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When you’re spending the day by the water, you want lunches that are easy to pack, simple to eat, and full of flavor. These lake day lunch ideas are perfect for picnics, boat rides, or relaxing by the shore.
They’re fuss-free, refreshing, and designed to keep everyone happy and fueled for fun.
1. Turkey and Avocado Wraps
Soft tortillas filled with sliced turkey, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and a smear of mustard or mayo. They’re easy to roll up and hold, and they don’t fall apart in your cooler.
Olivia’s Tip
Wrap them in parchment or foil for easy grabbing and less mess.
Get the Turkey and Avocado Wraps recipe.
2. Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
Grilled chicken, romaine, parmesan, and Caesar dressing wrapped in a tortilla. All the flavor of a salad, none of the fork required.
Olivia’s Tip
Pack the dressing separately and drizzle just before eating to keep the wrap crisp.
3. Hummus and Veggie Pita Pockets
Pita stuffed with creamy hummus, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and bell pepper strips. Fresh, filling, and no utensils needed.
Olivia’s Tip
Choose sturdy pita to prevent tearing and soggy spots.
Get the Hummus and Veggie Pita Pockets recipe.
4. Caprese Skewers
Skewered mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. A refreshing finger food that’s easy to pack.
Olivia’s Tip
Store the skewers in a shallow container so they stay neat and don’t get squished.
Get the Caprese Skewers recipe.
5. Pasta Salad with Pesto and Veggies
Pasta tossed with pesto, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and olives. It’s tasty, cold, and holds up well in a cooler.
Olivia’s Tip
Use short pasta like rotini or penne—they’re easier to eat outdoors.
Get the Pasta Salad with Pesto and Veggies recipe.
6. BLT Sandwiches with Avocado
Classic BLTs layered with creamy avocado slices. They’re hearty, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Olivia’s Tip
Pack the tomato slices separately and add them at lunch to prevent soggy bread.
Get the BLT Sandwiches with Avocado recipe.
7. Peanut Butter and Banana Wraps
Whole wheat tortillas spread with peanut butter and filled with sliced bananas. Roll up and slice into pinwheels for a sweet, satisfying bite.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Get the Peanut Butter and Banana Wraps recipe.
8. Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Corn
A zesty, protein-packed salad tossed with lime juice and cilantro. It’s light, filling, and easy to serve straight from the container.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill well before packing—it tastes even better cold.
Get the Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Corn recipe.
9. Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches
Layers of thin roast beef, cheddar cheese, and mustard or horseradish mayo on a crusty roll. Hearty and satisfying.
Olivia’s Tip
Use crusty bread or rolls—they travel better and stay fresh longer.
Get the Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches recipe.
10. Cold Fried Chicken
Crispy fried chicken served cold—it’s just as good by the lake as it is fresh from the fryer.
Olivia’s Tip
Pack paper towels or wipes—it’s tasty but a little messy!
Get the Cold Fried Chicken recipe.
11. Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomatoes
Large tomatoes hollowed out and filled with tuna salad. Fresh, cool, and easy to eat with your hands or a spoon.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill the tomatoes well before stuffing—they hold up better and stay firm.
Get the Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomatoes recipe.
12. Veggie Sushi Rolls
Homemade or store-bought veggie sushi rolls with cucumber, avocado, and carrot. Fun to eat and refreshing.
Olivia’s Tip
Pack with an ice pack to keep them chilled and safe in the heat.
Get the Veggie Sushi Rolls recipe.
13. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Chicken salad spooned into crisp lettuce leaves for a light, no-bread lunch. Cool and crunchy.
Olivia’s Tip
Bring extra lettuce leaves—they make great scoops if the wraps fall apart.
Get the Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps recipe.
14. Cold Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing
Chilled soba noodles tossed with sesame oil, soy sauce, and shredded veggies. Flavorful, filling, and easy to eat cold.
Olivia’s Tip
Rinse the noodles well after cooking so they don’t clump.
Get the Cold Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing recipe.
15. Fruit and Cheese Snack Boxes
An easy mix of grapes, apple slices, cubes of cheddar, and crackers. A light, picnic-style lunch that everyone loves.
Olivia’s Tip
Squeeze lemon on apple slices to keep them from browning.
Get the Fruit and Cheese Snack Boxes recipe.
16. Turkey Club Sliders
Mini sandwiches stacked with turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on small rolls. Easy to pack, easy to eat.
Olivia’s Tip
Wrap sliders tightly in foil so they hold together in the cooler.
Get the Turkey Club Sliders recipe.
17. Spinach and Feta Hand Pies
Flaky pastry filled with spinach, feta, and herbs. Tasty, warm, or cold, and easy to grab on the go.
Olivia’s Tip
Bake ahead and let them cool fully before packing to avoid fogginess.
Get the Spinach and Feta Hand Pies recipe.
18. Cold Veggie Quesadillas
Cheese and veggies melted between tortillas, then sliced and served cold or at room temperature. Great for dipping in salsa.
Olivia’s Tip
Let quesadillas cool completely before slicing—they stay together better that way.
