35 Father's Day Lunch Ideas for Any Dad
Serve him all his favorites: burgers, tacos, and grilled steaks.
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Planning a day of fun is one of the best things you can do on Father's Day. Whether that means going on a fishing trip or just tossing around a ball in the park, there are so many ways to spend time with your dad (or the father-figure in your life). Of course, all of these activities will require some nourishment, and that's where these Father's Day lunch ideas come in handy!
Here, you’ll find quick and easy lunch recipes like barbecue chicken salad that will fuel your family up for some summertime fun. Many of these ideas can be taken with you on the go (there are camping recipes aplenty) or you can sit down for a leisurely lunch in the backyard with the whole family. Of course, not every Father's Day has to be spent outdoors. Retreat from the summer heat and cook indoors with recipes like the air fryer hot dogs or sandwich ideas.
If you’re planning the ultimate cookout though, be sure to check out the recipes for burgers, grilled steaks, and all the traditional sides—creamy potato salads, pasta salads and beans. You'll also find several of Ladd Drummond's favorites on this list, so you know they're Dad-approved. Don't leave him hanging on Father's Day desserts, either. Whip up the Drummond family's favorite chocolate sheet cake or treat the guest of honor to a freshly baked cobbler—perfect for a hot June day!
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Bacon
If you need reassurance that Dad will like this lunch, it's Ladd Drummond's favorite chicken sandwich. Now that's a cowboy seal of approval!
Get Ree's Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Bacon recipe.
Chili Dogs
Another Ladd favorite is anything topped with chili! If that sounds like the dad in your life, make some homemade chili and pile it high on hot dogs to make them extra special.
Get Ree's Chili Dogs recipe.
Spicy Queso Burgers
Why serve plain ol' burgers when you can make them with chorizo and top them with queso? They're cowboy approved! Seriously, it's another Ladd favorite, so you know it's good.
Get Ree's Spicy Queso Burgers recipe.
Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken
Yes, you can turn his favorite soda into a sweet and tangy homemade sauce with just a touch of spice. As the chicken cooks, it caramelizes to become a sticky, glossy, and gorgeous coating.
Get Ree's Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken recipe.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Bacon adds such much flavor to pasta salad. What takes this side dish over the top though is definitely the homemade dressing. It's worth the effort!
Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.
Lobster Rolls
If there's any day to spoil Dad with luxurious lobster, this is it! Lobster rolls are the perfect midday summer meal, too. So go on, add that extra drizzle of butter to everyone's bun.
Get the Lobster Rolls recipe.
Cheeseburger Bowls
Dad certainly won't miss the bun in this fun twist on cheeseburgers. That's because the patties are served on a pile of seasoned fries! Then he can add all the toppings he could ever hope for.
Get Ree's Cheeseburger Bowls recipe.
Perfect Potato Salad
Potato salad is practically required for any backyard BBQ, potluck, or picnic in the sun. This version is just the way Ree likes it: fluffy, light, and packed with bacon.
Get Ree's Perfect Potato Salad recipe.
Ranch Slaw
Coleslaw if a must-have for any cookout, but you can make it extra special for Father's Day. You just need a few extra ingredients to jazz up store-bought slaw mix.
Get Ree's Ranch Slaw recipe.
Beef Kebabs
These beef and veggie kebabs are so easy to make. You can even assemble them in advance! Then just toss them on the grill when you're ready to eat.
Get the Beef Kebabs recipe.
BLT Turkey Burgers
Turn the flavors of a BLT sandwich into a grilling sensation with this recipe for turkey burgers studded with flavorful bacon. Don't forget the spicy mayo!
Get Ree's BLT Turkey Burgers recipe.
Barbecue Chicken Salad
If you want to keep things light for lunch, try a fresh salad topped with barbecue chicken. It has fun mix-ins like corn, beans, avocado, and a creamy ranch dressing.
Get Ree's Barbecue Chicken Salad recipe.
Southwestern Pasta Salad
This twist on pasta salad is all about the bold flavors of the American Southwest. That means there's plenty of cheese, corn, fresh cilantro, and smoky dressing.
Get the Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe.
Shrimp Salad Rolls
This recipe will transport anyone to a trip to the beach even if you're in your own backyard! The creamy, chilled shrimp salad can be served up in hot dog buns with a side of Dad's favorite type of chips.
Get Ree's Shrimp Salad Rolls recipe.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
You don't need to go to a ballgame to enjoy those old-fashioned hot dogs. These cook up quickly in the air fryer in just a matter of minutes. You can even get creative with your hot dog toppings by setting up a DIY hot dog bar.
Get the Air Fryer Hot Dogs recipe.
Southwestern Salad
This crisp, refreshing salad is packed to the brim with all the flavors of the American Southwest. You can make it heartier by topping it with grilled chicken or steak, or simply serve it for a lighter lunch.
Get the Southwestern Salad recipe.
Chicken Pasta Salad
This twist on creamy chicken salad adds penne pasta to the mix to make it even heartier. But the best part is that it's so easy to make using a rotisserie chicken.
Get the Chicken Pasta Salad recipe.
Buffalo Wings
Ree's buffalo wings are an all-time favorite, but here's the secret to the sauce—there's nothing fancy about it! Just a simple, yet scrumptious combination of melted butter and spicy hot sauce.
Get Ree's Buffalo Wings recipe.
Grilled BBQ Ribs
If you want to treat Dad to something special, these grilled ribs are just the thing! They may take a little time and patience, but the results are sticky, smoky, and worth it in the end.
Get the Grilled BBQ Ribs recipe.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
There's no need to stand in front of an oven or even a hot grill to make this meltingly tender pork recipe. The slow cooker does the work for you, so you can start building sandwiches on pretzel buns whenever you're ready to eat.
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
Edna Mae's Sour Cream Pancakes
Smash Burgers
Ginger-Lime Flank Steak
Grilled Flank Steak
