When the days are long and the sun is high, the last thing anyone wants is to be stuck in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve pulled together three of my absolute favorite summer friendly recipes that are just as perfect for a laid-back picnic in the park as they are for a casual lunch on the patio. Each one is bursting with seasonal flavors, a breeze to make and — bonus! — they’re actually good for you too.
First up is a rich and creamy Egg Salad Sandwich that’s anything but basic. It’s full of flavor and perfect on your favorite bread. Next, there’s my summery spin on a classic: the Caprese Sandwich — juicy tomatoes, delicious mozzarella and herbs layered on tangy sourdough. It’s simple, elegant and totally satisfying. And finally, my personal favorite: the Watermelon Feta Salad. It’s sweet, salty, crisp and refreshing all in one bite — honestly, it’s the salad I can’t stop making.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, packing a beach lunch or just looking for something light and bright to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, these three recipes are sure to become seasonal staples.
Protein has definitely taken center stage in how we think about healthy eating, and for good reason. It helps keep you full, energized and satisfied throughout the day. One of the simplest ways to boost your protein intake? Eggs. And this egg salad sandwich is one of my all-time favorite ways to enjoy them.
It’s rich, creamy and loaded with flavor, yet still feels light and fresh — perfect for breakfast, lunch or even a quick snack. Spread it between slices of your favorite bread, scoop it up with crackers or enjoy it straight from the bowl; there’s really no wrong way to eat this. Plus, it’s ideal for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of the week and you’ll have a delicious, protein-packed option ready to go whenever hunger strikes.
Egg Salad Sandwich
Ingredients
- 6 hard boiled eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/3 cup microgreens
- Dash of salt & pepper
- 2-4 slices of bread
Instructions
- Boil the eggs.
- Chop the hard boiled eggs.
- Mix in the rest of the ingredients.
- Spoon onto a slice of bread.
- Form into a sandwich, slice and enjoy.
We all know and love the iconic flavor combo of a classic Caprese — juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil. It’s simple, timeless and so perfectly summery. This Caprese sandwich takes that beloved trio to the next level by layering it all onto slices of crisp, tangy sourdough bread.
The result? A sandwich that’s both rustic and refreshing, with the perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s light but satisfying, making it a great option for a warm weather lunch, a picnic must-have, or a quick bite that still feels a little special. It’s everything you love about a caprese salad, only now, you can hold it in your hands. This sandwich will transport you back to Italy.
Caprese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread/sourdough/focaccia
- Mozzarella
- Olive oil
- 1 large tomato
- Basil
Instructions
- Layer your caprese sandwich.
- First place a handful of basil/greens on 2 slices of sourdough bread.
- Top it with thick slices of mozzarella.
- Place tomato slices on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Place another piece of bread on top, cut the sandwich in half and enjoy!
Now before you say “Watermelon belongs in a fruit salad!” — hear me out. If you haven’t tried it in a savory salad like this, you’re seriously missing out. This Watermelon Feta Salad is everything summer should taste like: crisp, juicy, vibrant and packed with flavor.
The sweet watermelon pairs perfectly with the salty, creamy feta, and when you toss in a handful of fresh mint or basil? Chef’s kiss. It’s refreshing, light and just the thing you’ll want to eat on repeat all season long. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, a barbecue or just enjoying it solo on a hot day, this salad is guaranteed to steal the show.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 5 cups watermelon
- 1 Persian cucumber
- 1/2 red onion
- 1/3 cup feta cheese
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- Salt & pepper
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Chop up your watermelon into cubes.
- Chop the cucumber and avocado and slice the onion.
- Mix the watermelon with the cucumber, onion, avocado, cilantro and feta.
- Mix in the olive oil, lemon and salt and pepper.
- Enjoy!
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, savor the sunshine, and enjoy food that feels just as bright and fresh as the season itself. These easy, wholesome recipes prove that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated — and it can absolutely be fun. Whether it’s a creamy egg salad, a fresh Caprese sandwich, or a crisp watermelon feta salad, each dish is full of flavor and made for summer living. With longer days and a little extra time to play in the kitchen, there’s no better season to explore, experiment and fall in love with healthy, delicious food.
