12 Must-Try Recipes for Summer Al Fresco Dining

Al fresco dining opportunities are right around the corner! Soon enough, we’ll be trading our spring layers for summer dresses and heading off to backyard cookouts.

Some of my favorite memories included summer dinners on the back patio followed by roasting s’mores. I absolutely love summer recipes, all the fresh flavors, bright colors, and tasty options. Here are 15 must-try recipes for summer al fresco dining.

12 Must-Try Summer Recipes

1. Watermelon Brie Bites

Watermelon brie bites make the perfect summer appetizer. It is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Drizzle a balsamic vinegar glaze over each of the bites for an unforgettable appetizer. Display on a wooden charcuterie board for easy clean-up. See the full recipe.

2. Grilled Shrimp, Arugula, and Watermelon Salad

Continuing the watermelon theme, this grilled shrimp and watermelon salad from Food Network is super refreshing. The salad offers the perfect combination of flavors including green arugula, juicy watermelon, delicious cucumber, and a minty fresh finish. See the full recipe.

3. Fresh Peach Margaritas

What’s a summer soiree without a delicious cocktail? These fresh peach margaritas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best thing about this fruity drink is that it can easily be made in bulk. Mix up a few pitchers beforehand for your next summer get-together. Serve in a festive glass, and you’re all set! See the full recipe.

4. Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad

While pears and Brussels sprouts scream fall, this delicious pear salad could also be a late-summer staple. Pears, bacon, Brussels sprouts, and gorgonzola cheese, need I say more? See the full recipe.

5. Mediterranean salad with quinoa

If you love quinoa salad and Mediterranean food, then you’ll absolutely love this quinoa Mediterranean salad. This recipe is filled with superfoods like green beans, cucumbers, peppers, and, of course, quinoa. See the full recipe.

6. Champagne Grapefruit Mojito

Champagne grapefruit mojito, need I say more? This may be the perfect summer cocktail. This recipe has it all: sweet, sour, and bubbly. Plus, it is also delightfully refreshing. If you want a lighter cocktail, replace the Champagne with La Croix or another sparking water of your choice. See the full recipe.

7. Greek Hummus Platter

This Greek hummus platter is perfect for entertaining. The final product offers a stunning display and ensures a delicious vegetarian option. You can also easily make it gluten-free by replacing the pita bread with cucumber slices or carrots. Thankfully, it is also light, tasty, and super easy to make. If you have time, making homemade hummus takes this recipe to the next level. See the full recipe.

8. Grilled Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa

This grilled salmon with avocado-mango salsa just screams al fresco dining. Cook the salmon out on the grill and then complete the dish with coconut rice and avocado-mango salsa. Not only is this dish an explosion of flavors, but it is also nutrient-rich and healthy. See the full recipe.

9. Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Buckle up because this strawberry goat cheese bruschetta is the perfect summer appetizer. Crispy crostini is topped with garlic herb goat cheese, fresh strawberries, and basil leaves, and finished with a drizzle of a balsamic reduction. See the full recipe.

10. Limoncello Spritz

This limoncello spritz is basically adult lemonade. One sip of this light and refreshing beverage and you’ll be transported right to the Almafi coast. See the full recipe.

11. Caprese Chicken

Nothing beats a refreshing Caprese salad with juicy and ripe tomatoes. This Caprese chicken recipe includes all your favorite elements of a traditional Caprese salad. This recipe is super easy, only take 25 minutes, and serves four. See the full recipe.

12. Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

For the grand finale, this grilled peaches and vanilla ice cream recipe is my all-time favorite summer recipe. Grilling the peaches brings out all the sweet and juicy flavors. Top with vanilla ice cream and there is truly no better summer dessert. See the full recipe.

Up next, the Ultimate Summer Veggie Sandwich!