Quick and Healthy Summer Lunch Ideas

The summer months can do funny things to your appetite.  For some, the hot summer months can prompt an increase in appetite, but for others, it can slow it down. Although our appetites may vary, there’s one thing most of us have in common; an unmistakable affinity for good food. Lunch offers the perfect chance to quench those fickle “midday summer taste buds”. Here are some super quick, yummy and healthy lunch options to add to your recipe “go-to’s” list.

Photo by Calraisins.org

Not Your Everyday Veggie Burger

Top veggie patty with 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, 2 tsp sriracha mayo, and 4 cucumber slices in a whole wheat bun. Red onions and lettuce are optional. Serve with 5 celery sticks 1 tbsp. peanut butter.

Mediterranean Salad

2 cups spring mix lettuce

1/4 cup of hummus

1/2 cup chopped cucumber

1/2 cup canned chickpeas

partially toasted pita torn into pieces

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice or low-fat greek salad dressing

Photo by Chefsavvy.com

Quick Burrito Bowl

Cooked brown rice topped with 1 cup of peppers and onions(simmered in 1 tsp of olive oil), 3 0z. grilled chicken, and 1/4 cup fresh salsa. Tomatoes and black beans are optional.

Sweet Potato Extraordinaire

Small sweet potato  topped with a 1/4 cup of your favorite canned chili and a quarter of an avocado, diced. Paired with a 5-oz portion of Greek yogurt and cranberries or raspberries.

Photo courtesy Pinterest.com

Summer Squash Spaghetti

Stir 1/2 cup zucchini noodles, 4 large grilled shrimp, 5 cherry tomatoes, and 2 tbsp, pesto into 1/2 cup cooked whole-grain spaghetti.

Barbeque Chicken Wrap

Fill a small whole wheat tortilla with 3 oz. grilled chicken 1 cup spinach, and 1 tbsp. barbecue sauce paired with 4 carrot sticks with 2 tbsp.  of your favorite low fat dressing.

Turkey Avocado Sandwich

Toast a whole-grain English muffin and fill it with 2 oz. sliced turkey, a quarter of an avocado and 1 cup of arugula.

(featured photo by the gourmetgab.com)