Delicious backyard dining
Eating outdoors in your backyard can transform any meal into a delightful experience, combining the joy of good food with the pleasures of fresh air and nature. Whether it’s a laid-back breakfast, a refreshing lunch, or a cozy supper, dining outside offers endless possibilities. From classic barbecues to Middle Eastern feasts, salads, and a variety of other cuisines, outdoor dining is an enjoyable and versatile way to make the most of your garden space.
Breakfast Al Fresco
Starting your day with breakfast outdoors is a wonderful way to embrace the morning sunshine. The key to enjoying breakfast in your backyard is having a comfortable setup. An outdoor table and chairs, such as a picnic table paired with patio chairs, create the perfect setting for a morning meal.
For breakfast, consider options that are easy to prepare and transport outside. Scrambled eggs, omelets, or a vegetable frittata can be cooked indoors and enjoyed outside. You can also prepare eggs directly on a portable grill or griddle outside, perhaps adding a side of grilled tomatoes or mushrooms. Accompany your eggs with fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola, or enjoy a warm croissant with jam and butter. A simple but elegant option is avocado toast, topped with poached eggs and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
For a more leisurely brunch, consider adding smoked salmon, cream cheese, and bagels to the menu. A platter of cheeses, cold cuts, and fresh sourdough bread, along with a mixed green salad, makes for a delightful spread. Remember to bring out a thermos of hot coffee or tea and perhaps some freshly squeezed juice.
Lunch in the Garden
Lunch outdoors can be a vibrant and satisfying affair. A picnic table is ideal for a casual setting, or even a picnic blanket if you have the grass space to put it on, providing enough space for a spread of different dishes. For a more formal setup, an outdoor dining table and chairs offer a comfortable and stylish option.
Salads are a staple for outdoor lunches, offering endless variations. A Middle Eastern-inspired salad, such as tabbouleh with bulgur wheat, parsley, and tomatoes, can be accompanied by hummus, pita bread, and a selection of olives. Grilled chicken, seasoned with sumac or za’atar, can be prepared on the barbecue or grill and served alongside a Greek salad with feta, cucumbers, and olives.
For those who prefer heartier options, pasta dishes like a cold pasta salad with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella are perfect for an outdoor lunch. You can also serve sandwiches made with roasted vegetables, fresh mozzarella, and basil, or a simple yet satisfying chicken Caesar wrap. A cheese platter with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fresh fruit is a great addition to any outdoor lunch.
Supper Under the Stars
Supper in the backyard can be a magical experience, especially as the sun sets and the evening cools. To create a cozy atmosphere, consider setting up a patio table with comfortable outdoor dining chairs. Soft lighting, such as string lights or lanterns, can enhance the ambiance.
Barbecues are a classic choice for outdoor suppers, offering a variety of options from grilled fish to marinated chicken skewers. For a Mediterranean twist, consider serving grilled lamb chops with a side of couscous and roasted vegetables. Middle Eastern dishes like kebabs, falafel, and shawarma can also be prepared and enjoyed in the garden.
Pizza is another excellent option for outdoor dining. If you have a pizza oven, you can prepare homemade pizzas with your favorite toppings, from classic Margherita to more adventurous combinations like goat cheese, arugula, and prosciutto. For pasta lovers, a creamy fettuccine Alfredo or a baked ziti can be prepared indoors and brought outside to enjoy.
To round off the meal, a simple dessert like fruit salad, ice cream, or a platter of assorted pastries can be served.
Outdoor Dining Essentials
To fully enjoy your meals outdoors, it’s essential to have the right furniture and accessories. A sturdy picnic table or a set of outdoor tables and chairs is crucial for comfort and functionality. Patio chairs with cushions can make seating more comfortable, especially for longer meals. You will not want to be distracted by being uncomfortable while enjoying such succulent food! An outdoor storage box which I have mentioned in several of my posts, is a practical addition, keeping your dining essentials like tablecloths, napkins, and cushions safe and dry when not in use. An absolute must to ensure preparing the setting is seamless and easy to do each and every time.
Adding sunshades or umbrellas can help protect from the sun during midday meals, while heat lamps or a fire pit can extend your time outside into the cooler evenings. Make sure though that younger people are kept safe and secure and away from the heat source.
Dining outdoors in your backyard offers a unique and enjoyable way to experience meals. Whether you are savoring breakfast, enjoying lunch, or sharing a supper under the stars with loved ones, family and friends, the combination of good food and fresh air is unbeatable. With the right setup and a variety of meal options, you can turn your backyard into a delightful outdoor dining space for every occasion. And the feelgood factor that it provides at no extra cost along with a growing cataloque of wonderful memories is worth the initial effort to establish this way of living.