Summer nights are perfect for enjoying delicious meals under the open sky, and finding the right recipes can make outdoor dining truly special. Think about savoring 15 dishes that are ideal for alfresco feasts, each one crafted to enhance the joy of eating outside. These recipes are sure to make your summer evenings memorable, filled with flavors that celebrate the season. Bring the best of summer to your table and make every meal an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.
Chicken Tinga
Experience the smoky and spicy flavors of Chicken Tinga. It’s perfect for serving as tacos or tostadas, making it a versatile choice for any outdoor meal. Gather your friends and family for a casual dinner under the stars where this dish will be the star. It’s easy to prepare ahead, leaving you more time to enjoy the evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Level up your grill game with Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. These steaks are seasoned to perfection and topped with a dollop of spiced compound butter, which melts gloriously over the hot surface. Each bite is juicy, flavorful, and sure to impress at your next outdoor gathering. This dish combines simplicity with gourmet flair, making it a favorite for any steak lover.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Enjoy the light and refreshing taste of Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. This salad blends flaky salmon with pasta and a medley of fresh veggies, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for a picnic or as a hearty side at your next barbecue. The dish is both nourishing and delightfully flavorful, making it a great choice for health-conscious guests.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Brisket Fried Rice
Transform leftover brisket into a savory masterpiece with Brisket Fried Rice. This dish is a fantastic way to repurpose brisket by combining it with rice, vegetables, and just the right spices. It’s perfect for a casual outdoor meal that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor. Each spoonful offers a hearty and comforting taste, ideal for a relaxed summer evening.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Try a fun twist on a classic with Cuban Sandwich Casserole. This dish layers all the traditional elements of a Cuban sandwich in a casserole form, making it easy to serve a crowd. It’s particularly great for larger gatherings, offering the familiar flavors of a Cuban sandwich with the convenience of a casserole. Enjoy this innovative dish at your next outdoor dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Turkey à la King
Turkey à la King offers a creamy, comforting option that’s perfect for cooler summer evenings. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey, transforming it into a luxurious meal that feels special and satisfying. Serve this at a garden party and watch your guests delight in its classic charm. It’s comfort food that fits beautifully into an outdoor dining setting.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Put those steak leftovers to excellent use with Leftover Steak Quesadilla. This dish is simple, requiring just a few ingredients but delivering a meal that feels both casual and indulgent. It’s perfect for an easy outdoor lunch or dinner, combining rich steak with melty cheese between crispy tortillas. Serve with salsa and guacamole for a complete meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Savor the flavors of summer with Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. It’s the perfect dish for an alfresco meal, capturing the essence of summer in every bite. Whether it’s lunch in the garden or dinner by the pool, this sandwich is a showstopper. Enjoy the combination of fresh ingredients and smoky chicken at your next outdoor gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Tacos Dorados
Tacos Dorados are a treat perfect for a summer evening under the stars. These crispy tacos are filled with savory ingredients and are sure to be a hit at any outdoor gathering. They’re easy to hold and even easier to eat, making them ideal for mingling. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. Enjoy them fresh off the grill for a truly festive experience.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Serve this and watch it become the highlight of your outdoor meals. Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a light and vibrant dish ideal for summer dining al fresco. The fresh cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, creating a sauce that’s both refreshing and rich. It’s a simple dish that celebrates the bounty of summer gardens.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Chicken Stir Fry
Enjoy the quick and colorful Chicken Stir Fry on any warm evening. This dish is full of fresh vegetables and tender chicken, all tossed in a savory sauce. It’s cooked fast, so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors. Perfect for a lively dinner on the patio, it’s a meal that keeps things light and flavorful. Serve it up and savor the vibrant tastes of summer.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp embodies the essence of summer grilling. Infused with herbs and lemon, these shrimp skewers are a light yet satisfying choice for any outdoor meal. They cook quickly, meaning more time to enjoy your evening. Perfect alongside a fresh salad or some grilled vegetables, they offer a taste of the Mediterranean.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Steak & Pasta Salad
Whether it’s a family barbecue or a casual dinner, this salad satisfies you. Steak & Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of hearty and refreshing, making it ideal for an outdoor feast. This dish combines succulent steak with pasta, dressed in a vibrant vinaigrette. Enjoy the robust flavors and satisfying textures of this summertime favorite.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Bring a touch of Italian flair to your outdoor dining with Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. This dish replicates the creamy, decadent favorite, with plump shrimp and a rich Alfredo sauce. It’s luxurious and comforting, perfect for a summer evening meal. Serve this at your next outdoor gathering and it will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings classic comfort to your backyard dining. This savory dish features seasoned ground beef steaks smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. It’s a nostalgic nod to classic diner fare, perfect for a relaxed meal under the sky. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a side salad for a complete dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak