The best summer lunch ideas are colorful, flavorful and nutritious! You'll enjoy these cheery dishes all season long.
57 Bright and Beautiful Summer Lunch Ideas
Updated on Sep. 06, 2024
1/56
Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This summer lunch idea showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 371 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
If you want to taste summer in a baking dish Pioneer Woman’s corn casserole is a must-try!
2/56
California Roll Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the California rolls I get at sushi restaurants and wanted to capture those flavors in a sandwich I could take to work. I started with the standard ingredients, added a few others and came up with a hit. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 365 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
3/56
Triple Tomato Flatbread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomatoes are the reason I have a vegetable garden, and I developed this summer lunch idea as a way to show off my garden’s plum, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes. The dish is easy and will impress. —Rachel Kimbrow, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 235 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/56
Red, White and Blue Summer Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Caprese salad and fresh fruit always remind me of summer. In this salad, I combine traditional Caprese flavors with summer blueberries and peaches. I also add prosciutto for saltiness, creating a balanced, flavor-packed side dish. —Emily Falke, Santa Barbara, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 233 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 486mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
5/56
Summer Garden Fish Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 278 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
6/56
Grilled Brats with Sriracha Mayo
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a Sriracha fanatic, so that’s what inspired this summer lunch idea. You can boil the brats in your favorite beer to reduce the fat and give them flavor before grilling, or spread garlic butter on lightly toasted buns. —Quincie Ball, Olympia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 742 calories, 49g fat (13g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 2020mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
Loving these summer lunches? Discover more of our best vintage recipes for an old-fashioned ladies’ luncheon.
7/56
Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The inspiration for this summer lunch idea came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer with 1/2 cup corn mixture: 297 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
8/56
Grilled Chicken Ramen Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this chicken ramen salad because it’s a complete meal in one bowl. Everyone loves when it’s on the table—that’s a reaction that doesn’t happen every night, so I appreciate the kudos when I get them! —Karen Carlson, Alameda, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 458 calories, 29g fat (4g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 738mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
9/56
Grilled Flank Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 186 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
10/56
Rustic Tomato Pie
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Perk up your plate with this humble tomato pie. We like to use fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes and herbs, but store-bought produce will work in a pinch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 325 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
11/56
Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A restaurant-quality burger that’s topped with marinara and loaded with cheese—what’s not to love? Fresh basil adds even more flavor if you'd like. —Brooke Petras, Alpine, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 603 calories, 33g fat (10g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1275mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein.
12/56
Cucumber and Hummus Boats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The refreshing combo of cucumber and hummus really brings this meatless summer lunch idea together. It transports easily, making it a great option for weekday lunches. — Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed cucumber halves: 482 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 1026mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 11g fiber), 16g protein.
13/56
Slow-Cooked Chicken Caesar Wraps
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first created this recipe for our daughter who loves Caesar salads, then later for our extended family on vacation. It's such an easy meal—perfect for vacations when you'd rather be outside than inside cooking all day. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 472 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 795mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
Goes great with Dolly Parton’s coleslaw, the ultimate summer side dish!
14/56
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summer, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. This salad goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 455 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
15/56
Shrimp Po’Boys with Pineapple Slaw
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This twist on the traditional po'boy sandwich adds flavor and veggies while reducing fat and calories. For a smoked flavor, grill the shrimp. For a lower-carb option, serve the po'boy open-faced on a baguette half. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 420 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 1430mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
16/56
Nectarine Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When guests are coming for lunch or dinner in the warm summer months, I like to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I've passed it on many times.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 266 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
17/56
Coconut Chicken and Shrimp
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for a fun, easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 659 calories, 31g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
18/56
Tangy Cilantro Lime Confetti Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love standout salads that burst with flavor—the kind that make you feel as if you’re splurging without having to eat that piece of chocolate cake. This summer lunch idea is one of my very favorites, and everyone I serve it to loves it as well. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 187 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
19/56
Wisconsin Butter Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter. My summer lunch idea is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 400 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
20/56
Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tangy shrimp summer lunch idea is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 246 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
21/56
Summer Bounty Ratatouille
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make use of your garden’s surplus with this comforting dish from the Provence region of France. It’s a vegetable dish traditionally made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, garlic, bell peppers and various herbs. I highly recommend accompanying it with some freshly baked bread. —Phyllis Jacques, Venice, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup ratatouille with 1 cup bread cubes: 205 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein.
22/56
Cheesy Summer Squash Flatbreads
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you want a meatless meal with Mediterranean style, these flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 topped flatbread: 332 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
23/56
Brats with Sauerkraut
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve made many variations of this excellent summer lunch idea. It would be popular at a party or potluck. The bratwurst can be plain, smoked or cheese-flavored and served whole or cut in slices, with a bun or without. —Darlene Dixon, Hanover, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 brat: 534 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1188mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
24/56
Halibut Soft Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I sometimes serve these halibut tacos wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with grilled halibut. This summer lunch idea is quick, colorful and full of nutrients. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco with 1/3 cup mango salsa: 330 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
25/56
Southern Fried BLT
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m really not big on tomatoes—but I do like them green and fried, so I decided to try them in a sandwich. It was a smash! If you’ve gotta have cheese, add sharp cheddar to this indulgent twist on the traditional BLT. —Stacy King, Rome, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 634 calories, 45g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 985mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
26/56
Zucchini Boats
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed zucchini half: 312 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
27/56
Crab Louie Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Party guests can mingle and enjoy these tasty portable lettuce wraps without having to juggle plates and forks. — Michael Watz, Normal, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled lettuce wrap with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 160 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
28/56
Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 295 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein.
29/56
Pressure-Cooker Fabulous Fajitas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 fajitas
From the Recipe Creator:
When friends call to ask for new summer lunch ideas to try, suggest these tasty fajitas. Top as you like to add healthy color and extra flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 314 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
30/56
Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this summer lunch idea for a wedding I was catering, and it’s a good thing I made buckets of it, because I couldn’t stop eating it! This chilled creamy salad combines all the best flavors of jalapeno poppers with the delicate sweetness of fresh corn. —Amanda Miller, Hutchinson, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 476 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
31/56
Hasselback Tomato Clubs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair it with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed tomatoes: 272 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
32/56
Classic Cobb Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Making this summer lunch idea is a lot like putting in a garden. I “plant” everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
33/56
Mint-Cucumber Tomato Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family’s tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 286 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
34/56
Lime Coconut Smoothie Bowl
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This ultra refreshing bowl is the best way to start a summer morning! —Madeline Butler, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 325 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
35/56
Pressure-Cooker Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in Georgia but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. —Ramona Parris, Acworth, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup (calculated without buns): 135 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
36/56
Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill this eggplant, tomato and goat cheese sandwich to perfection…it makes a delicious meatless summer lunch idea. —Jennifer Jaras, Corona, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 538 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 958mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
37/56
Denver Omelet Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this summer lunch idea. It may not be your typical lunch, but it has all the right elements. Plus, it’s easy, healthy and fast. Just turn your favorite omelet ingredients into a morning salad! —Pauline Custer, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 229 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 217mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
38/56
Lobster Rolls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
To be truly authentic, melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet and toast the outsides of the buns before filling with the cool lobster. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 354 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 887mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
39/56
Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chimichurri is a very popular condiment in Argentina and Uruguay and is most often used as a dipping sauce or a marinade for meats. My chimichurri shrimp version incorporates dill and lime, which give it a brighter flavor, making it ideal for spring and summer entertaining. —Bonnie Landy, Castro Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 316 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
40/56
Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite recipes because it is customizable. If there’s a vegetarian in the family, leave out the bacon. You can also add your favorite veggies. —Stefanie Schaldenbrand, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 254 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 high-fat meat.
41/56
Baked Chicken with Bacon-Tomato Relish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We eat a lot of chicken, so I’m always trying to do something a little different with it. My children love the crispiness of this summer lunch idea, and my husband and I love the flavorful relish—you can’t go wrong with bacon! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken tenders with 1/4 cup relish: 326 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
42/56
Strawberry Feta Tossed Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor served this wonderful salad at a summer barbecue. I’ve since experimented with many ingredient combinations, but this one draws the most compliments. I took it to a baby shower, and not a seed was left in the bowl. —Lisa Lesinski-Topp, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 103 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
43/56
Indian-Spiced Beefy Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since I love the flavors of Indian food, I almost always have coconut milk, a jar of mango chutney and garam masala seasoning in my pantry. This recipe is one of my go-tos when I am short on time but want something that tastes spectacular. If you’d like to give this a different style of Asian flair, use hoisin sauce in place of chutney and Chinese five-spice powder in place of garam masala. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3 filled lettuce wraps: 493 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
44/56
Comforting Tuna Patties
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother and mother made these tuna patties on Fridays during Lent. I'm not the biggest fan of tuna, but it's perfect in this dish. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 tuna patty: 255 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
45/56
Easy Seafood Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super simple, deceptively delicious recipe was inspired by a seafood salad I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp for the conch and liked it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 128 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
46/56
Cheeseburger Quesadillas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created these fun cheeseburger-quesadilla mashups in honor of my family's two favorite foods. They are so yummy and easy to make! —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla with about 1/4 cup sauce: 1002 calories, 60g fat (17g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 2115mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 39g protein.
47/56
Pressure-Cooker Tequila Salsa Chicken
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I had this summer lunch idea at a local Mexican restaurant when celebrating a friend’s birthday. I fell in love with the spicy, smoky flavor from the tequila and decided to try Instant Pot salsa chicken at home. Boy, was it a success! It’s also great stuffed into flour tortillas or for making nachos. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 187 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1107mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
48/56
Cuban Sandwich Burgers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom would make these Cuban burgers whenever we visited her in Florida. They are a take on the real Cuban sandwich. My kids love them. My boys could eat two of these monsters in one sitting. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 690 calories, 44g fat (12g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 1706mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
49/56
Sesame Beef & Asparagus Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies—especially when it comes to experimenting with fresh ingredients like these. This meaty salad is wonderful at the start of asparagus season. —Tamara Steeb, Issaquah, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 160 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
50/56
Instant Pot Taco Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is a welcome change from boring taco Tuesday. I've taken all the flavors of tacos and created an easy pasta dish. Kids love the taste, and I love how quick and easy it is to put together in the electric pressure cooker. To lighten things up, use ground turkey instead of the beef. — Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 598 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1845mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
51/56
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
52/56
Golden Beet and Peach Soup with Tarragon
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One summer we had a bumper crop of peaches from our two trees, so I had fun experimenting with different summer lunch ideas. After seeing a beet soup recipe in a cookbook, I changed it a bit to include our homegrown golden beets and sweet peaches. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 159 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
53/56
Peach Mango Caprese Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer in the Midwest offers a bounty of fresh produce. I wanted to come up with a new recipe for the harvested goods, and this bright, flavorful salad is the refreshing end result. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 248 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
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Popcorn Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love combining classic flavors in new ways. This healthy summer lunch idea combines crispy popcorn shrimp and tacos! It’s one of my family’s favorites. To make the tacos lower in carbs, use lettuce instead of tortillas. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 456 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 414mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 29g protein.
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Pressure-Cooker Smoked Salmon Pasta
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making one-pot pastas in my pressure cooker. Every noodle soaks up the flavors of the delicious ingredients. I tried a version with some leftover smoked fish and fresh dill, and boom—this smoked salmon pasta was born. It's now a staple in our house because the dish is on the table in a half hour and the kids love it! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 322 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
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Best Hamburger
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill these easy hamburgers and add your favorite toppings. Not into grilling? Make the patties on the stovetop, in the oven or even in the air fryer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
