Summer lunch ideas for entertaining in hot weather

by Jackie Davis 06/15/2025


When the weather gets hot, it’s helpful to have some delicious summer lunch ideas for entertaining at home. While the perfect backyard party might be the perfect way to enjoy the season, the last thing you want is for your food to make you more overheated. 

Luckily, there are some excellent summer lunch foods you can turn to for a light, delicious meal. Here are some recipe ideas to inspire you:

Melon caprese skewers

Try a sweet and summery version of a caprese salad by adding watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe and fresh cucumber. Use a melon baller to achieve a uniform size and shape, and skewer with fresh basil. 


Turkey roll ups

Using a tortilla or spinach wrap, create a single turkey roll-up you can then cut into bite-sized pieces. One classic recipe involves smoked turkey, Swiss cheese, butter lettuce and red onion. 


Salad rolls with peanut sauce

The cool, savory crunch of Thai-style salad rolls will leave you full but not overwhelmed during your summer entertaining. Wrap up carrots, bean sprouts, red cabbage, green onions and cilantro. 


For dipping, whip up some delicious peanut sauce using peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce and fresh garlic.


Mediterranean pasta salad

Combine all the flavors of your favorite Mediterranean dishes in a single, refreshing pasta salad. Cook up some orzo and toss with cherry tomatoes, green olives, artichoke hearts, cucumber and red onion. Add some fresh olive oil, herbs and feta cheese to complete the meal.


Chicken taco dip

While chicken tacos and fish tacos are both favorites for outdoor eating, why not make a fun, shareable version to eat with tortilla chips? Combine seasoned chicken, cheese, and layers of your favorite toppings like sour cream and guacamole. Customize this dish or make a vegetarian version by substituting beans for chicken.


These summer lunch foods can all be made in about a half an hour and taste delicious. Experiment with your favorites and enjoy your outdoor entertaining.


About the Author
Author

Jackie Davis

Welcome to Jackie Davis and Company. If you have navigated this far, we thank you and would like to share how we differ from other teams and agents. We work tirelessly and are committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. We recognize, listen, value, and appreciate your goals as you move towards listing or selling your home. As Listing Agents we continuously integrate new and advanced technology to promote your biggest asset. Our strong negotiation skills are invaluable for getting you the best price for your home. As the Buyer's Agent we pride ourselves on being fully educated in our local markets. While focusing on integrity and honesty we will provide you with the highest level of professionalism and analysis. We are proud that this hard work has earned us recognition as top 1% both company and state wide in the industry. Achievements * 1st Quarter 2017 Leading Sales in Fairfield * 2017 February Leading Sales Team * 2017 March Leading Sales Team * Chairman's Elite representing the Top 1% Agent at William Raveis Nationwide & Fairfield County * Over $45 million Listed & Sold in 2016 * Over $30 million Listed & Sold in 2015 * 99% List to Sales Ratio (higher than market average) * 75 Average Days on Market (less than market average) * Jackie Davis Promoted to Sales Vice President 2016 * Raveis Award of Excellence every year * Exceptional Customer Service Award every year * Top Units Sold Team October 2016 * Top Customer Service October 2016 * Top Mortgage Support September 2016 * Top Selling Team January 2016 * Top Mortgage Support August 2015 * Top Selling Team Feb 2014 * Top Producing Team Jan 2014 * Top Selling Team Dec 2013 * Top Selling Team Nov 2013 * Top Producing Team Nov 2013 Professional Specialty Innovative Marketing and Technology equals proven sales. Our team of licensed professionals is ready to serve. We handle: Sellers & Buyers Exceptional Properties Investors Waterfront & Beach Area Homes Country & Equestrian Properties New Construction & Land Relocation Professional Association National Association of Realtors Connecticut Association of Realtors Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors Consolidated Multiple Listing Service Community Involvement PTA committee member for past 14 years from elementary through high school PTA Board Member for 4 years Shoff Darby Advisory Scholarship Board member past 5 years Committee member for Cancer Care of Norwalk past 10 years Volunteer Habitat for Humanity Operation Hope coordinator for elementary and middle schools, last 3 years Volunteer for a variety of town sports teams, that my daughters participate in The County Assemblies Board Member The b-Cause Foundation Board Member- a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate children to recognize neighbors in need in our local community. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club- Fundraising Committee Member Committee Member for Cancer Couch Fundraiser the Cancer Beat 2016 Near and Far Aid Volunteer Education BA from Merrimack College Personal Fairfield resident for 39 years Currently reside in Fairfield Beach Area Married 27 years Four daughters currently in & have graduated Fairfield Public School system Areas Covered Fairfield Southport Westport Weston Norwalk Trumbull Easton Stratford Shelton Milford Stamford Bridgeport