Sides-Turned-Light Lunches For A Low-Effort Meal

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Summers call for outdoor adventures that often leave you just too exhausted to cook a full-course meal. At times like these, you wish lunches would be as easy to put together as some of those side dishes your family absolutely loves. But hey! You don’t always have to cook full-course meals to keep your family healthy. We have put together a list of 8 all-time-favorite sides that you can also serve as a light lunch – perfect for busy, exhausting days.

Yellow Basmati Rice

This Indian staple normally acts as a perfect side to traditional Indian dishes, but it is easy and simple enough to be served as a light lunch. Also, the major ingredients, like broth and spices, and the additional ingredients like cashews and raisins, make this a complete meal for those busy summer days. Full Recipe: Yellow Basmati Rice

Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Strawberries are everywhere in summer, so take full advantage. Add them to your leafy greens, paired with goat and balsamic vinaigrette dressing for a salad healthy enough to serve as a light lunch. Full Recipe: Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Balsamic Pasta Salad

Color, flavor, texture, nutrition – this salad has it all! Cooked pasta gives this salad a wholesome vibe, perfect for a light lunch. Grilled vegetables contribute to the vibrant colors, and the homemade balsamic dressing is fully responsible for the signature flavor. Full Recipe: Balsamic Pasta Salad With Grilled Vegetables

Cajun Rice

This low-maintenance rice recipe is a perfect vegetarian-friendly option for a light lunch. Usually served with main course meals, it is easy enough to cook and flavorful enough on its own to pass as a light lunch – usually with flying colors! Full Recipe: Cajun Rice

Broccoli Crunch Salad

Cranberries, nuts, and seeds, combined with fresh broccoli, make a hearty salad that is satisfying enough to serve as a light lunch. It is easy to put together, provides the fresh goodness of broccoli with the earthy texture of nuts, and provides enough nutrients to be considered a balanced meal. Full Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Mediterranean Israeli Couscous Salad

Toasted couscous, cooked in broth and paired with cherry tomatoes, brings a burst of color, flavor, and texture to your lunch table. Usually served as a side, it can easily steal the show as a light lunch during busy summer days. Full Recipe: Mediterranean Israeli Couscous Salad  

Italian Pasta Salad

This is a perfect substitute for a full-course Italian pasta for days when you just feel like fixing a light lunch. It combines the signature goodness of all the traditional Italian flavors – garlic, oregano, salami – with some fresh cherry tomatoes and provolone cheese. Full Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

Creamy Taco Macaroni Salad

Add a Mexican hint to your light summer lunches with this creamy macaroni salad, seasoned with traditional Mexican taco seasoning. Add cooked veggies and beans for a classic salad texture and flavor. Full Recipe: Creamy Taco Macaroni Salad Recipe