Al Fresco Anywhere: Effortless Outdoor Dining for Every Space
There’s something undeniably special about enjoying a meal outdoors. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, and the golden glow of sunset can transform an ordinary meal into an experience - one that celebrates the simple pleasures of life. Whether it’s brunch on the patio, lunch in the garden or a candlelit dinner under the stars, eating outside just feels special. Even a simple meal becomes memorable when shared with friends and family in the open air. So, grab your favorite people, head outside and savor the season before it comes to a close!
Setting the Scene: Creating Outdoor Ambiance
Choose Your Spot Wisely
Pick a location that’s comfortable and suits your group’s size. A shady corner of the backyard, a sunny balcony or even a quiet spot at a local park can all work beautifully. Consider the time of day - early evening often offers cooler temperatures and softer light.
Keep It Casual
Lay out a cheerful tablecloth or picnic blanket. Mix and match plates and glasses for a laid-back, inviting feel. Don’t forget a centerpiece - fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit for a pop of color and a touch of summer.
Light It Up
As the sun sets, keep the mood glowing with string lights, lanterns or candles in hurricane jars. Not only do they add ambiance, but they also help keep bugs at bay.
Comfort is Key
Bring out outdoor cushions, throws or even a few extra chairs to ensure everyone is comfortable. If you’re dining on the grass, picnic mats or low tables can make things easier.
Add Finishing Touches
Consider background music, a basket of blankets for cooler evenings or a tray with bug spray and sunscreen for daytime gatherings. Lemon halves studded with cloves or small jars of citronella oil help keep bugs away naturally.
Setting the Scene: Creating Outdoor Ambiance
Choose Your Spot Wisely
Pick a location that’s comfortable and suits your group’s size. A shady corner of the backyard, a sunny balcony or even a quiet spot at a local park can all work beautifully. Consider the time of day - early evening often offers cooler temperatures and softer light.
Keep It Casual
Lay out a cheerful tablecloth or picnic blanket. Mix and match plates and glasses for a laid-back, inviting feel. Don’t forget a centerpiece - fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit for a pop of color and a touch of summer.
Light It Up
As the sun sets, keep the mood glowing with string lights, lanterns or candles in hurricane jars. Not only do they add ambiance, but they also help keep bugs at bay.
Comfort is Key
Bring out outdoor cushions, throws or even a few extra chairs to ensure everyone is comfortable. If you’re dining on the grass, picnic mats or low tables can make things easier.
Add Finishing Touches
Consider background music, a basket of blankets for cooler evenings or a tray with bug spray and sunscreen for daytime gatherings. Lemon halves studded with cloves or small jars of citronella oil help keep bugs away naturally.
Start with Shareable Starters
Start with Shareable Starters
Tzatziki Dip
Cool, creamy Greek yogurt is swirled with crisp cucumber, robust garlic, and a bright splash of lemon, all brought to life with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve this zesty dip from American Dairy Association Mideast with warm pita or your favorite veggies, and savor the freshness and simplicity.
Tzatziki Dip
Cool, creamy Greek yogurt is swirled with crisp cucumber, robust garlic, and a bright splash of lemon, all brought to life with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve this zesty dip from American Dairy Association Mideast with warm pita or your favorite veggies, and savor the freshness and simplicity.
Southwest Avocado Hummus
Not your average hummus, but a bold reinvention from Pulses - where creamy avocado meets classic chickpeas. Dip into this bold twist in tradition with tortilla chips, fresh veggies or pita and get a fresh, lively kick in every bite!
Summer Charcuterie Boards
Charcuterie boards are the epitome of easy entertaining with no recipe to follow and minimal prep required. Use the season’s bounty as a guide when creating the perfect board that is bursting with diverse flavors, colors and textures.
Summer Charcuterie Boards
Charcuterie boards are the epitome of easy entertaining with no recipe to follow and minimal prep required. Use the season’s bounty as a guide when creating the perfect board that is bursting with diverse flavors, colors and textures.
Grilled Hot Honey and Prosciutto Flatbread
Price Chopper | Market 32 offers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory with this delicious recipe. Grilled flatbread topped with prosciutto and honey is ideal for savoring outdoors with friends.
Main Courses Made for the Outdoors
Bacon Cheeseburger Kabobs
Thanks to Price Chopper | Market 32 for classic cheeseburger flavor, kabob-style! Sizzling bacon, juicy burgers, gooey cheese and all the fixins’ stacked on skewers for a fun twist to a cookout favorite!
Grilled Shrimp Po'boy
This twist from Price Chopper | Market 32 on the iconic po'boy brings a taste of New Orleans to your al fresco table. Juicy grilled shrimp, lettuce, tomato and tangy remoulade sauce is made for enjoying in the open air.
Curried Chicken Salad
The ultimate companion for al fresco dining, this chicken salad courtesy of Farm Flavor infuses every outdoor meal with vibrant flavor, and effortless elegance. Succulent chicken is tossed with a creamy curry dressing, mingling with juicy fruit and toasted nuts for a subtle crunch. Enjoy it nestled in a whole wheat pita or atop a bed of fresh greens.
Summer Niçoise Salad with Grilled Corn
Each bite of this seasonal spin on a classic bursts with the freshness of the season. Ideal for leisurely lunches on the patio or elegant evening gatherings, this salad from Farm Flavor captures the essence of summer in every colorful, satisfying forkful.
Main Courses Made for the Outdoors
Bacon Cheeseburger Kabobs
Thanks to Price Chopper | Market 32 for classic cheeseburger flavor, kabob-style! Sizzling bacon, juicy burgers, gooey cheese and all the fixins’ stacked on skewers for a fun twist to a cookout favorite!
Grilled Shrimp Po'boy
This twist from Price Chopper | Market 32 on the iconic po'boy brings a taste of New Orleans to your al fresco table. Juicy grilled shrimp, lettuce, tomato and tangy remoulade sauce is made for enjoying in the open air.
Curried Chicken Salad
The ultimate companion for al fresco dining, this chicken salad courtesy of Farm Flavor infuses every outdoor meal with vibrant flavor, and effortless elegance. Succulent chicken is tossed with a creamy curry dressing, mingling with juicy fruit and toasted nuts for a subtle crunch. Enjoy it nestled in a whole wheat pita or atop a bed of fresh greens.
Summer Niçoise Salad with Grilled Corn
Each bite of this seasonal spin on a classic bursts with the freshness of the season. Ideal for leisurely lunches on the patio or elegant evening gatherings, this salad from Farm Flavor captures the essence of summer in every colorful, satisfying forkful.
Perfect Pairings
Perfect Pairings
Grilled Vegetables with Basil Vinaigrette
Farm Flavor's medley of flame-kissed vegetables is finished with a vibrant basil vinaigrette - fresh, light and perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Grilled Vegetables with Basil Vinaigrette
Farm Flavor's medley of flame-kissed vegetables is finished with a vibrant basil vinaigrette - fresh, light and perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Quinoa Salad with Watermelon, Cucumber, Feta and Citrus Vinaigrette
Fluffy quinoa pairs perfectly with juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and creamy feta in this protein-packed salad from Farm Flavor. Enjoy it as a satisfying lunch or dinner, or elevate any outdoor meal with its fresh, seasonal flavors!
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Brighten your al fresco table with this orzo salad, bursting with Mediterranean flavors and garden-fresh goodness complements of Farm Flavor. Light, yet satisfying, it brings a taste of seaside bliss to any outdoor dining experience.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Brighten your al fresco table with this orzo salad, bursting with Mediterranean flavors and garden-fresh goodness complements of Farm Flavor. Light, yet satisfying, it brings a taste of seaside bliss to any outdoor dining experience.
Sweet Finishes
Grilled Angel Food Kabobs
Light, luscious and utterly delicious, these kabobs courtesy of Farm Flavor transform simple ingredients into a sweet celebration, perfect for al fresco gatherings and joyful moments shared.
Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake
Enjoy a timeless celebration of simple pleasures and sweet nostalgia with this classic dessert from Farm Flavor. Every forkful brings the warmth of tradition and the irresistible taste of summer’s sweetest bounty to your table.
Lemon Bars with Tahini Cookie Crust
Here’s a lemon bar with a sophisticated twist on a beloved classic, where bright citrus meets nutty intrigue. The silky, sunlit lemon filling dazzles with tangy sweetness, while the tender tahini-infused crust adds a whisper of toasted sesame seed and a melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Banana Cream Pie Jar Parfaits
Farm Flavor has turned an old-fashioned favorite into a fresh, fun and utterly irresistible dessert experience! Served in individual jars, they are the ultimate treat for al fresco dining.
Sweet Finishes
Grilled Angel Food Kabobs
Light, luscious and utterly delicious, these kabobs courtesy of Farm Flavor transform simple ingredients into a sweet celebration, perfect for al fresco gatherings and joyful moments shared.
Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake
Enjoy a timeless celebration of simple pleasures and sweet nostalgia with this classic dessert from Farm Flavor. Every forkful brings the warmth of tradition and the irresistible taste of summer’s sweetest bounty to your table.
Lemon Bars with Tahini Cookie Crust
Here’s a lemon bar with a sophisticated twist on a beloved classic, where bright citrus meets nutty intrigue. The silky, sunlit lemon filling dazzles with tangy sweetness, while the tender tahini-infused crust adds a whisper of toasted sesame seed and a melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Banana Cream Pie Jar Parfaits
Farm Flavor has turned an old-fashioned favorite into a fresh, fun and utterly irresistible dessert experience! Served in individual jars, they are the ultimate treat for al fresco dining.
Hydration Stations
Sparkling Berry Lemonade
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
½ cup lemon juice
3 Tbsp. honey or agave water
2 cups sparkling water
Ice, mint for garnish
Muddle berries with lemon juice and honey in a pitcher. Add sparkling water and stir. Serve over ice with mint sprigs.
Citrus-Mint Infused Water
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1 orange, sliced
A handful of fresh mint leaves
2 liters cold water
Ice
Add all ingredients to a large pitcher. Let infuse in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice.
Hydration Stations
Sparkling Berry Lemonade
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
½ cup lemon juice
3 Tbsp. honey or agave water
2 cups sparkling water
Ice, mint for garnish
Muddle berries with lemon juice and honey in a pitcher. Add sparkling water and stir. Serve over ice with mint sprigs.
Citrus-Mint Infused Water
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1 orange, sliced
A handful of fresh mint leaves
2 liters cold water
Ice
Add all ingredients to a large pitcher. Let infuse in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice.
