Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      Can an avocado a day keep your health at bay? What does the research have to say? Read More
    • 7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      Skip the added sugar and bump up the protein to keep yourself full on this 7-day meal plan. Read More
    • 20 Low-Carb, High-Protein Dinners Ready in 3 Steps or Less

       If you're looking for low-carb, high-protein dinners that don't require cooking for hours, these recipes got you covered. These dinner options are ready to serve in 3 steps or less so you can meet your nutrition goals easily. Each recipe l meets our nutrition parameters, with less than 14 grams of carbs and more than 15 grams of protein, without wasting on flavor. Recipes like 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce and Cheesy Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole are delicious options for you to get a healthy meal on your table in no time.  Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
  4. Low-Calorie Seasonal Recipes
  5. Low-Calorie Summer Recipes
  6. 26 Low-Calorie Lunches You'll Want to Make This Summer

26 Low-Calorie Lunches You'll Want to Make This Summer

Leah Goggins headshot
Leah Goggins Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD June 10, 2022
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Cobb Salad with Herb-Rubbed Chicken

Some things are just better in the summer—especially if you're in the produce aisle. Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant and corn all shine in these light lunches that are perfect for the warmer months. Whether you fire up the grill or stay in with a simple no-cook salad, you'll find something delicious in this mix of low-calorie lunch recipes all with less than 575 calories per serving. With dishes like our Grilled Shrimp Tostadas and Cobb Salad with Herb-Rubbed Chicken on the menu, summer can be delicious and nutritious.

Start Slideshow

1 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tomato, Cucumber & White-Bean Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

5492940.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This no-cook bean salad is a delicious way to use summer's best cherry or grape tomatoes and juicy cucumbers for a light dinner or lunch. Fresh basil elevates an easy vinaigrette recipe that dresses up this simple salad into something extraordinary.

1 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Shrimp Tostadas

Grilled Shrimp Tostadas 
Credit: Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Grilling gives these shrimp tostadas a boost of smoky flavor. Skewering the shrimp prevents them from falling through the grates while getting even char on each side. If you have a grill basket, you can throw them in that instead; just make sure to get them into a single layer so they don't steam.

2 of 26

3 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cobb Salad with Herb-Rubbed Chicken

6343012.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Try this satisfying salad recipe for an updated version of the classic Cobb. Kale, feta and strawberries give this chicken salad a colorful upgrade.

3 of 26

Advertisement

4 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemony Lentil Salad with Feta

Lemony Lentil Salad
Credit: Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This delicious and healthy lentil salad comes together in just 30 minutes and makes a wonderful hot-weather meal. Serve with whole-wheat pitas, if desired.

4 of 26

5 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crab Louie Salad

Crab Louie Salad
Credit: Eric Wolfinger
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

At the Bayside Cafe in Morro Bay, California, this classic West Coast salad is made with Dungeness crab caught in the coastal waters. Lump crabmeat is a good substitute.

5 of 26

6 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Veggie & Hummus Sandwich

Veggie & Hummus Sandwich
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This mile-high vegetable and hummus sandwich makes the perfect heart-healthy vegetarian lunch to go. Mix it up with different flavors of hummus and different types of vegetables depending on your mood.

6 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gazpacho with Scallop Skewers

Gazpacho with Scallop Brochettes
Credit: Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We give this classic summer soup a protein-packed upgrade by pairing it with skewers of grilled scallops seasoned with citrusy compound butter. Make a little extra to spread on grilled bread to serve alongside.

7 of 26

8 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blackened Chicken with Chopped Salad

Blackened Chicken with Chopped Salad
Credit: Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this spin, we coat this blackened chicken with spices common to Cajun cooking, like dried thyme and cayenne pepper. Then, instead of using the traditional method of searing in a cast-iron pan, we take advantage of the warmer weather by grilling outside.

8 of 26

9 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Halloumi & Summer Vegetable Tacos

Grilled Halloumi & Summer Vegetable Tacos
Credit: Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Because of its semi-firm texture, halloumi is prone to sticking to the grill. Be sure to oil the grill grates well before adding the brined Cypriot cheese.

9 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Southwest Chopped Salad with Tomatillo Dressing

Southwest Chopped Salad with Tomatillo Dressing
Credit: Leigh Beisch
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Jicama is the crunchy, sweet tuberous root of a legume native to Central America. If you love it in this salad, try including sticks of it with your next crudités spread.

10 of 26

11 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata

4112357.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This vegetable-studded frittata recipe is one of the quickest meals you can make. Make it for breakfast, or serve for lunch or dinner with a tossed salad and a slice of olive oil-drizzled crusty baguette.

11 of 26

12 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spinach & Strawberry Meal-Prep Salad

spinach and strawberry meal-prep salad
Credit: Carolyn Hodges, M.S., RDN
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

One of our most popular salad recipes, Spinach-Strawberry Salad with Feta & Walnuts (see Associated Recipes), gets a makeover in these simple yet totally satisfying meal-prep spinach salad bowls. They require minimal prep and can be customized to your taste. Swap in roasted salmon for the chicken thighs, and almonds or pecans for the walnuts, and use any fresh berry that looks good at your market.

12 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shrimp Cobb Salad with Dijon Dressing

6774311.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We've replaced chicken with shrimp in this delicious and easy spin on the classic Cobb salad. This satisfying salad takes just 20 minutes to make, so it's perfect for weeknight dinners, but it's elegant enough to serve to guests.

13 of 26

14 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Eggplant Gyros

5327277.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Eggplant's meaty texture is a delicious vegetarian stand-in for the lamb that typically fills a gyro sandwich. The vegetable absorbs the lemony-herby-spicy marinade like a sponge, so if you have time, let it marinate for the full day.

14 of 26

15 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Zucchini, Corn & Egg Casserole

Zucchini, Corn & Egg Casserole
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy casserole is essentially a crustless quiche, brimming with fresh summer vegetables. Bake it up for an elegant summer brunch or a casual backyard barbecue.

15 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

6582070.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This scrumptious and healthy salad combines elements of Caesar salad, pasta salad and chicken salad for an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes (and most of the prep can be done ahead). Use your blender to whip together the tangy buttermilk-based dressing, which would also be great on a salmon or chickpea salad.

16 of 26

17 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Eggplant & Tomato Pasta

6728438.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The combination of slightly smoky grilled eggplant and sweet tomatoes is delightful. The eggplant-tomato mixture served over whole-wheat pasta with fresh basil and a bit of salty cheese makes an easy, healthy weeknight dinner.

17 of 26

18 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shrimp Poke

Brown Rice Shrimp Bowl with Tomatoes & Avocado
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Not a fan of raw fish? No problem--this poke (pronounced poke-ay) recipe substitutes cooked peeled shrimp instead. This fast, veggie-loaded dish includes seasoned brown rice for a hearty boost of fiber.

18 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Goddess Salad

7798578.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This gorgeous salad combines fresh shrimp, cucumber, artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes with homemade green goddess dressing. The dressing is beautifully green and creamy with avocado (loaded with good-for-you fats) and fresh herbs. Buttermilk and a dash of rice vinegar add tang.

19 of 26

20 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado, Tomato & Chicken Sandwich

3858974.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this healthy chicken sandwich recipe, the avocado is mashed to create a healthy creamy spread.

20 of 26

21 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Summer Shrimp Salad

6613178.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Use an array of colorful tomatoes to make this healthy shrimp salad pop. Cooking the shrimp with fresh herbs and garlic infuses them with flavor without coming off too strong for a light dinner salad that's perfect for summer entertaining.

21 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Greek Chicken & Cucumber Pita Sandwiches with Yogurt Sauce

6599202.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cucumbers do double duty in this healthy Greek chicken pita recipe--they're grated to lend a refreshing flavor to the quick cucumber-yogurt sauce and sliced to provide cool crunch tucked into the pita. Serve these Mediterranean sandwiches for a healthy dinner or light lunch.

22 of 26

23 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Goddess Salad with Chicken

4473525.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this cucumber, tomato, Swiss and chicken salad recipe, a healthy green goddess dressing is made from avocado, buttermilk and herbs. Any extra dressing is delicious served over grilled chicken or flaky white fish, such as cod or flounder.

23 of 26

24 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegetable Weight-Loss Soup

4582293.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A big bowl of this veggie-packed minestrone will leave you satisfied for hours without consuming a lot of calories, which is helpful when trying to lose weight. Plus, it's an easy way to boost your vegetable servings for the day—something all of us could benefit from. Top with a dollop of pesto before devouring this delicious vegetable soup and consider serving with a hunk of toasted whole-wheat bread to help round out the meal.

24 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tortellini Salad

7798756.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A tomato-rich dressing boosts the flavor and lowers calories and fat in this tortellini salad (the dressing is also great on green salads or grilled fish). Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes add a good dose of vitamins A, C and fiber.

25 of 26

26 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce

6725217.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make good use of crunchy and colorful seasonal produce in these meal-prep-friendly vegetable bowls. With just 30 minutes of prep, you get four healthy lunches that are ready to grab-and-go. We use bulgur, which cooks faster and is higher in fiber than brown rice, but you could swap in quinoa (or any hearty whole grain). Feel free to add chopped cooked chicken, shrimp or tofu for extra protein.

26 of 26

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Leah Goggins

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 26 Tomato, Cucumber & White-Bean Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
    2 of 26 Grilled Shrimp Tostadas
    3 of 26 Cobb Salad with Herb-Rubbed Chicken
    4 of 26 Lemony Lentil Salad with Feta
    5 of 26 Crab Louie Salad
    6 of 26 Veggie & Hummus Sandwich
    7 of 26 Gazpacho with Scallop Skewers
    8 of 26 Blackened Chicken with Chopped Salad
    9 of 26 Grilled Halloumi & Summer Vegetable Tacos
    10 of 26 Southwest Chopped Salad with Tomatillo Dressing
    11 of 26 Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata
    12 of 26 Spinach & Strawberry Meal-Prep Salad
    13 of 26 Shrimp Cobb Salad with Dijon Dressing
    14 of 26 Eggplant Gyros
    15 of 26 Zucchini, Corn & Egg Casserole
    16 of 26 Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
    17 of 26 Grilled Eggplant & Tomato Pasta
    18 of 26 Shrimp Poke
    19 of 26 Green Goddess Salad
    20 of 26 Avocado, Tomato & Chicken Sandwich
    21 of 26 Summer Shrimp Salad
    22 of 26 Greek Chicken & Cucumber Pita Sandwiches with Yogurt Sauce
    23 of 26 Green Goddess Salad with Chicken
    24 of 26 Vegetable Weight-Loss Soup
    25 of 26 Tortellini Salad
    26 of 26 Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    26 Low-Calorie Lunches You'll Want to Make This Summer
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.