This Guide to Al Fresco Dining offers menus and tips to create the perfect outdoor spread!
Al Fresco Dining
Picture this: a steamy summer day gives way to a crisp evening. Still warm, but with enough chill to warrant a light sweater, perhaps. A beautiful table is set and lit only by twinkle lights and the setting sun. The wine is chilled. The plates are ready to be filled with freshly prepared delicious food. A light and familiar tune floats lightly in the air, rounding out the perfect outdoor setting for a superb meal with family and friends.
What Does "Al Fresco" Mean?
Dining al fresco simply means to eat or dine in the open air, or outdoors. The term “al fresco” translates from Italian to “in the fresh air”.
Ways To Eat Al Fresco
While the setting I illustrated above paints a very pretty picture, eating al fresco doesn’t necessarily need to be fancy:
- Pack your favorite snacks and head to a park for a picnic
- Enjoy takeout from your favorite restaurant on your patio, deck, or in lawn chairs in your backyard
- Grill up your favorites, make a plate, and find a cozy spot in your yard (or front step!)
- Make your favorite apps and open all the windows!
See? Dining al fresco doesn’t need to be an elaborate event. Find ways to make it feel special based on your environment and circumstances!
My Favorite Menu For Al Fresco Dining
My absolute favorite summer spread to enjoy on the deck? A delicious Antipasto Platter.
I love serving a large platter of all sorts of nibbles to please everyone (even if everyone is just you!). Here’s what’s normally on my menu:
- Assorted meats like prosciutto, salami, and capocollo
- Variety of cheeses like burrata, parmigiana, and provolone
- Olives (definitely Castelvatranos, always!)
- Pickled things like peppers, artichokes, and capers
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and pepper
- Grilled bread and crackers
- Fresh fruit – whatever is on hand! Sliced apple, grapes, or cherries
The beauty of creating an antipasto platter is the fact that you can truly make it whatever you like.
Are you a lover of sweets? Don’t forget the chocolate!
Do you swoon for spreads? Add a few of your faves.
Vegetarian or vegan? Omit the meet and cheese and increase the grilled veg.
There are so many delicious ways to make this platter your own! I also like adding a central element, like a dip, that goes with everything. My Artichoke Pesto is a favorite, and pairs nicely with all of the flavors on this already delicious feast. Here’s how to make it:
Artichoke Pesto Recipe
- 3 cups Basil
- 1-14 oz can of artichoke hearts
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Blend basil, artichoke hearts, parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic until loosely combined. With food processor still running, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Start with 1/4 cup, and add more oil until your desired consistency is reached. Season with salt to taste!
Other Menus to Enjoy Al Fresco
Simple Summer Supper
Lots of chilled Prosecco!
Fresh peach slices with honey and crushed pistachios
Handmade Italian Supper
Handmade Ravioli with Burrata and Fresh Tomato Sauce
Fennel, Cucumber, & Hazelnut Salad
Baguette with Fresh Pesto
Chilled White Wine (Falanghina is a delicious Italian white wine worth seeking out!)
Parisian Evening for Two
Artichoke and Pecorino Romano Tapenade
Steamed Mussels with White Wine and Garlic
Grilled Ciabatta
Crisp Rosé
You did not add artichoke to your Artichoke Pesto recipe How much ?
Hi Deborah! Thanks so much for letting me know! Knowing how much artichokes go in to an Artichoke Pesto recipe seems like a very helpful thing to know 😉 I just updated the post to include the correct amount of artichokes: I use 1 – 14 ounce can. I hope you enjoy the recipe!