23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather (2024)

This selection of light lunch and dinner recipes will keep your cool, and get out of the kitchen quickly without skimping on nutrition or a complete meal.

23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather (1)

by Nina L. Palmer–Updated Jul 22, 2019

Send to a friend

SHARE

summer cooking

dinner

lunch

23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather (2)

© Eatwell101.com

Home/Recipes RoundUp / 23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

By Nina L. Palmer

Updated Jul 22, 2019

Share this postSave on PinterestShare on FacebookPrintSend to a friend

23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather (3) New: Meal PlannerPlan your weekly meals instantly from anywhere on the webTry the Meal Planner!

23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather (4)

23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather (5)

23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather (6)

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!

Lunch and Dinner Recipes - Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

This 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 with the Best Ever Ginger Vinaigrette

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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 with Avocado

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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 with Tomato, Eggs and Cucumber

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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}

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather


Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

9. Creamy Avocado Egg Salad with Crispy Bacon

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

This chunky 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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

12. Easy Shrimp Avocado Salad with Tomatoes

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

A rainbow of power veggies on top of a breakfast favorite for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

20. Spicy Pineapple Tacos

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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. Healthy Lettuce Shrimp Avocado Salad

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

eatwell101.com23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather

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

23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather (30)

by eatwell101
Yield:
6 servings Prep Time: 10 min Cook time: 10 min

This Healthy chicken pasta salad is packed with flavor, protein and veggies. Try this pasta salad recipe for a quick lunch or a light dinner!

Ingredients you need for the Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil 

2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped (we used rotisserie chicken)2 ripe avocadopitted and diced1 pound cookedrotini pasta or similar, chilled1/2 cup chopped red onion1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved1/2 cup freshly chopped basilSalt and fresh cracked pepper, to tasteDressing1/2 cup white wine vinegar1 tablespoon Italian seasoning3/4 cup extra virgin olive oilSaltandpepperto taste

Directions

How to make chicken pasta salad:

1.Add the shredded chicken, pasta, onion, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl.

2. In a jar, combine the ingredients for the dressing: vinegar, Italian seasoning, Olive oil, salt and pepper.

3. Drizzle your chicken pasta salad with the dressing. Toss gently until all the ingredients are combined. Serve the chicken pasta saladimmediately, or chill for later. Enjoy! ❤️


Did you make this recipe?
Tag @eatwell101 on Instagram and hashtag it #eatwell101. ❤️

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Did you make one of these dinner recipes? Please share on your social media using our hashtag #eatwell101!

Try Our Most Popular Recipes

    Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs with Asparagus

    Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

    Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado

    Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

    Garlic Butter Keto Bread

    Marinated Cucumber Salad with Creamy Dill Sauce

See more >

23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather (37) New: Meal PlannerPlan your weekly meals instantly from anywhere on the webTry the Meal Planner!

« 12 Delicious Ice Cream and Sorbets for Summer

23 Easy Keto Dinner ideas »

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

23 Great Lunch and Light Dinner Recipes Perfect for Hot Weather (2024)

FAQs

What to eat when it's too hot outside? ›

Experts recommend eating produce with high water content, such as berries, watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery and bell peppers. While lettuce is known to contain a lot of water, Wood said darker greens such as kale and spinach can also be hydrating.

What is the best thing to eat in hot weather? ›

Strawberries, melon, cucumbers and courgettes are all great choices. Stick as closely as possible to your normal routine, including meals and bedtime.

What foods are good for summer heat? ›

Conclusion: Consuming cooling foods such as coconut, citrus fruits, cucumbers, watermelon, onions, curd, bananas, green leafy vegetables, mint, and fish can help regulate body temperature during Indian summers.

What is a good snack on a hot day? ›

And carry along some protein, with nut butters, bean dips, and a few other tricks.
  • TRAIL MIX. Grab a handful of your favorite mix of nuts and seeds, rich in healthy fats. ...
  • HUMMUS WITH CARROTS & SUGAR SNAPS. ...
  • CELERY STICKS & PEANUT BUTTER. ...
  • APPLE & ALMOND BUTTER. ...
  • CRACKERS & TUNA. ...
  • CHEESE STICKS. ...
  • JERKY. ...
  • GRANOLA BARS.

What foods should you avoid in hot weather? ›

Remember to avoid sugary beverages, heavy and greasy foods, processed snacks, and excessive alcohol consumption to stay feeling your best all summer long. With these tips in mind, you can make the most of the season and enjoy delicious, nourishing foods that keep you refreshed and revitalized.

What not to drink in hot weather? ›

High caffeine levels can be risky when added to the strain placed on your body by heat. Many energy drinks contain as much or more sugar as soft drinks, which adds hundreds of extra calories to your diet. Alcohol can cause dehydration.

What is the best fruit to eat when it's hot? ›

Watermelon can be your best buddy during searing summer heat as it is loaded with water and fibre content and is an excellent option to have for a mid-meal snack. Easy to digest, sweet and juicy, watermelon can also help heal your fatigue and tiredness on a hot and humid day.

What to make for dinner when it is too hot to cook? ›

Frozen Veggies. Pre-Chopped veggies or fruit (or spend some time on the weekend/during the week chopping up your veggies/fruit in advance) Pastas do really well cold or hot during the summer – and if you can stick to a one-pot meal even better.

What light dinner to eat at night? ›

Steamed veggies or a salad with a little lean protein. Or a small bowl of soup. Something small, not too starchy, that will help promote sleep. Eggs, fish and turkey contain levels of tryptophan that can help you have a good nights rest.

What should I eat for dinner from outside? ›

The Top 10 Things to Eat (and Drink!) Outside
  • Easiest Summer Fruit Salad. You can't go wrong with eating summer fruit at its peak. ...
  • Tiger Salad. ...
  • No-Chop Cold Veggie Noodle Bowls. ...
  • Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich. ...
  • Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers. ...
  • Instant Pot Pork Carnitas. ...
  • Smash Burgers. ...
  • Peach Hand Pies.
Jun 16, 2020

What to cook in warm weather? ›

Easy summer recipes
  • Roast new potatoes & radishes. ...
  • Mint & basil griddled peach salad. ...
  • Halloumi & quinoa fattoush. ...
  • App onlySpiced spinach & potato pasty pies. ...
  • Sweetcorn fritters with eggs & black bean salsa. ...
  • Roasted summer vegetables. ...
  • Stuffed rainbow baguette. ...
  • Sticky five-spice pork belly with ginger & plums.

What is to cook foods by surrounding them with hot? ›

Roasting is a cooking technique where foods, such as meats, poultry, vegetables, and even fruits, are cooked by exposing them to direct heat in an oven or over an open fire. This method involves surrounding the food with hot, dry air to cook it evenly and impart a desired flavor and texture.

How do you cook down on a hot day? ›

Staying safe
  1. Avoid exercising at certain times. ...
  2. Dress right. ...
  3. Start your day well-hydrated. ...
  4. Be smart about events. ...
  5. If you're feeling ill, get out of the sun. ...
  6. Spray yourself with water. ...
  7. Soak your hands and feet. ...
  8. Douse your clothes with water.
Jul 12, 2022

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Last Updated:

Views: 5829

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Birthday: 1998-02-19

Address: 64841 Delmar Isle, North Wiley, OR 74073

Phone: +17844167847676

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.