8 Summer Party Food Ideas You Can Cook at Home
Note from Sam:
As we keep expanding to include great gift items from all across America, we're excited to include these recipe ideas from our friends up north at LobsterAnywhere.com.
Take it away, Kevin!
It's always a treat to eat outdoors in the summer, especially if you don't live in a sunny state where the weather means alfresco dining is possible anytime. There's something about an outdoor summer party that is special, and a major contributor to that is the food. Most people would associate such an event with a BBQ/grill, but there are some great party foods that you can make without the grill – either as main dishes or sides.
This is a brilliant summer salad that is fresh and tasty and perfect for serving alongside any lamb dish – especially grilled lamb. The recipe is from Nadiya Hussein, a chef who rose to fame on winning the Great British Bake Off. It seems like an unusual list of ingredients, even more so because the skin is left on the kiwi, but the salty feta and tangy dressing brilliantly offset the fruitiness.
When you want something special, pick a lobster recipe. It's one of that seafood not used that often but a summer party is an ideal time to splash out on this delicious shellfish. For a party, you not only want to make the lobster go far but also something that appeals to all. Amazingly easy to prepare and even easier to serve, these nachos are an unexpected lobster recipe your guests will be impressed by,
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Sriracha Slaw
Take your taco game to the next level with perfectly grilled shrimp and spicy slaw. If you don't want to fire up the grill, you can cook the shrimp on a griddle pan on the stovetop or under the broiler. Make up the tacos for your guest to pick up and eat or serve the tortillas in a pile, the shrimp piled on a plate, and the slaw heaped in a bowl.
Want party foods that are a little bit healthy and a lot delicious? Who doesn't love tater tots? So, take a much-beloved item and change it up by including vibrant green zucchini. They'll appeal to kids because of their familiarity, to vegetarians because it's a new way to eat zucchini, and to adults because it’s just simply fun munching on them!
If you're having a grill party, everyone will expect a pasta salad. This recipe has all the familiarity but an undoubtedly summery feel. Reduced-fat mayonnaise keeps the calorie count down, but if you're not worried about that, use full-fat mayo as you wish. Another suggestion is to add cubed cheese if you want to bump the flavor up a bit.
Tandoori Meatballs with Coriander Raita
Whisk your guests off to Asia for an unmistakable taste of India. These bite-sized meatballs are served on a lettuce cup ideal for a mouthful. Use a mild curry powder if you want to serve them to children or spice things up with a stronger curry blend.
Honey-Ginger Cedar Plank Salmon
Want to serve salmon but in an impressive way? Forget grilled steaks or salmon kabobs. Cooking a fillet on a plank od cedar is the new way to please a crowd. Just increase the number of fillets you prepare if your party is of more than eight. Everyone is sure to be impressed by this fish that is sweet and spicy, yet earthy at the same time.
You can't have a party menu without dessert, and this is a surefire crowd-pleaser. You can make this no-bake dessert in advance and enjoy it stress-free. Creamy and dreamy, if you can't get blackberries or prefer, just use a different soft fruit (remember to match the jam to the substitute!)
Bon Appetit and cheers!
From Sam:
Thanks, Kevin! BTW: we suggest this Magic Salt to add on to these dishes from our pals Curio Spice company in Boston.