Non-Dinner Dinners for Summer

It’s been a little quiet around here lately, but not because we haven’t been eating. Quite the contrary, but I feel like we’re chowing down on the same things week in and week out, and none of it seems worthy of sharing. Then it dawned on me that if we like our quick and casual approach to early summer dinners, you might too, so I should tell you a little more about our non-dinner dinners of late.

Essentially, we’ve been alternating between dinner salads (like the kale Cobb Caesar and the popular paella salad), and what I affectionately refer to as a Parisian picnic, which is nothing more than a large round serving board filled with an assortment of cold odds and ends from the fridge, some bread, pita, and/or crackers, and whatever seasonal fruits and veggies and are hanging out on the counter. When accompanied by some cold lemonade, frosty beers, or a pitcher of Sangria, this dinner does not disappoint.

Sometimes I add a simple green salad on the side, and other times I cook up some pasta and toss it with a dollop or two of pesto, which helps to satiate the meaty-craving young men at my table. Also, there’s always a bowl of cold cubed watermelon within easy reach. I even serve this to guests instead of a proper sit-down dinner, and guess what? Nobody ever leaves unhappy.   

I used to feed the boys like this when they brought their friends home for lunch. It’s so hard to know which kids eat what, so I figured that an assortment of fresh and dried fruits, veggies, dips, meats, cheeses, breads, etc. would offer something of interest to everyone. It worked well, then, and this slightly upgraded version is a huge hit now.

So, if you aren’t in the mood to make dinner, don’t fuss. Just haul out a wooden board or platter and purge the fridge of any remnants that need a new life.

Comments

[Susan]

We are on the same page although at our house it is termed as "snack night" as we typically have it Friday night. Hubby is done the work week and I am taking a day off from cooking. Makes a great meal and at first I thought to have a regular meal planned and we would just start with this platter. Turns out it is more than enough and we never did have the regular scheduled dinner.
It's fun and everyone has what they want. Very popular here and is even asked for !

[Laureen Fox]

Love your idea for Non-Dinner Dinners

[Jan Scott]

Thanks, Laureen! Its a popular way to eat around here in the summer time. 

[Jan Scott]

I love the sounds of snack and the tradition of making it on Friday night - super fun!