Summer Menus

Tara Donne

It's the time of the season for outdoor cooking! Get inspired with 29 of our summer menus including menus for July 4th, an Italian feast, Spanish tapas, and a Mexican fiesta.

Start Slideshow

1 of 29

Fourth of July Steak-Out

Fire up the grill for a craveworthy porterhouse steak, juicy grilled tomatoes, zesty salads, and to top it off, a red, white, and blue dessert.

main

Grilled Porterhouse with Shallots and Potatoes

side

Grilled Tomatoes with Oregano and Lemon

salad

Watermelon, Orange, and Feta Salad

dessert

Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle

serves 4

Advertisement

Advertisement

2 of 29

Fire Up the Grill

Nothing beats dining outdoors. Beat it out of your kitchen, and fire up the grill to create this scrumptious no-fuss feast.

salad

Charred-Romaine Salad

main

Grilled Shrimp and Bacon with Lemons

side

Crisp Red Potatoes with Garlic-Herb Oil

dessert

Pound Cake with Peaches and Cream

serves 4

3 of 29

A Refreshing Summer Spread

Step away from the oven. This refreshing summer spread requires no cooking (none!). And it barely takes any time to make.

appetizer

Crudites with Herbed Ricotta

soup

Smooth Tomato Gazpacho

main

Marinated Tuna with Baguette

dessert

Tea-Scented Melon

serves 4

Advertisement

4 of 29

A Grilled Menu

Tara Donne

Too hot in the kitchen? Half of this meal -- the flank steak and zucchini -- can be made outside on the grill, and the other half doesn't require any cooking at all.

appetizer
Grilled Zucchini Spears with Mint
main
Flank Steak and Red Onion
side
Spicy Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad
dessert
Raspberry Sorbet with Fresh Whipped Cream

serves 4

5 of 29

Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle

Need a showstopping dessert to round out your menu? This spectacular berry dessert is perfect for a July 4 party -- or any summer celebration.Get the Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle Recipe

6 of 29

An Easy and Delicious Dinner

Summertime eating is all about ease. Enjoy the outdoors while you prepare this simple and delicious menu that's cooked entirely on the grill.

main
Coriander-and-Oregano-Brined Pork Loin
side
Pouch-Grilled Potatoes and Garlic
Grilled Corn with Sour Cream and Cotija Cheese

serves 4

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

7 of 29

Italian Feast

Can't make it to Italy this summer? Gather friends on a warm night and enjoy the next best thing: a full Italian feast.

appetizer
Lemony Zucchini Bruschetta
Prosciutto-Wrapped Breadsticks
beverage
Sparkling Strawberry Cocktail
main
Pork Milanese with Arugula Salad
side
Ricotta Dumplings
dessert
Tipsy Affogato

serves 4

8 of 29

A Meal in an Hour

Tara Donne

Invite summer to the table with dishes that take advantage of the season's bounty : Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, sweet corn, and crisp lettuce all make an appearance on this fresh-flavor menu.

appetizer
Iceberg Lettuce with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Recipe
main
Bacon, Avocado, and Tomato Sandwich Recipe
side
Sweet Corn with Baby Beets and Basil Recipe
dessert
Plum Skillet Cake Recipe

serves 4

9 of 29

Mexican Fiesta

Most of this generous summer menu can be made in advance of fiesta time, or customize it -- mix and match a few of the dishes with your favorite salsas and other condiments.

appetizer
Tequila-Grilled Shrimp
main
Grilled Skirt Steak with Poblano Relish Recipe
side
Shredded Cabbage and Radish Salad Recipe
Pinto Beans with Bacon and Scallions Recipe
Red Rice Recipe
dessert
Tres Leches Cake

serves 4

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

10 of 29

Chicken Sandwich Menu

These flavorful departures from the same-old sandwiches and sides is a cinch. Assemble the salads and sides while the chicken is marinating.

salad
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Garlic Oil
main
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Mustard
side
Grilled Potato Slices with Salt and Vinegar
dessert
Peach-and-Basil Crumbles

serves 4

11 of 29

Chicken Tonnato Menu

GENTL & HYERS

Chicken topped with a chilled tuna puree is a variation on vitello (veal) tonnato, a classic warm-weather dish. On the side, tomatoes with anchovy dressing and a vegetable gratin.main

Chicken Tonnato

side

Summer-Vegetable Gratin

salad

Tomatoes with Anchovy Dressing

dessert

Baked Stuffed Apricots

Serves 4

12 of 29

Mediterranean Cocktail Party

Mediterranean cultures have an enduring tradition of gathering at the end of the day for drinks and nibbles. This summer, embrace small-plate entertaining. Assemble small dishes ahead of time then sit back and unwind with your guests.

beverage
Lillet-Basil Cocktail
Prosecco Cocktail
side
Chilled Mussels with Saffron Mayonnaise
Meatballs with Ouzo and Mint
Tortilla Espanola with Chorizo
Anchovy Crostini with Onion-and-Raisin Relish
Roasted-Eggplant Dip with Greek Yogurt
Herb-Rubbed Pitas

serves 6 to 8

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

13 of 29

Easy Fried Chicken Menu

Grab a blanket (and some napkins!), head outside, and savor our easiest fried-chicken feast ever.

main
Rosemary Fried Chicken
side
Tomato Salad with Parsley Vinaigrette
Creamy Pasta Salad with Celery
dessert
Coconut-Pineapple Loaf Cake

serves 8

14 of 29

Pressed Salami Sandwiches with Salad

Fill a basket with these simple Tuscan recipes, including pressed sandwiches and a lemony cake to enjoy a perfect Sunday picnic in the park.main

Pressed Salami Sandwiches

side

Roasted Yellow Squash Salad

Radicchio and Orange Salad

dessert

Serves 8

15 of 29

Pressed Sandwich Menu

Celebrate summer get-togethers with a portable pressed sandwich and fixings that are perfect for dinner on the lawn.

beverage

main

Pressed Sandwiches

side

Cold Tomato-Buttermilk Soup

dessert

Hazelnut Blondies

Serves 6

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

16 of 29

Tortilla Espanola Menu

This spread of Spanish-inspired dishes creates a lovely yet simple departure from the norm with a saffron-infused potato omelet, asparagus with sherry vinegar, and roasted piquillo peppers -- sangria optional.

This Spanish-inspired spread features creative dishes like a saffron-infused potato omelet, asparagus with sherry vinegar, and roasted piquillo peppers -- sangria optional.

appetizer

Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with Goat Cheese

main

Baked Tortilla Espanola

side

Sauteed Asparagus with Dijon Vinaigrette

dessert

Milk-Chocolate Creams

Serves 4

17 of 29

Classic Cod Menu

Codfish cooked in herbs, wine, and lemon is perfectly paired with potatoes drizzled with malt vinegar -- a lighter variation on the British tradition of fish and chips.

main

Codfish with Herbed White-Wine Lemon Sauce

side

Potato Chips with Malt Vinegar

Green Vegetable Medley

dessert

Berries with Warm Sherry Sabayon

Serves 4

18 of 29

Summer Lobster Menu

James Merrell

Steamed lobsters filled with red and yellow tomatoes are drizzled with a mustard vinaigrette and served alfresco. Additional vinaigrette takes the place of drawn butter.main

Lobster with Red and Yellow Tomatoes

soup

Summer Corn Chowder

side

Avocado Bruschetta with Green Sauce

dessert

Almond Cakes with Fresh Fruit

Serves 4

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

19 of 29

Pork Kebabs Menu

Add Mediterranean flair to your next cookout with this colorful menu.main

Pork Kebabs with Orange and Thyme

side

Toasted-Bulgur Pilaf

salad

Fennel, Red Onion, and Parsley Salad

dessert

Strawberry Sponge Pudding

Serves 4

20 of 29

Zesty Crab Cakes Menu

Frances Janisch

You don't have to be at the beach to enjoy this coastal classic. Lightly spiced crab cakes are panfried and served alongside honey-sweetened slaw made not only with cabbage but also with vibrant radicchio.

main

Zesty Crab Cakes

side

Radicchio-Cabbage Slaw with Honey

Quick Pickled Okra

dessert

Nectarine Shortcakes

Serves 4

21 of 29

Spiced Salmon Menu

Familiar ingredients take an unexpected turn in this quick dinner. Salmon and new potatoes are infused with Indian-inspired flavors, and cucumber, cantaloupe, and squash come together in a refreshing chilled salad.

main

Spiced Pan-Seared Salmon

side

Cucumber, Cantaloupe, and Squash Salad

New Potatoes with Ginger and Mint

dessert

Raspberry-Lime Freeze

Serves 4

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

22 of 29

Nicoise Sandwich Menu

Ellie Miller

Reinvent a traditional nicoise salad by tucking it into a sandwich. Here, we've piled tuna, eggs, olives, and onions between slices of crusty ciabatta. Potato chips are the natural accompaniment; ours are sliced russets that are baked instead of fried.

salad

Avocado-Grapefruit Salads

main

Tuna Nicoise Sandwiches

side

Baked Potato Chips

dessert

Serves 4

23 of 29

Mussels and Frites Menu

Gentl & Hyers

Mussels are served in the same savory broth in which they were steamed: a mixture of white wine, garlic, shallots, and herbs. Crispy oven frites are accompanied by a dipping sauce of Dijon mustard and chopped chervil.

salad

Flageolet Bean and Frisee Salad

main

Mussels in White Wine and Garlic

side

dessert

Blueberry Upside-Down Cake

Serves 4

24 of 29

Stir-Fried Shrimp Menu

In this easy-to-prepare Pan-Asian meal, the spiciness of stir-fried shrimp is balanced by the mild flavors of coconut noodles and baby bok choy.

side

Braised Baby Bok Choy

Coconut Noodles

main

Spicy Stir-Fried Shrimp

dessert

Sweet Sesame Wonton Crisps

Serves 4

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

25 of 29

Spanish Tapas Menu

A variety of tapas, the appetizers and snacks popular in Spain, can make a meal.

side

main

Spanish Ham with Olives and Oranges

salad

dessert

Serves 4

26 of 29

Pepper Shrimp Menu

James Baigrie

Try this tasty take on Mediterranean cuisine.

salad

Pita Bread Salad with Cucumber, Mint, and Feta

main

Salt-And-Pepper Shrimp with Aioli

side

Quick Braised Artichokes

dessert

Coffee Ice Cream Affogato

Serves 4

27 of 29

Mexican Taco Bar Menu

Bring together the varied traditions and flavors of regional Mexican food in a casual taco bar. The party kicks off with a pitcher of premade margaritas, while prepared-ahead salsas do double duty as dips and taco toppings. Carnitas -- juicy pork cubes browned until crisp -- shredded poached chicken, fresh fixings, and warm tortillas fill out the rest of the abundant spread.

beverage

Make-Your-Own Margaritas

appetizer

Salsa Trio and Homemade Tortilla Chips

main

dessert

Mango Wedges with Chili

Serves 8

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

28 of 29

Tapas-Style Menu

Take it easy with a relaxed summertime menu that's great for a crowd or just a few people. Dishes set out on the table for all to share is a great way to eat any day of the week.

salad
Celery-and-Orange Salad
main
Spinach Phyllo Pie
side
Marinated Peppers
salad
Spicy Carrot Salad
appetizer
Roasted Eggplant Dip
dessert
Melon with Honeyed Yogurt

serves 8

29 of 29

Modern Mexican Menu

This dinner's theme: Mexican ingredients prepared in a modern way. The meal also offers a convenient use for summer's surplus of herbs. Cilantro, mixed with salt, gives a boost to corn, and generous amounts of basil and parsley invigorate the slaw.

main
Grilled Shrimp and Chorizo on Skewers
side
Cabbage-and-Herb Slaw with Oranges
Grilled Corn with Cilantro Salt
dessert
Tequila-Soaked Watermelon Wedges

serves 4

Up Next

Advertisement