls feature chewy brown rice, tender broccoli, and crunchy almonds with a nutty dressing.
Enjoy them warm, cold, or as easy meal prep throughout your week.
21. Grilled Steak Mango Salad with Avocado Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
The Grilled Steak Mango Salad with Avocado Buttermilk Ranch Dressing offers a hearty and satisfying meal.
This delicious dinner salad, featuring tender steak, is perfect for even the biggest appetites.
Enjoy this flavorful and robust dish whenever you crave something special.
22. Curry Chicken Salad
Discover a vibrant mix of flavors in this creamy Curry Chicken Salad.
Tender chicken in a sweet and savory curried sauce is paired with crisp apples, chewy raisins, and crunchy cashews for a delightful texture in every bite.
23. Crispy Baked Cod with Panko
Crispy Baked Cod with Panko offers a delightfully easy way to enjoy a family-friendly meal.
This delicious baked cod recipe features mild cod fillets topped with a perfectly seasoned panko breadcrumb topping.
It’s an ideal baked cod with breadcrumbs option, ready for any busy weeknight or even entertaining.
24. Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
Discover the perfect summer side with this bright Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad. It’s light, fresh, and packed with simple Mediterranean-inspired flavors, making it a wonderful addition to any meal. This easy tomato cucumber salad is a delicious choice for your grilled favorites or Greek dinners.
25. Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
This delicious Roasted Sweet Potato Salad is the perfect healthy side dish for any meal.
It beautifully combines roasted sweet potatoes with creamy textures for a vibrant and satisfying sweet potato salad.
26. Grilled Caprese Panino
Enjoy a delicious Grilled Caprese Panino, packed with vibrant pesto, fresh tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese.
This classic sandwich is perfectly grilled for a warm, comforting bite every time.
27. Taco Salad
Enjoy a delicious Taco Salad perfect for any meal.
This flavorful beef taco salad offers a fun and festive twist on a classic.
It’s ideal as a lighter main course or a fantastic potluck side.
28. Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Get ready for the easiest party favorite with these amazing Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels.
These creamy, spicy bites feature buffalo dip rolled in tortillas, making them a perfect no-cook, make-ahead appetizer for any event.
29. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini Fritters are perfectly cooked, offering a delightful combination of tender insides and crisp, crunchy edges.
This easy recipe for zucchini fritters is so simple to make, bringing delicious flavor to your table.
30. Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken
Discover the incredible taste of Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken. This juicy recipe features a quick homemade barbecue sauce, bringing dinner to your table in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect easy meal.
31. Pan-Seared Cod with Cilantro-Lime Compound Butter
Enjoy the rich flavor of Pan-Seared Cod with Cilantro-Lime Compound Butter, perfect for any night.
This pan-seared cod makes a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
It’s a fantastic way to prepare seafood that everyone will love.
32. Pimento Cheese Spread
This Pimento Cheese Spread is a true Southern delight that’s incredibly easy to make.
Enjoy this creamy pimento cheese on crackers, as a delicious pimento cheese dip, or melted into a warm grilled cheese.
33. Pizza Pasta Salad
Enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors combined into one incredible Pizza Pasta Salad.
This easy pasta salad is perfect as a refreshing summer side dish.
It’s so satisfying, it can even stand alone as a light meal.