Even if the kitchen is a few steps away, some days are harder than others to throw a lunch together. Try one of these no-cook summer lunch ideas before you jump on your next call.
31 No-Cook Summer Lunches Perfect for Anyone Working from Home
Updated on Aug. 21, 2024
1/31
Cobb Salad Sub
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 233 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
2/31
Meatless Taco Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful entree combines popular taco ingredients—minus the ground beef. And you won't miss the meat at all! I top each serving with a creamy guacamole dressing, crunchy corn chips and cheese. —Kimberly Dray, Pflugerville, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 486 calories, 33g fat (12g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 16g protein.
3/31
Hasselback Tomato Clubs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair it with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed tomatoes: 272 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
4/31
Beef ‘n’ Cheese Wraps
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During busy weeks, I make these wraps in advance for a quick lunch. —Sue Sibson, Howard, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 whole wrap: 657 calories, 35g fat (20g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 1431mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 38g protein.
5/31
Almond Strawberry Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to love this pretty salad topped with strawberries and sliced almonds. With just a few ingredients, it's loaded with flavor. —Renae Rossow, Union, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 75 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
6/31
Tomato & Avocado Sandwiches
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 278 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
7/31
Chicken, Nectarine and Avocado Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is really summery and comes together very quickly. Using granola adds crunch and makes it different. I've tried using a various types of granola, and our favorites have been those that aren't overly sweet but have lots of nuts. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 561 calories, 32g fat (7g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 539mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein.
8/31
Fresh Veggie Pockets
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One summer I worked at a health food store that sold sandwiches. We were close to a college campus, so I made lots of these fresh-filled pitas for the students. Crunchy with crisp vegetables and nutty sunflower kernels, they’re a fast-to-fix lunch. —Linda Reeves, Cloverdale, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 434 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
9/31
Loaded Deli Sub Sandwich
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I can't decide between a turkey or roast beef sandwich, I go for both, then pile on fresh, crunchy veggies and two kinds of cheese. Those those that like a little bit of everything, this sub more than satisfies. —Jamie Fanning, Creighton, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 709 calories, 44g fat (14g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1661mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein.
10/31
Caprese Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version which tastes incredibly close, if not better, than any restaurant version we've tried. —Melissa Pearson, Sandy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 256 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
11/31
Cucumber Salad Boats
Total Time
10 min
From the Recipe Creator:
Scoop out the seeds and fill fresh cucumbers with your favorite salad for a crunchy and refreshing light lunch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
12/31
Nectarine Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I’ve passed it on many times. —Cathy Ross, Van Nuys, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 266 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
13/31
Mint-Cucumber Tomato Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family's tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 286 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
14/31
Classic Cobb Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I plant everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
15/31
Lemony Garbanzo Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everybody goes for this super fresh salad with the cumin-coriander dressing, especially on warm days. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 363 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 10g fiber), 11g protein.
16/31
Thai-Inspired Roast Beef Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Thai food, but I wanted to see how its flavors would translate in a plain ol' peanut butter sandwich. The result is anything but plain—it's just darn delicious. —James Schend, Taste Recipes Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 239 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
17/31
Bagel with a Veggie Schmear
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from my favorite bagel shop in New York City. Now I make this every time I’m craving a quick and healthy breakfast or light lunch. I like to add chopped pitted green olives to the schmear. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches: 341 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 10g fiber), 20g protein.
18/31
Tuna Wrap
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavor—and they're good for you too. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/31
My Favorite Avocado Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. —Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 130 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
20/31
The Elvis Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Like the King himself sang, you'll be "all shook up" when you taste this savory-sweet sandwich. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 266 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
21/31
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-Up
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a vegan wrap that was similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 235 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
22/31
Chinese Spinach-Almond Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe combines power-packed spinach, a good source of vitamins A and K, with other veggies, lean meat and crunchy, heart-healthy almonds. Reduced-fat dressing adds a light Asian flavor and touch to each hearty serving. —Mary Ann Kieffer, Lawrence, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 244 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
23/31
Pizza Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe features the flavors of your favorite pie but only takes a few minutes to make—and there’s no cooking or baking required. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
24/31
Ham and Swiss Salad in a Jar
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Home cook Stacy Huggins from Valley Center, California, sent us a great recipe for a ham and Swiss salad, and we turned it into this lunchbox-friendly version. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 691 calories, 54g fat (14g saturated fat), 344mg cholesterol, 1110mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 36g protein.
25/31
Chipotle Turkey Club Sandwich
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re crazy for turkey club sandwiches. A nearby roadside stand carries gorgeous tomatoes every summer. We load up, then stuff our sandwiches with the usual suspects, plus smoked turkey and cheese. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 416 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1265mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.
26/31
Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fabulous way to dress up ordinary tuna salad. This easy recipe makes a quick dinner or lunch at the office, and it's good for you. —Heather Senger, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 279 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
27/31
Sweet and Spicy Peanut Butter-Bacon Sandwiches
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often craved peanut butter and bacon toast while pregnant. I tried a friend’s peanut butter with chile pepper in it and loved it. The little zip truly made the sandwich better.—Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 461 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein.
28/31
Balsamic Asiago Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can toss this tasty Balsamic Asiago Salad together in 10 minutes flat. Simply drizzle bottled dressing over the colorful blend of greens, tomato and peppers, add a quick sprinkle of garlic-seasoned cheese…and serve. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 72 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
29/31
Tropical Beef Wrap
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my finicky little ones, I create fast, tasty recipes like this tropical sandwich wrap. You can even use up leftover roast beef in a pinch. —Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 522 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1211mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
30/31
Ham Caesar Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One bite, and you’ll fall in love with this combo! Serve with fresh iced tea and banana splits for a casual menu that won’t heat up your kitchen. —Mary Ann Schlabach, Sarasota, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups with 2 tablespoons dressing: 326 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1108mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
31/31
Turkey & Apricot Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For these wraps, I combined the traditional Southern appetizer of jam and cream cheese with the turkey, apple and Brie sandwiches we ate at my bridal luncheon. I like to sneak fresh spinach into recipes because it has such a mild flavor. —Kim Beavers, North August, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
