It could be the vitamin D talking, but there’s something about summer that makes me want to entertain — there’s such ease and joy in outdoor dining.
Eating potato salad in the grass is much more fun than setting the table with nice plates and silverware (no need to vacuum or wash dishes either!). In honor of National Picnic Day on June 19, we found 14 make-ahead recipes that will make summer entertaining even easier.
So spread out that picnic blanket and let the kids run wild in the backyard, because this party’s going to be a breeze.
Frosé
A must-have for your next summer bash, frosé is like a classy grown-up slushie. This recipe uses a raspberry simple syrup to enhance the fruity notes of the rosé.
Make and freeze everything the night before and all you need to do is throw the mixture in the blender right before serving. Your guests will be in rosé heaven.
BBQ beef sliders
Seasoned with ranch dressing mix and heated in the slow cooker for six hours, this tender beef makes a killer summer sandwich.
Guests can add their own BBQ sauce, which reduces the likelihood of a soggy sandwich scenario. Top it all with a fresh and crunchy cilantro-cabbage slaw.
Summer grain salad
This summer squash-grain salad is infinitely adaptable.
Use your favorite summer veggies and grain of choice, and let the flavors marinate in the fridge before serving.
Honey-mustard potato salad
Bring this tasty honey-mustard potato salad to your next picnic — you can prep it ahead of time and toss together just before serving.
Strawberry shortcake
Consider a DIY strawberry shortcake bar for your next outdoor bash.
All you have to do is make the biscuits, whipped cream and macerated strawberries ahead of time and have your guests assemble their own dessert. You won’t have to break a sweat and your guests will be in shortcake paradise.
PB&J ice cream sandwiches
These gluten-free peanut butter and jelly ice cream sandwiches are the ultimate do-ahead summer dessert.
Jam-infused vanilla ice cream is sandwiched between two super-easy-to-make peanut butter cookies for a PB&J-inspired dessert everyone will love.
Slow cooker ribs
These ribs are cooked on low in the slow cooker for six hours and finished in the broiler for a crisp and caramelized coating.
This recipe is the perfect antidote for a busy week with minimal party prep time!
Instant Pot hummus
This recipe is kind of a game-changer.
Cooking garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot is a huge time-saver, making this a winning recipe for your make-ahead outdoor bash. A chimichurri topping sends this hummus over the top.
Prosecco-raspberry ice pops
Fruity four-ingredient frozen treats will cool down your guests and get them buzzed at the same time. It’s a win-win.
Salsa verde
This smoky salsa will add flavor to any grilled meat or fish, and you can make it days ahead of your gathering!
It’s also great on its own as a dip with chips. You’ll never buy another jar of salsa again.
Mixed berry galette
A galette is a rustic yet show-stopping dessert that beautifully showcases summer fruit.
This recipe features summer berries nestled in a buttery cornmeal crust. Top with vanilla ice cream for sheer perfection.
Peach-rosé sangria
This summery sangria can be made hours before your party or picnic and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Use your favorite stone fruit and berries.
Bruschetta bar
Skip the overdone cheese plate and opt for a bruschetta bar instead.
All you’ll need to do is grill some bread and ask friends to bring their favorite dips and toppings. Hostess nirvana.
Gazpacho
Show off those summer tomatoes with this insanely easy blender gazpacho.
It’s cool, refreshing and ready in just 10 minutes. Just chill in the fridge before your guests arrive or store it in a Thermos for a portable picnic soup ready to pour!
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