Having friends over for lunch on a sunny summer day is THE BEST.
But sometimes, figuring out what to serve can feel a little tricky.
You want food that’s light, fresh, and doesn’t take FOREVER to make.
Something that says “summer” and makes everyone feel relaxed and happy.
Well, you’re in the right place!
We’ve pulled together some REALLY great ideas for your next get-together.
From cool salads to easy sandwiches and other delicious bites, there’s plenty to choose from.
These are all about simple ingredients and BIG flavor.
So, let’s get you inspired with these 32 summer lunch ideas for your guests.
1. Easy Italian Pasta Salad
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a delightful summer staple. It features pasta, salami, mozzarella cheese, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a delicious Italian dressing. This flavorful pasta salad is quick to make and perfect for any gathering.
2. Grilled Scallop and Balsamic Grilled Peach Salad
Enjoy fresh flavors with this Grilled Scallop and Balsamic Grilled Peach Salad, where sweet grilled peaches beautifully complement tender scallops.
This delightful peach salad offers a vibrant and light experience, making it a perfect scallop salad for any occasion.
3. Easy Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Discover the perfect meatless main with these Easy Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Steaks. Thick slices of cauliflower are roasted until wonderfully tender with deliciously caramelized edges. This simple recipe offers a beautiful, elegant option for a quick weeknight meal or a festive holiday spread.
4. Baked Potato Bar
This Baked Potato Bar is perfect for any gathering, making entertaining a breeze. It’s so easy to set up, offering plenty of baked potato bar ideas for everyone to create their favorite loaded potato. You’ll love customizing your potato with delicious baked potato bar toppings.
5. Bacon Ranch Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
The Bacon Ranch Chicken Pinwheels Recipe is an ultimate finger food perfect for your next get-together.
These savory tortilla roll ups feature a delicious bacon ranch chicken filling.
This easy pinwheel recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit.
6. Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wraps are a perfect choice for a satisfying meal. This delicious buffalo chicken wraps recipe features tender grilled chicken, zesty Buffalo sauce, and a mix of cheeses, with celery for a refreshing crunch.
7. Iced Borscht
Iced Borscht is a wonderfully refreshing chilled soup, perfect for warm weather.
This vibrant beet soup offers a delightful and unique flavor.
It’s an easy recipe that quickly comes together.
8. Red Potato Salad Recipe
This creamy Red Potato Salad Recipe is perfect for any gathering or a simple lunch.
It features tender red potatoes, crisp celery, and red onions tossed in a tangy dill dressing.
Enjoy this comforting dish that’s simple to make and can even be prepared ahead of time.
9. Black Bean Salad
This Black Bean Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish. It features a delicious mix of beans, corn, and fresh herbs, all brightened by a zesty lime dressing. Enjoy this quick and easy black bean salad as a light meal or a perfect side.
10. Nigerian Beef Suya – West African Flavours
Nigerian Beef Suya offers a fantastic taste of West African flavours. This recipe features tender beef skewers, seasoned to perfection for a truly inviting dish. It’s a wonderful way to experience rich, authentic Nigerian tastes.
11. Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is an easy and refreshing choice.
It’s a healthy kale salad, perfect to make ahead as a side for any meal or a light lunch.
12. Steak Sandwiches with Cowboy Butter
Get ready for incredible Steak Sandwiches with Cowboy Butter.
These steak sandwiches feature tender sirloin steak on toasty bread, along with zesty garlic aioli.
The unique cowboy butter truly makes every bite unforgettable.
13. Chicken Ranch Tacos
Chicken Ranch Tacos are a fantastic family-friendly meal, simple to make and fun to eat. Grilled chicken and crispy bacon are perfectly paired with a homemade ranch sauce, cheese, and fresh veggies inside warm flour tortillas. These chicken tacos are sure to become a new favorite!
14. Baked Tofu Tacos
Enjoy delicious Baked Tofu Tacos packed with flavorful marinated tofu.
These delightful tofu tacos are perfectly baked and come together with fresh toppings and a zesty avocado lime sauce.
15. BBQ Chicken Naan Bread Pizza
Enjoy a delicious BBQ Chicken Naan Bread Pizza that comes together in just 15 minutes. This easy Naan bread pizza recipe features a fluffy base smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with shredded chicken and melted cheese. It’s the perfect quick and tasty BBQ chicken pizza.
16. Cucumber Sweet Pepper and Avocado Salad with Lemon Honey Mustard Dressing
This vibrant Cucumber Sweet Pepper and Avocado Salad is a delicious way to enjoy fresh produce. It features a bright Lemon Honey Mustard Dressing that ties all the flavors together beautifully. This healthy salad is perfect for a light meal, especially as summer winds down.
17. Sheet Pan Vegetarian Nachos
Sheet Pan Vegetarian Nachos bring restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen. This vegetarian nachos recipe uses a tasty, chili-seasoned “ground beef” alternative. Enjoy all your favorite traditional toppings on these delicious sheet pan vegetarian nachos.
18. Chicken Salad with Avocado
This Chicken Salad with Avocado offers a delightful and refreshing taste. It makes an incredibly easy and perfect lunch, especially on a warm day.
19. Cottage Cheese Frittata
This Cottage Cheese Frittata is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a high-protein meal.
It’s a fast option that works wonderfully for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
20. Lentil Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Citrus
Lentil Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Citrus offers a vibrant, protein-packed experience. This energizing dish is perfect for a light lunch that keeps you feeling great. Enjoy the fresh flavors of spinach and bright citrus in every delicious bite.
21. Greek Chicken Kabobs
These Greek Chicken Kabobs burst with fresh lemon flavor.
They are perfect for summer grilling, featuring tender greek yogurt chicken.
Enjoy this easy recipe for a delicious and satisfying meal.
22. Chicken Caesar Salad
Enjoy this classic Chicken Caesar Salad for a fresh and satisfying meal. It features crisp romaine lettuce and juicy grilled chicken tossed in a garlicky homemade dressing. This dressing gets its bright taste from Greek yogurt and a hint of lemon juice.
23. Apple Chicken Salad
This Apple Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on a classic. You’ll love this healthy chicken salad recipe with its vibrant mix of crunchy apples and tangy blue cheese. It’s wonderfully creamy, thanks to Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
24. Mexican Coleslaw
Mexican Coleslaw offers a delightful twist on a classic, combining crisp shredded cabbage, black beans, corn, and a creamy dressing.
This vibrant southwestern coleslaw is an excellent side dish for your next barbecue or picnic.
25. Oven Roasted Tomatoes
Discover the rich, sweet flavor of these delightful Oven Roasted Tomatoes. Our easy recipe brings out the best in these slow oven roasted tomatoes, making them burst with concentrated flavor. They are perfect for topping salads, adding to pasta, or simply enjoying with fresh goat cheese.
26. Crepes Recipe
This Crepes Recipe is an easy way to bring a taste of France right into your kitchen.
You’ll love these buttery crepes, perfect for filling with anything sweet or savory you desire.
27. Creamy Curried Chicken Pasta Salad
This Creamy Curried Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish perfect for your next gathering.
It features tender chicken and pasta blended with crisp celery and sweet apricots.
A delicious, creamy curry sauce brings all the flavors together for a truly satisfying meal.
28. Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a fantastic choice for a quick and flavorful dinner.
This satisfying meal comes together effortlessly in your air fryer and is ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes.
29. Greek Shrimp Bowls with Quinoa
These Greek Shrimp Bowls with Quinoa are a wonderful choice for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Packed with vibrant flavors, these Greek shrimp bowls make healthy eating delicious and easy.
Enjoy them for a light lunch or a delightful dinner.
30. Tomato Feta Salad
This vibrant Tomato Feta Salad is the perfect fresh summer side. It brings together juicy tomatoes with sweet peaches and strawberries for a delightful mix of flavors. Enjoy this refreshing dish that’s ideal for any warm day.
31. Easy Veggie Dip Recipe
Say goodbye to store-bought options with this Easy Veggie Dip Recipe, a fresh and flavorful homemade alternative.
It takes just minutes to prepare, creating the perfect vegetable dip for all your favorite dipping veggies.
32. Nectarine Burrata Salad
The Nectarine Burrata Salad offers a burst of fresh, delicious flavor.
Juicy nectarines and creamy burrata combine beautifully in this easy nectarine salad.
It’s the perfect light and refreshing option for any summer gathering.