23 Lunch and Light Dinner for Hot Weather

Lunch and light dinner recipes – The last thing most people want to do in the summer is to turn on the oven. At Eatwell101, we have the perfect solution for that:  a fine selection of light recipe ideas that will keep your cool, and get out of the kitchen quickly without skimping on nutrition with these hot weather recipes. Whether you’re a veggie- or meat-eater, we’ve got a main dish (actually 23) for you. From pasta salads to grilled chicken lettuce wraps,  here are our main dish ideas for a cooler and lighter dinner (or lunch) any day of the week. Enjoy!

by Nina L. Palmer

Nina L. Palmer

Nina Palmer is a recipe developer and editor for Eatwell101 since 2013. She is passionate about food and culture and specializes in sweet recipes, desserts, baking, as well as developing editorial content.

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Updated Mar 10, 2026

1. Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil 

Healthy chicken pasta salad is packed with flavor, protein and veggies. Try this pasta salad recipe for a quick lunch or a light dinner!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

2. Asian Noodle Salad

This Asian noodle salad is perfect for midweek lunches or larger gatherings.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

3. Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad {Low Carb / Keto}

This broccoli cauliflower salad is the new low carb / keto lunch you're looking for!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

4. Blackened Chicken Salad

This blackened chicken salad recipe with avocado is crisp and full of flavor - Salad with chicken is the simplest and healthiest meal you can make!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

5. Avocado Salad

Avocado Salad with Tomato, Eggs, and Cucumber is so easy to make! Fresh, healthy and super delicious, the best salad to add to your dinner table.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

6. Broccoli Meal Prep Salad {Low-Carb / Keto}

This broccoli salad meal prep recipe is our idea of meal-prep perfection!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

7. Lettuce Wrap Sandwich with Ham, Tomato and Mozzarella

This low-carb Lettuce Wrap Sandwich is the perfect option for lunch on the go. Paleo, gluten-free and keto friendly!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

8. Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Delicious shrimp tacos with a super easy, fresh mango salsa!
Cooking time: 35 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

9. Creamy Avocado Egg Salad

This avocado egg salad is made with simple ingredients and requires no effort. Easy, nutritious, and SO delicious!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

10. Avocado Corn Salad Recipe with Feta

This Avocado Corn Salad is so creamy and flavorful - A light, yet satisfying meal!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

11. Chicken Pasta Salad Bowl

Perfect for meal prep or a healthy lunch on the go.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

12. Shrimp Avocado Salad

This healthy shrimp avocado salad for two tastes crazy good and is loaded with the freshest ingredients.
Cooking time: 5 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

13. Chipotle Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Piled with chunky chicken and veggies – makes for a light, yet satisfying dinner.
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

14. Spring Roll Noodle Salad

This easy noodle salad recipe is packed with vitamins and perfect for spring nights.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

15. Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Healthy Lettuce Wraps made with shrimp, freshly chopped vegetables and a delicious peanut butter sauce - Overflowing with flavors and textures!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

16. Ham and Cheese Barley Salad

This flavor-packed barley salad is sure to keep you full until dinner.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

17. Quinoa and Cucumber Noodles Salad With Avocado Dressing

A protein-rich salad that will quickly become a weekday staple.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

18. Grilled Chicken Salad with Cabbage and Raspberry Balsamic Dressing

This grilled chicken salad keeps you both refreshed and satisfied throughout hot summer days.
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

19. Spring Salad Waffles

A rainbow of power veggies on top of a waffles breakfast favorite for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

20. Spicy Pineapple Tacos

Full of fresh flavors and perfect for a quick lunch or a lightweight snack
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

21. Easy Chicken Tacos

These Easy chicken tacos are better than take-out and ready in minutes. perfect for busy weeknights.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

22. Avocado Shrimp Salad

This avocado shrimp salad recipe with lettuce and tomato, is THE BEST healthy salad meal. Perfect for lunch or any night of the week!
Cooking time: 5 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

23. Spring Roll Meal Prep Bowls for the Week

Eating great all week is as easy as opening the fridge!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

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