We’ve finally rounded the corner into summer weather, which means fresh fruits and veggies and trips to the farmer’s market! While some of the office lunch favorites like last night’s crockpot leftovers aren’t making an appearance, summer brings fresh alternatives. After all, who wants to be cooking a pot roast during warm summer temps when you could be watching a baseball game or grabbing sno-cones instead? I look for sandwiches, salads and finger foods to take to work this time of year. I love that all of these incorporate fruits or veggies, but the prep is minimal (a must for juggling work, school, and kids’ activities). These 5 easy summer lunches are quick to make and grab on your way out the door.
Smashed White Bean and Avocado Sandwich
2 15 oz. cans white beans, drained
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Avocado, sliced
Mini cucumbers, sliced
Mix beans, olive oil, garlic salt and pepper. Use a stand mixer to combine or simply mash with a fork.
Spread on whole wheat bread and top with avocado and cucumber slices (could add sprouts, onions or other veggies). My husband likes to add diced jalapeños to spice it up!
Summer Corn Salad
4 cans shoepeg corn, drained
1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
4 roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
6 scallions, chopped
Dressing
2/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tbsp. sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix dressing ingredients and pour over salad, then toss to combine.
I love this salad by itself, but it also pairs well with a sandwich or wrap.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Romaine lettuce
Parmesan cheese
Caesar dressing
(or use a pre-made Caesar salad kit)
Add grilled chicken and cherry tomatoes
Mix all ingredients and wrap inside a tortilla.
Kabobs
Pizza Skewers
2 cups cherry tomatoes
8 sticks string cheese cut in three
1 cup pitted kalamata olives
8 ounces pepperoni sliced
4 two ounce – Sabra Pizza Hummus singles
Wooden skewers for assembling
Place tomatoes, cheese, olives, and pepperoni onto skewer.
Serve with a side of hummus.
Other super simple ideas for kabobs:
Turkey or ham, grilled chicken, shrimp or steak, peppers, cheese cubes, mozzarella pearls, green grapes, pineapple, strawberries or blueberries.
Easy Asian Pasta Salad
20 oz farfalle pasta prepared per box instructions
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce or low sodium tamari
1/2 cup sesame oil
1/2 cup chopped spinach (can substitute, green onion or cilantro)
3 tbs toasted sesame seeds (optional)
1 tbs crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Cook pasta according to directions.
Chop veggies and mix with pasta.
Add sesame seeds or chili pepper flakes if desired.
How do you get creative with your summer lunches?
These sound tasty and healthy. I want to make the corn salad and Caesar salad wrap with chicken and tomatoes. The nice thing in summer is that delicious can be fresh and easy.