What does al fresco dining mean? In Italian, it means, in the cool. So, a fancy way to say eat outside. Perfect if you’re looking to enjoy the fresh air with family or want to have friends over for a leisurely meal. Filled with fresh, seasonal ingredients, these 18 al fresco dining ideas are summer on a plate. Think zucchini tomato pie, orzo salad, balsamic grilled chicken, watermelon mint lemonade, and more!
Marinated Flank Steak
"This easy recipe has been one of my families' favorites for over 25 years. It is often requested as one of those "celebration" meals." - Jane
Ciao Bella Balsamic Grilled Chicken
"Something a little different than BBQ sauce for your chicken. I came up with this recipe because I wanted something I could marinate the day before or the morning of the day I would be grilling." - Anna
Orzo Salad
"This is a favorite salad I make often. It's so versatile you can really make it your own easily! Make sure to taste the dressing as you are making it to adjust to your liking!" - Lindsey
Virgin Coco Mojito
"With only 5 ingredients, it's easy to make. There's a kaleidoscope of coconut, lime, and mint flavors in this recipe." - The Kitchen Crew
Strawberry Shortcake-Cake
"An easy semi-homemade cake that tastes as it came from a bakery! The vanilla cake is moist and the strawberries soak into the cake." - The Kitchen Crew
Shrimp Cakes
"My family and friends love it and when we have a fish fry and I make some shrimp, crab, and lobster cakes. It is so easy to fix it. They are so delicious and tasty." - Lisa
Creamy Lime Bars
"These creamy lime bars are a refreshing dessert anytime!" - Ann
Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
"One of my favorite salads for entertaining with family and friends at the lake. Even though it's healthy, everyone loves it! Serve it tossed in a bowl or layered on a platter." - Sharyn
Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
"It is hard to beat grilled meat on a stick for summer entertaining but throw some fruit into the mix and you have to have one of the most perfect appetizers around!" - Kevin
Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin
"I wow people all the time with this pork tenderloin. People come back, not for seconds, but for thirds and fourths. It is just so savory, tender, and juicy." - Gina
Watermelon Mint Lemonade
"Nothing says summer more than watermelon. The sweetness of the watermelon and lemon compliment each other beautifully." - Debbie
Grilled Salmon, The House Special
"This recipe has long been a family fave. Very easy, with simple ingredients that you can almost always find in the house." - Greg
Balsamic Strawberries With Honey Vanilla Ricotta
"This is a fast, light, and easy dessert that is great for entertaining." - Thomas
Watermelon Caprese Salad
"Watermelon Caprese Salad combines sweet watermelon with tangy balsamic. This salad is what summer dreams are made of!" - Debbie
Sour Cream & Dill Cucumbers
"I grew up with your everyday sour cream, dill, and cucumber salad on our Polish table. But as I learned to cook, I took this common dish and spiced it up." - Staci
Summer Fruit Salad With Mint & Limoncello
"This is my all-time favorite fruit salad. the fresh mint and the Limoncello add a wonderful addition to your summer fruits. I promise you will love it." - Nadine
Mediterranean Salad
"I make this often. It is so refreshing and full of flavor. Friends request this." - Jenny