9 Summer Menus to Inspire Your Next Dinner Party

crispiest fried chicken — Photo: Linda Pugliese

Next time you're wondering what to make for a summer meal, we've got you covered with curated menus that will take you from Memorial Day through Labor Day, whatever that occasion may be. Each menu includes appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts that you can serve al fresco or indoors, with plenty of tropical cocktails and mocktails, too.

Next time you're wondering what to make for an outdoor dinner party, summer weekend supper, or special occasion, turn to these menus.

01 of 09

Memorial Day Barbecue

Herb-Roasted Pecans with Red, White, and Blue Potato Chips — Noe Dewitt

Celebrate the unofficial start of summer with a festive menu that everyone will love. As an appetizer, whip up an all-American classic: Our Red, White, and Blue Potato Chips, pictured here, are patriotic and crowd-pleasing, which makes them the perfect holiday appetizer. For your main course, you just can't beat cheeseburgers—after all, this is a barbecue. Our Classic Cheeseburger is summer's signature dish, and we know your whole family will be excited to dig in. For a side, we love the Watercress, Strawberry, and Toasted-Sesame Salad, which perfectly balances out the burgers. Then there's dessert: Blueberries are in season, so show them off by whipping up our Blueberry Crumble.

02 of 09

Classic New England Summertime Dinner

It's not summer without a little shellfish. Start your New England-inspired meal with a staple: Clam Chowder (which we show you how to make two ways). After everyone has had their fill of the appetizer, move on to the main course, which has to be our Perfect Lobster Roll, pictured here. We serve the succulent meat in top-split hot dog buns with butter and lemon for a classic Down East flavor. While chips certainly work as a side, we love the idea of pairing these rolls with Crisp Zucchini-Panko Fries. For dessert, you just can't beat our No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake.

03 of 09

A Refreshing Summer Dinner

gazpacho salad with croutons — Christopher Testani

This seasonal spread requires minimal cooking and requires hardly any prep time. As an appetizer, serve our Thai Zucchini-Coconut Soup—it's served cold, so you'll need to plan ahead so that it has time to chill. In keeping with the cool theme, prepare Ceviche with Tropical Fruit and Habanero as your main course, which can be served alongside our Gazpacho Salad with Croutons, pictured here. Round out the meal with everyone's favorite summertime treat: ice cream. Martha's Strawberry Ice Cream should do the trick.

04 of 09

A Tasty Trio

Can't make it to Italy this summer? Gather friends on a warm night and enjoy the next best thing: this Italian-American feast. Prepare Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta as your appetizer, then treat loved ones to Chicken Milanese with Arugula Salad as your main course and side dish all in one. For dessert, bring out the meal's shining star: Cannoli Dip, pictured here, is a fun twist on the classic Italian pastry.

05 of 09

Meatless Menu

spinach-feta pizza slab pie — Linda Pugliese

Take it easy with this relaxed summertime menu that's great for a small group or a crowd (just double the recipes). A spread of dishes for all to share is a great way to eat any day of the week. Our Roasted Eggplant Dip with Greek Yogurt is a delicious appetizer, and it pairs nicely with the Spinach-Feta Pizza Slab Pie (pictured here), which you'll definitely want to make for an entrée. Whip up our Marinated Peppers with Mint and Sesame as your side dish, then treat everyone to Martha's Peach Buckle as a comforting, juicy dessert.

06 of 09

Fried Chicken Dinner

Grab a blanket, utensils, and some napkins, then head outside to savor our easiest fried chicken feast ever. It starts with an ultra-traditional appetizer: Classic Deviled Eggs. Next up, treat everyone to the Crispiest Fried Chicken you see here. Serve it with sliced tomatoes or homemade pickles. As a side dish, we love our Test Kitchen's Favorite Mac and Cheese. Then it's time for dessert. Embrace the best fruits of the season, and make our refreshing Peach Sherbet.

07 of 09

Seaside Seafood Feast

Oysters on the Half Shell with Mignonette — John Kernick

Whether you're dining beside the water or at home anywhere in the country, this sumptuous and superstar seafood-inspired menu is the epitome of summer. Start with raw Oysters on the Half Shell with Mignonette, pictured here, followed by Grilled Halibut Steaks with Potatoes, Olives, and Onions. Our Strawberry Biscuit Sheet Cake, a strawberry shortcake-inspired dessert, makes for a sweet ending.

08 of 09

Fourth of July Cookout

Test Kitchen's Favorite Potato Salad — Ren Fuller

Fire up the grill for a crave-worthy feast. We suggest you kick the meal off with Watermelon, Orange, and Feta Salad. Next up, Flank Steak and Red Onions, which you'll serve with our Test Kitchen's Favorite Potato Salad, pictured here. End the night on a patriotic note and serve a red, white, and blue dessert: Our Star-Spangled Ice Cream Sandwiches absolutely fit the bill.

09 of 09

Mussels and Fries Menu

drunken mussels with chorizo and white beans topped with parsley leaves — Con Poulos

Take summer dinner to the next level with this stellar menu. It takes a bit more time than others here, but it's well worth the effort. As an appetizer, prepare our Shaved Fennel, Zucchini, and Celery. Next up, treat everyone to Drunken Mussels with Chorizo and White Beans, pictured here. In this dish, mussels are served in the same savory broth in which they were steamed: a mixture of white wine, garlic, shallots, and herbs. Serve the irresistible double-fried French Fries with a dipping sauce of Dijon mustard and chopped chervil or garlic aioli. And if anyone still has room left for dessert, they'll be thrilled to see you bring out our Favorite Crème Brûlée.

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