A Casual Luncheon Menu

Now that more summer-like weather is here, forget the Saturday night dinner parties and instead invite people over for lunch. We're firing up the grill with this menu featuring mini slider-sized burgers and salads for an easy and delicious meal that is perfect for midday entertaining.

When made in advance and formally plated on platters, the sliders and salads make for a lovely meal that is wonderful to serve extended family after a christening or shower. Dress up the offerings with passed mojitos and mimosas and set out bowls of a spicy and sweet cocktail nut mix for guests to enjoy when they first arrive. 

If entertaining friends in the backyard, park, or beach is more your style, make this meal to-go. Pack the cooler with your favorite beverages and bring along your favorite classic rock tunes. It's up to you whether you want to throw in competitive badminton match or casually throw a frisbee.

 

Spring Weekend Luncheon Menu

Asparagus Vinaigrette

Simply steamed and dressed with a light vinaigrette, this is spring asparagus at its best.

Radicchio Salad with Frisée and Apples

A chopped salad like this colorful blend of slightly bitter radicchio and sweet, juicy apples is a nice complement to the rich burgers; you could also try an Asian-inspired slaw, or a raw broccoli salad.

Salmon Sliders with Curry Rémoulade

These two-bite burgers come from the chef at Aquavit in New York City.

Spicy Lamb Burgers

More meatballs on a stick than burgers, these lightly spiced treats-on-a-stick are best served with a cool yogurt dipping sauce like Tzatziki

Chard and Ricotta Tart

Don't be fooled by the word chard in the title; this is a lightly sweet tart that is meant to be served for dessert.

Bittersweet Chocolate-Caramel Swirl Brownies

A meal outdoors featuring burgers wouldn't be complete without this all-American treat.