Dining outside is just better, in my opinion. I went through the blog archives to share the best dishes to enjoy al fresco!
I don’t know why but some things are just better in warm weather. Oldies sound better during summer, I even have a pair of earrings I instinctively reach for once temps go above 75. So it shouldn’t be any surprise that there are some dishes that taste more flavorful, more appetizing when you enjoy them outside or during warm weather.
This is James’ first summer in DC since 2018 and I’m planning to make the most of our time. We love cooking together, often with a glass of wine, as we unwind and tell each other about our days. I can’t wait to enjoy our dinners up on our building’s rooftop or take a picnic to the park.
Going back through my blog’s archives, here are 11+ of the best al fresco dishes to enjoy.
Main Dishes:
BBQ Jackfruit (This is vegan + also great for a desk lunch)
Soy Chorizo Quinoa Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Summer Veggie Grilled Sandwich (Perfect for using up farmer’s market veggies)
Chile Lime Salmon Tacos with Watermelon Salsa
Salads:
Summer Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
Marinated Chickpea Caesar Salad
Chopped Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
Appetizers + Shareables:
Peach and Goat Cheese Tartines (Highly recommend for a park picnic or a pre-dinner snack)
Panzanella Salad with Halloumi (Another highly recommended dish on this! If you aren’t familiar with halloumi, here’s how to cook the cheese perfectly. Yes, cook! It’s cheese that gets a crispy outside with a melty inside and is perfection. Trader Joe’s has the best market price for halloumi, keep an eye out for it in their cheese section during summer.)
Sweets:
