10 Garden Party Menu Ideas Recommended By Private Chefs

A garden party is an elegant way to get together with friends and enjoy the beauty of nature. It has long been a symbol of the upper classes, with royal garden parties taking place since 1868.

Throwing this type of event is an excellent opportunity to get out after being stuck in a stuffy house over the winter months. It is perfect for spring when the weather is pleasant and the flowers bloom. 

You must assemble a well-thought-out garden party food menu to ensure your event is enjoyable. Keep foods light and fresh with delicious recipes, and make sure that you take full advantage of the local and in-season fruits and vegetables. 

10 Garden Party Menu Ideas Recommended by Private Chefs

When planning your menu, garden party ideas should include items that are easy to make and serve. Keeping things simple will give you more time to relax with guests. However, you don't want to go too basic like a potato salad or deviled eggs.

With outdoor entertaining you'll need to consider the environment and weather. Here are some delicious and appropriate garden party foods to add to your list. 

1. Grilled Swordfish with Hazelnut Miso Sauce

Grilled swordfish is simple and elegant, but pair it with a sweet and salty hazelnut miso sauce, and it's a hit. Keep the fish prep light with olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper so that the sauce stands out. Serve it with grilled radishes, fresh mint, and a side salad with mild vinegar and oil dressing.

2. Tomato Gnocchi Kebabs

Consider tomato gnocchi kebabs if you want something a little heartier and filling. This dish features gnocchi, tomatoes, and onions, alternating on a stick and grilled. The gnocchi becomes crispy outside and chewy inside, and the grilling enhances the flavor of the vegetables. Seasoning is also simple, using fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice. Serve with grilled asparagus for a delightful meatless option.

3. Balsamic Grilled Steak Salad with Peaches

Balsamic grilled steak salad with fresh peach is a standalone dish that gives you a meal in one bowl. While it is simple, it makes up for it in flavor. Arugula provides a peppery base for the juicy and sweet fresh fruit, crumbled goat cheese, and grilled steak seasoned with a marinade of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar. With all the bold flavors, your guests will happily eat this up. 

4. Tacos Al Pastor

If you crave Mexican flavors but want something light enough for spring, go for tacos al pastor. This dish is a snap if you grill all the components. You'll want to combine pork, pineapple, and red onions with cilantro and lime before popping everything on the grill to sear and cook. Add some chips and salsa on the side for a complete meal. 

5. Ahi Poke Bowl

 A filling fish dish, the ahi poke bowl is easy to customize with whatever ingredients you like. You can add almost anything to this dish, including carrots, broccoli, avocado, edamame, green onions, pickled ginger, and cucumbers. You'll serve the ahi tuna marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and sesame seeds and serve it raw on a bed of rice. Since it encompasses the main and sides, you only need to top it with spicy mayo to round it out. 

6. Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls

If you are looking for something pleasing to the eye, this is it. Boost this dish by serving traditionally flavored chicken teriyaki and rice inside a hollowed-out pineapple half. Cut the pineapple from top to bottom, leaving the crown in place. The stunning presentation will make this a crowd-pleaser. 

7. Burrito Zoodles

If your guests love pasta and burritos, eat both flavors with burrito zoodles. You will create a faux pasta dish using zoodles and zucchini spirals cut to resemble noodles. Top them with a burrito mix of ground beef seasoned with garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Add in onions, black beans, tomatoes, corn, and cheese. Finish the dish with an enchilada sauce, and serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and chips on the side.

8. Connecticut-Style Lobster Roll

This lobster roll is a twist on the traditional sandwich that pairs well with the light fare you want for a garden party menu. Instead of a heavy mayo dressing, you will dress the lobster chunks with lemon juice and chives. Serve it on a toasted, buttered roll with a fresh salad on the side or with chips if you want to make it super simple.

9. Gazpacho

Soup isn't just for winter. Have it in the warmer months by serving gazpacho. This cold soup features tomato, red bell pepper, and cucumbers mixed with vinegar and topped with homemade croutons. It is a nice deviation from the typical barbeque and sandwiched options available at events this time of year.

10. Roasted Vegetable Baked Falafel Sandwiches

Consider the roasted vegetable-baked falafel sandwich when you want something warm and filling but easy to eat. Instead of frying the falafel and having a greasy, heavy element, you can bake it. The flavors will remain, but the fat will be lower. You'll want to season it with lemon juice, cumin, garlic, cilantro, and parsley to preserve the traditional taste. Roast peppers and red onion to serve with the falafel inside a grilled pita. Cucumber salad on the side is an excellent match.

Excellent Garden Party Menus With INTUEAT

Putting together a garden party involves more than choosing the right menu and cooking the food. You will have a lot on your plate, so consider working with the chefs at INTUEAT. 

We connect you with a professional who can handle all the party's food-related aspects, letting you focus on creating the right atmosphere and looking for the grand event. We will even serve, allowing you to act as a host and ensure every guest enjoys their time.

Our chefs will cultivate a garden party menu that is fit for a king, making choices that match your preferences and needs. Plus, they will do all the kitchen cleanup during and after the event. Contact INTUEAT today to see what we can do for you. 

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