5 Easy Summer Lunch Ideas

Here are 5 easy lunch ideas that are ideal for your holiday getaway, plus a bonus fun Christmas cocktail to add a bit of sparkle to your day!

Prawn & Mango Salad
Ballito’s coastal charm calls for fresh, light dishes, and this prawn and mango salad is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a great option for Christmas lunch in the heat.

Ingredients:

• Fresh prawns (about 500g)
• 1 ripe mango, sliced
• Mixed salad leaves (rocket, baby spinach, or lettuce)
• Avocado, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, thinly sliced
• Fresh coriander
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

• Cook the prawns in a hot pan with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the salad leaves, mango slices, avocado, tomatoes, and cucumber.
• Toss the prawns into the salad, drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
• Garnish with fresh coriander and serve immediately.

Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad
This colorful and refreshing salad is perfect for cooling down in the summer heat while still feeling festive. The combination of sweet watermelon, tangy feta, and mint is simple but sensational.

Ingredients:

• 1 small watermelon, cubed
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• A drizzle of olive oil
• Balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions:

• Cube the watermelon and place in a large bowl.
• Add the crumbled feta and fresh mint leaves, tossing gently to combine.
• Drizzle with olive oil and finish with a splash of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Chicken & Couscous Salad
For a hearty yet light dish, this chicken and couscous salad will keep everyone satisfied without feeling heavy. You can prepare the chicken ahead of time or buy a ready made rotisserie chicken and assemble it quickly for an effortless lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, or some sliced roast chicken
• 1 cup cooked couscous
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• A drizzle of lemon and olive oil dressing

Instructions:

• Grill the chicken breasts and slice them thinly or carve your roast chicken.
• In a large bowl, mix the couscous, onion, cucumber, bell pepper, and tomatoes.
• Toss in the chicken slices and fresh parsley.
• Drizzle with lemon and olive oil dressing, then serve chilled or at room temperature.

Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Wraps
If you want something even simpler that requires no cooking, these smoked salmon and cream cheese wraps are a great option. Perfect for grazing, these wraps are both tasty and light.

Ingredients:

• Tortilla wraps
• 200g smoked salmon
• Cream cheese
• Fresh dill
• Lemon zest
• Mixed salad greens

Instructions:

• Lay the tortilla wraps flat and spread a generous amount of cream cheese over each.
• Add a few slices of smoked salmon, a handful of mixed greens, and a sprinkle of fresh dill and lemon zest.
• Roll the wraps tightly, slice into bite-sized pieces, and enjoy!

Caprese Salad Skewers
For a fun and festive twist on the classic Caprese salad, make mini skewers that are perfect for sharing. This dish requires minimal preparation and provides a beautiful pop of color for your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic reduction
• Olive oil

Instructions:

• Skewer the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto small wooden sticks.
• Arrange on a platter and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction before serving.

Bonus: Christmas Cocktail – Cranberry & Ginger Fizz
What’s a Christmas lunch without a festive drink to match? This easy-to-make cocktail is fruity, fizzy, and full of holiday cheer. It's perfect for sipping by the pool or as a pre-lunch refresher.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup ginger beer
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish
• Optional: A splash of rum or vodka

Instructions:

• Fill a glass with ice and pour in the cranberry juice, ginger beer, and lime juice.
• Stir gently to combine.
• Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime slice.
• (Optional) Add a splash of rum or vodka for an extra festive kick!

December in Ballito should be about enjoying the beach, the sun and the company of loved ones, not slaving away in a hot kitchen. With these easy-to-make salads, wraps and a fun Christmas cocktail, you’ll be able to serve a delicious, stress-free meal that everyone will love. And the best part? You’ll still have plenty of time for a dip in the sea or a stroll along the beach!