No soggy sandwiches or limp lettuce here!
JENNIFER CAUSEY
Summer lunches don’t have to rely on the same old standbys.
(Bonus: Many of the recipes require little or no cooking, to help keep you cool.)
Photo:JENNIFER CAUSEY
Watermelon Poke Bowls
Looking for anew way to use watermelonthis summer?
A sriracha mayonnaise lends a spicy kick to the bowl, keeping each bite interesting.
Loaded Tuna Salad Tartines
Jen Causey
This summertime lunch idea is super easy to make.
Victor Protasio
Swap the avocados for in-season sliced tomatoes and add radish slices for extra summery flavor.
This vegetarian dish comes together in just 20 minutes.
Bulgar is a hearty, high-in-fiber whole grain that makes an excellent base for the bowl.
Jen Causey
Rice Bowls with Chipotle Black Beans
Spicy black beans add heat to a veggie-packed summer lunch.
In-season corn makes a welcome appearance, adding a refreshing crunch throughout.
Carmelized onions provide a sweet-savory taste to the couscous.
Marcus Nilsson
Eat this bowl alone, or pair it with chicken, shrimp, or juicy steak for extra protein.
Watermelon radishes bring bold colors to this summertime bowl.
Freshly sliced avocado ensures each bite is creamy.
Gentl & Hyers
Drizzle your favoritehot sauceon top for heat and serve with lemon wedges.
Surprisingly enough, ciabatta bread is blended into the gazpacho, which gives texture and thickness.
In case you were wondering, a glass of white wine orrosewill complement the gazpacho perfectly.
Greg DuPree
Pair with a crusty bread like ciabatta to complete the meal and make it just that much more indulgent.
you could also quickly cook up a tenderloinit’s ready in 20 minutes!
To make a lighter version, simply swap the mayo for yogurt.
Greg DuPree
The ingredients for France’s beloved Nicoise salad are stuffed into a crusty baguette for a satisfying summer lunch.
Pick up tomatoes and lettuce from your local farmers market for the freshest taste.
A quick toasting of the bread gives a delicious crunch to each bite.
Greg DuPree
Muffaletta-Grilled Cheese Sandwiches With Romaine Salad
Fred Hardy
Lovegrilled cheese?
You’ll love this variation, which adds ham and a flavor punch from olive salad.
You’ll pair the sandwich with a quick romaine salad topped with a lemony mustard and oil dressing.
Jen Causey
Chicken-Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches
Pesto istheflavor of the summerand this sandwich pocket is filled with it.
Plus, this pesto is homemade, which amps up the freshness.
Feel free to grab a few leaves from your summer herb garden.
Greg DuPree
Each pizza dough pocket is filled with arugula, pesto-coated rotisserie chicken (hooray for shortcuts!
), and mozzarella.
Crab Rolls
Lobsters aren’t the only seafood worthy of a salad sandwich.
Caitlin Bensel
Peppery radish and celery add crunch to a quick and easy lunch idea.
Serve with sweet potato chips and a couple of pickle spears for a complete meal.
The best part is that it comes together in just half an hour.
Alison Miksch
The cucumbers become extra crisp by smashing, salting, and draining them.
To smash them, you’ll cut them lengthwise and go over them with a rolling pin.
Red pepper flakes give gentle heat, while fried onions lend a crispy, salty finish to the salad.
Jen Causey
Juicy shrimp pair well with the produce, adding protein and savory flavor.
You’ll want to save the soy-mayo dressing for the future, as it makes a delightful dipping sauce.
Serve with sriracha and lime wedges.
kcline/Getty Images
You’ll serve it all over a bed of farro or arugula.
Nectarine-and-Burrata Salad
Who says you need a lot of veggies in a summer salad?
Serve with grilled chicken or fish to add protein to your plate.
Fred Hardy
Crunchy sugar snap peas and juicy cherry tomatoes, plus kalamata olives, contribute colorful freshness.
Then, nutty chickpeas round out all the flavors.
Be sure to serve with somecrusty breadto soak up the remainder of the dressing.
Caitlin Bensel
Serve with a refreshing bubbly drink, like a lime-flavored sparkling water.
Serve with grilled chicken and a basket of tortilla chips and salsa to elevate this meal.
Use spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni for the pasta base.
Marcus Nilsson
The veggies are roasted until tender and sweet, bringing out a rich and flavorful taste.
Sprinkle the dish with freshly grated parmesan before serving.
Lemony Pasta Salad With Cucumber
Looking for a pasta salad that’ll take the heat?
Getty Images
This one features lemon vinaigrette and cucumbers for a fresh summer lunch idea.
Toss in some chickpeas or tofu for a complete vegetarian dish.
It’s light enough for lunch, yet hearty enough to get you through till dinner.
Jennifer Causey
You’ll sprinkle some almonds atop the pasta for extra crunch.
Bursting with refreshing flavor, juicy cherry tomatoes complement the basil sauce perfectly.
Orzo Tomato Salad
Roasting the cherry tomatoes gives this pasta salad a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Victor Protasio
Garnish withfresh parsleyand serve.
You’ll want to serve with warm tortillas to sop up every last bite.
Spoon on a dollop of sour cream before digging in.
Greg DuPree
Summery Corn Soup
Want to make good use ofin-season corn?
Look no further than this delicious corn soup.
Miso is an unexpected ingredient to give it a little umami.
Photo by: Victor Protasio
Miso also aids in gut health and digestion, so you might feel good about every spoonful you eat.
The mixture sits atop a slice of sourdough bread and is topped with thin radish slices for extra tang.
This salmon burger is so delicious (and healthy!)
Greg DuPree
and will instantly satisfy your hunger cravings.
Be sure to top with cotija cheese before serving.
Caitlin Bensel
Victor Protasio
Greg DuPree
Jen Causey
Marcus Nilsson
Greg DuPree
John Kernick
Victor Protasio
Jennifer Causey
Jennifer Causey
Romulo Yanes
Tara Donne
Victor Protasio
Greg DuPree
Greg DuPree
