Nahla Zayed By Menna Saad El Din
Spring in Egypt is here and there’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal outdoors, when the weather is this good! The best foods for al fresco dining are often those that are simple, flavorful, and hold up well at varying temperatures. Whether you’re setting up a little table on your balcony, or rolling out a blanket in your garden under the stars, these ideas are perfect for all outdoor options.
Fresh & Vibrant Salads
Hearty Grain Salads: Think quinoa, or couscous mixed with roasted vegetables, herbs, crumbled feta or goat cheese, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette. These salads work because the grains are dry so they don’t wilt easily.
Pasta Salads: Opt for pasta salads with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, mozzarella balls, and grilled vegetables. A vinaigrette-based dressing holds up better than creamy ones.
Caprese Skewers or Salad: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze are simple, elegant, and refreshing. You can easily make them into skewers for individual portions.
Watermelon and Feta Salad: The sweet and salty combination with mint is incredibly refreshing on a warm day.
Easy-to-Handle Mains
Grilled Chicken Shish Kebab or Vegetable Skewers: Marinate chicken, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, then grill and thread onto skewers. They’re easy to eat without cutlery.
Cold Cuts and Cheeses: A selection of high-quality cured meats, hard cheeses, olives, and crusty bread makes for a delightful and effortless meal.
Mini Quiches or Frittatas: These can be made ahead of time and are delicious served at room temperature. Pack them whole or slice them into wedges.
Gourmet Sandwiches or Wraps: Think beyond basic fillings! Try roasted vegetables with hummus, grilled halloumi with pesto, kofta with tahini. Wraps are particularly portable.
Delicious Sides & Appetizers
Hummus and Pita Bread or Vegetable Sticks: A classic and crowd-pleasing option.
Marinated Olives: Easy to transport and full of flavor.
Corn on the Cob (Grilled then Cut into Portions): A summer staple that’s fun to eat outdoors.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Assemble it just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Sweet Treats
Fruit Salad or Cut-Up Fruit on a skewer: A refreshing and healthy dessert. Berries, watermelon, cantaloup, grapes, and apples are great choices.
Cookies or Brownies: Easy to pack and always a hit.
Mini Fruit Tarts or Hand Pies: Portable and satisfying sweet treats.
Refreshing Beverages
Don’t forget to serve refreshing beverages like lemonade, iced tea, sparkling water with fruit, or even a chilled bottle of wine or beer. Consider keeping them stored in an ice-box to keep them nice and cold.
A Few Things to Consider:
Choose foods that taste good at room temperature or slightly chilled. Avoid anything that needs to be piping hot to be enjoyable or that spoils quickly in warm weather. If you’re climbing up and down stairs to serve food on a terrace, consider how easy the food is to transport and serve without making a mess. Also – don’t forget to add a little color to your presentation to go with the spring vibe by adding colourful napkins or cups.
