27 Lazy Summer Lunch Ideas Packed with Protein
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
This summer, I want to keep my protein intake high. These high protein lunches are easy to make, packed with flavor, and delicious.
I especially enjoy making Southwest chicken salad. It’s packed with a ton of flavor and protein, yet it’s a salad!
I hope you like these protein meals as much as I do.

1. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus

Source: allnutritious.com
Imagine tender chicken bites sealed to golden perfection, meet crisp asparagus spears, coated in a rich, garlic-buttery sauce.
I know this sounds too good to be true, but this recipe brings everything together in a delicious meal that people will think you got from a 5-star restaurant.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 402
- Fats: 27g
- Protein: 34g
- Net Carbs: 5g
2. Burrito Bowl in a Skillet

Source: allnutritious.com
Unlike traditional burritos that require so many pots and pans, this recipe makes things efficient with just one skillet and less than 30 minutes in the kitchen.
It delivers all the classic, well-loved Mexican flavors in a high-protein, healthy dish that beats takeout any day.
Think – ground beef, rice, black beans, corn and fajita spices, ready to scoop into corn tortillas and top with avocado, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 558
- Fats: 23g
- Protein: 31g
- Carbs: 60g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 9.6g
3. Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs

These foil packets deliver juicy shrimp, crispy-tender broccoli, and zesty seasonings, all cooked together in a simple mess-free package.
And, the best thing is that this recipe is high protein, Paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 385
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 8.9g
- Sugar: 5.8g
4. Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Source: allnutritious.com
Want something Asian-inspired for your office lunch? Don’t spend money on unhealthy takeouts.
These Teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps bring all the crunchy, umami, and sweet flavors without the grease. They’re easy to make, leave you feeling full, contain loads of protein, and less than 200 carbs.
Soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic, and sesame seeds create a delicious base for the tender chicken breasts.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 161
- Fats: 4.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 7.1g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 3.8g
5. Chipotle Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com
This high protein summer recipe is made of chipotle chicken on a bed of fresh greens and vegetables, drizzled with the most delicious honey mango dressing.
It’s sweet, spicy, fruity, and filling. If you follow a high-protein diet and also want to keep the calories low, this is the perfect salad to get you through the day.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 596
- Fats: 25g
- Protein: 39g
- Carbs: 61g
- Fiber: 15g
- Sugar: 28g
6. Shrimp Buddha Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com
Juicy shrimp are cooked with olive oil, garlic and paprika, teamed up with sweet potatoes, asparagus, kale and quinoa, with a dressing of wholegrain mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Fantastic!
It’s surprisingly easy to make, but looks so high-class you’d think it was ordered from a fancy restaurant. This is an absolute must for any summer garden lunch – charming, fresh, and totally guest-worthy.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 323
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7.5g
7. Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Source: allnutritious.com
Making a bold and zesty meal may sound like too much work when you’re feeling lazy. That’s when my buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl comes to the rescue.
It’s a filling, hearty dish of tender chicken, delicious Buffalo flavor, and creamy cottage cheese.
It’s so easy to make and is also great for meal prep, so make a batch and have meals on demand for the busy week ahead.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 483
- Fats: 23g
- Protein: 56g
- Carbs: 9.9g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugar: 6.5g
- Sugar:
8. Hawaiian Pizza Chicken Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com
If you are a pineapple-on-pizza person, you’ll love this recipe. If not, give it a try, you may be pleasantly surprised at the taste.
Imagine blending the tropical sweetness of pineapple, the savory taste of ham, and the cheesy joy of pizza into a high-protein, nutritious chicken lunch. When the kids want pizza and I feel lazy, I grab this recipe and they love it!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 446
- Fats: 14g
- Protein: 57g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 5.6g
- Sugar: 9g
9. Southwest Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com
After a trip to Texas, I was totally wowed by the incredible flavors of Southwest cuisine. Being a European girl, I admit I was blissfully unaware – until now!
So, I set out to create a fab dish worthy of the Southwest – my chicken salad.
It combines tender chicken with smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors with just the right hint of citrus. It’s also gluten-free and high-protein. Give it a try.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 354
- Fats: 7.2g
- Protein: 33g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fiber: 9.5g
- Sugar: 6.2g
10. Healthy Orange Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com
What is the perfect lazy lunch? For me, it’s chicken, rice, and veggies. This recipe takes my lazy lunch to the next level with orange-glazed bite-size chicken pieces, crunchy broccoli, and fluffy rice.
It’s sweet, juicy, incredibly fragrant and offers a whopping 62g of protein.
The recipe is so easy to cook that it’s practically foolproof. It makes four generous portions for a weekend lunch on the patio.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 662
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 62g
- Carbs: 71g
- Fiber: 6.1g
- Sugar: 21g
11. Cheeseburger Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com
My cheeseburger bowl combines everything you love from a delicious and indulgent cheeseburger, but with only 11.3 grams of net carbs and 35 grams of protein.
Plus, it’s perfect for lazy days, taking only 20 minutes to prep and cook. It’s the best of all worlds – healthy, tasty, budget-friendly, protein-packed, and soooo easy to make.
Want a leaner version? You can replace the ground beef with turkey or chicken. Want a vegetarian option? Use crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 516
- Fats: 35g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 3.7g
- Sugar: 7.1g
12. Ranch Chicken Meal Prep

Source: allnutritious.com
Let’s get lazy with Parmesan-crusted potatoes, tender broccoli, and herby ranch chicken. Sounds like too much hard work? It’s not with this tasty, easy-to-make meal prep recipe.
I make this at least once a week, and both my family and guests love it.
It’s also high protein, gluten-free and ultra-adaptable. I often add other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, and when I’m craving spice, I sprinkle on some cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 572
- Fats: 29g
- Protein: 33g
- Carbs: 44g
- Fiber: 5.4g
- Sugar: 3.4g
13. Greek Chicken Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com
Dreaming of a getaway to the Mediterranean? It may not be an option right now, but you can certainly fill your kitchen with the delicious aromas and tastes of a Greek dish.
How about tender chicken breasts, smothered in a tangy, creamy Tzatziki Sauce, and served with a fresh salad of cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in olive oil? It’s a fab lazy lunch that brings island vibes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 659
- Fats: 27g
- Protein: 61g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fiber: 4.4g
- Sugar: 8.5g
14. Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep

Source: allnutritious.com
Who can resist the tempting taste of teriyaki? It’s sweet, savory, sticky, and totally delicious.
Imagine – a delicious plate of tender chicken bites coated in a thick, luscious teriyaki sauce, combined with fresh, firm broccoli, fluffy white rice, and topped with crunchy sesame seeds.
This is my go-to lazy dish when I want to do minimal work in the kitchen for maximum impress-the-family vibes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 653
- Fats: 20g
- Protein: 50g
- Carbs: 68g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 23g
15. Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com
Sticking to a high-protein diet can make chicken salads feel boring, repetitive, and unappetizing. But this one will make you rethink everything you know about chicken salad.
How about a plate of tender golden brown chicken breasts, crispy veggies, and a tangy dressing? It’s delish, easy to meal prep, and perfect for lazy days.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 597
- Fats: 31g
- Protein: 55g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fiber: 5.9g
- Sugar: 17g
16. Chicken Burrito Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com
Craving those bold takeout flavors without the extra carbs or cost? My chicken burrito bowls are the answer – and they’re a total hit.
Serve up juicy shredded chicken over spiced-up rice with sweet corn, creamy black beans, fresh arugula, and bursty tomatoes in every bite. It’s wholesome, hearty, and kid-approved delicious.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 520
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 37g
- Carbs: 64g
- Fiber: 9.5g
- Sugar: 4.2g
17. Honey Garlic Shrimp

Source: allnutritious.com
This summery meal is perfect for a lazy lunch, offering plump, juicy shrimp coated in a delicious punchy and sweet honey and garlic sauce.
It’s a great pick-me-up when you are feeling lazy but want something different and uplifting.
The dish is dairy-free and high protein, ideal for keeping your meal goals on track without sacrificing flavor.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 436
- Fats: 6.2g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 72g
- Fiber: 7.5g
- Sugar: 17g
18. Chicken with Broccoli, Beets and Farro Salad

Source: allnutritious.com
Enjoy a plate of tender chicken breasts with the sweetness of oranges and beets, paired with crunchy broccoli, and nutritious nutty farro. It’s an easy-to-make meal, perfect for a lazy lunch.
Best of all, it has a fab dressing of parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and salt to add come-back-for-more appeal.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 715
- Fats: 27g
- Protein: 55g
- Carbs: 67g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 17g
19. Buttered Cod

Source: allnutritious.com
Do you know that cod is a lean, low-calorie fish packed with high-quality protein and essential nutrients making it a healthy choice?
All the more reason to try my delicious buttered cod, a quick recipe (ready in only 16 minutes) that even the kids will love.
Enjoy perfectly cooked flaky cod, lashings of unsalted butter, a hint of garlic and fresh parsley, topped with zesty lemon slices.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 297
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 31g
- Carbs: 1.2g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 0.3g
20. Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Source: allnutritious.com
Not all salads fill you up, especially if you’re chasing a solid protein boost. That’s where my Italian chicken pasta salad steps in.
With 22g of protein, it’s a refreshing, flavor-packed mix of juicy rotisserie chicken, crisp veggies, and zesty Italian herbs with a splash of lemon. Craving a kick? Sprinkle in some red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 456
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 49g
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 4.5g
21. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Source: allnutritious.com
Don’t let a taco lunch turn into a stress-fest when it’s supposed to be a relaxing day with friends and family. These easy-to-make taco stuffed sweet potatoes are wholesome, budget-friendly, and so satisfying, you won’t even think about takeout.
Have fun and let everyone add their favorite ingredients by serving a choice of toppings like shredded mozzarella, mashed avocado, sour cream, and diced tomatoes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 465
- Fats: 21g
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 11g
22. Spicy Pineapple Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com
One way to make chicken ultra-delish is to add pineapple. I LUV this combo – here’s my recipe for a lazy weekend lunch.
It’s also a one-pan dish, so you won’t have to head to the kitchen after lunch to wash loads of dishes.
Think – tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a hint of heat from the chili sauce, jalapeno peppers and red pepper flakes, served on a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a spicy, tasty, high-protein dish that you’ll want to keep in your go-to recipe file.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 324
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 31g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugar: 23g
23. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Source: allnutritious.com
Making tacos may not sound like a great idea when you’re feeling lazy, but using a crockpot ensures that it does all the work for you.
This recipe does not rely on frying and grilling like most taco recipes, making it even healthier.
It offers all the well-loved taco flavors and is a dream when topped with avocados, guacamole, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for a lip-smacking Tex-Mex finish.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 201
- Fats: 9.4g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 15.5g
- Fiber: 10.7g
- Sugar: 2.6g
24. Keto Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Source: allnutritious.com
Dive into a world of flavors with this keto chicken and broccoli stir-fry!
Tender chicken meets crisp broccoli in a delicious low-carb sauce, creating a quick and satisfying high protein lunch that is low in carbs.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 318
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 41g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugar: 1.9g
25. Tuna Cucumber Boats

Source: allnutritious.com
My refreshing and tasty tuna cucumber boats are a fun-filled treat for a lazy lunch.
With a crunchy cucumber base and a delicious creamy, tangy tuna filling, everyone from the kids to the grandparents will be coming back for more.
They are quick and easy to make and offer a high-protein boost for those wanting to stay on track with their food goals.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 118
- Fats: 0.7g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 6.4g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 3.3g
26. Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com
Here’s a simple recipe packed with 38g of protein, low in carbs, and bursting with flavor, perfectly filling for any meal. It’s ideal for lazy days when you want something tasty without the effort.
Picture this: golden rotisserie chicken, tangy banana peppers, crisp celery, and mild onion notes, all smothered in a creamy, dreamy sauce. Yum!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 316
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 9.1g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 4.1g
27. Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Source: allnutritious.com
Let’s start with pizza – well, my healthier version that’s just as delicious!
This cottage cheese pizza bowl is creamy, tangy, and loaded with herbs and spices, everything you love about pepperoni pizza, but in a comforting bowl. Whenever the kids crave pizza, this is my go-to, and it never fails to satisfy.
It’s all the deliciousness of pizza with fewer carbs, fewer calories, and a serious protein punch.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 462
- Fats: 22g
- Protein: 43g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 6.1g
- Sugar: 14g










