Recipe Finder

New! Find all your favorite Southern Living recipes on MyRecipes.com

Recipes
More Tasty Grilling Ideas:
Season's First Grilling
Grilled Meat and Salad Pairs
What's for Supper? Great Grilling
Grilling: An Affordable Luxury
What's for Supper? Great Grilling
Fire Up The Grill
Slide Show: Grilling Isn't Only For Guys
Grill Maintenance 101
Season's First Grilling
Happy Grilling
Slide Show: Hot Off The Grill
Grilled Meat and Salad Pairs
 

 
Make-Ahead Menu for Backyard Entertaining
Invite the neighbors over, and welcome the season at a laid-back gathering with great food.
By Andria Scott Hurst and Cybil B. Talley/ Photography Beth Dreiling
   
  Set the tone for an informal evening by welcoming friends at the gate.
   
  Grilled flank steak and an assortment of flavorful sides make an easy outdoor feast.

Casual Menu:
1. Citrus Party Olives
2. Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
3. Italian Eggplant Vinaigrette
4. Rosemary Grilled Flank Steak or Lamb Chops
5. Very Berry Sundaes

Entertaining is easy when you take it outside. If you need a stress-free evening with friends, here's a great menu. Let your budget help you choose between lamb chops (more expensive) or flank steak (a nice cut, but less costly per pound than the chops). The joy of this party is the make-ahead aspect--you can do everything except cook the meat beforehand. As you finish up, friends can join you to enjoy that fresh-from-the-grill aroma.

While the atmosphere is casual, the food is stellar. You'll love what the smoky flavor adds to the pasta salad and eggplant vinaigrette. Bring out your favorite beverages, and you're set. Refreshing berry sundaes offer a sweet, cool ending to the meal. So go ahead--invite your friends to supper from the grill.

Advertisement