If you're hosting an outdoor get-together this summer, this al fresco lunch menu is all you need to wow your guests, with minimal work.
This collection of easy-to-make yet eye-catchingly beautiful recipes include seasonal sides to complement a show-stopping crab centerpiece, with a luscious lemonade to wash it down and a delectable poached peach dessert and palate cleansing sorbet to finish.
Crab platter with shiso aioli
Nothing says luxury quite like a bountiful crab platter. And this one, starring whole cooked crabs and a trio of vibrant dressings – a fragrant shiso aioli, a creamy tarragon and lemon dressing, and a bold chilli and dill number – is designed to impress without the stress.
Zucchini, fennel and pea salad
This vibrant zucchini salad with fennel, pea and a cracked wheat and chilli dressing, is a fresh and fragrant take on a green salad that will effortlessly elevate your summer sides. Perfect alongside the crab platter or with grilled meats like chicken or lamb for a summer barbecue menu, this salad brings a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Tomato salad
This simple yet stunning tomato salad with honey-smoked salt and lavender brings together the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with smoky, salty and floral notes for a real flavor bomb. Plus the vibrant colours of mixed sliced tomatoes look beautiful on a platter for an al fresco lunch menu.
Samphire with pickled radishes and cucumbers
Bright, briny, and bursting with crunch, this duo of samphire and quick pickled cucumber and radishes is the perfect addition to any al fresco lunch menu to enliven salads, seafood and grilled meats.
Using a simple Japanese-inspired method, fresh cucumbers and radishes are transformed into tangy, crisp bites in just a few hours – ideal for when you're short on time but still want maximum flavor.
Poached peaches, raspberries and thyme shortbread
In this poached peaches recipe, buttery thyme shortbread forms a fragrant base for the gently poached soft fruit, while fresh, juicy raspberries add a sharp twist, for a dish that feels both rustic and refined.
Lemon and basil sorbet
This refreshing lemon and basil sorbet starts with a simple syrup made from water, granulated sugar, and the bright, fragrant zest of unwaxed lemons. Fresh basil, both finely chopped and whole leaves, infuses the mixture with a subtle herbal aroma that perfectly complements the sharpness of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Served alongside juicy, ripe strawberries, this sorbet offers a beautifully balanced way to cool down and refresh your palate.
Lemongrass lemonade
This refreshing lemongrass lemonade recipe elevates a childhood classic with the zing of lemongrass, for a more grown-up appeal. This recipe serves 6, but you can double it up for more guests and serve as a welcome drink for your al fresco lunch.
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How to degrease your whole kitchen using just 1 product you probably already have – from cleaning cabinets to grime-busting your microwaveWindex is an effective and versatile cleaning spray
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Light, colorful, and full of fun – make this poolside brunch menu for summer vacation-style gatheringsFrom a luxe grilled cheese to baked ricotta with figs and a fruity ice cream float these recipes are easy and elegant for poolside hosting
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Made for sharing, this baked ricotta with honey and figs is so simple, yet temptingly moreishCreamy ricotta takes center stage in this effortlessly elegant dish while roasted figs bring an exotic jaminess
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These might be the quickest pickles you'll ever make, plus they're the most vibrant addition to summer diningIt couldn't be easier to make these pickled radishes and cucumbers and you'll trick your guests into thinking you're a pickling pro
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Give brunch a boost with these plum and macadamia friandsLighter and more textured than muffins, these plum friands have a sweet, nutty flavor and a satisfying macadamia crunch
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Forget Cheddar and ham, grilled cheese has had a glow-up, and this version is almost too good to shareThis elevated take on everyone's favorite easy-to-make snack combines creamy brie, tangy cherry chutney, and peppery rocket for pure indulgence
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Dreaming of fireside dining with friends? This al fresco supper menu brings rich and warming flavors as the sun sets on aperitivo hourAs we lose the heat of the day after glorious hours in the sun, we yearn for heartier dishes that bring comfort and indulgence, and are made to share
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For an indulgent, restaurant-quality dessert, this dark chocolate torte with cripsy pears pulls out all the stopsComforting and rich, this professional-looking torte combines a silky chocolate filling, crumbly pastry, and crisp pear slices but is deceptively simple to make
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For flavorful fireside fare, this hearty dish has it all – sweet, savory, sticky, and a little spicyThe ultimate comfort food, this recipe makes the perfect sharing dish for cooler summer evening gatherings
