13 spring entertaining recipes that will make you want to throw a garden party (fancy hats optional)

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Spring is a great time for hosting a garden party, and having 13 delicious recipes makes planning the menu fun and easy. Set up some tables with fresh flowers in your backyard and enjoy the sunshine with friends and family. These recipes cater to all sorts of tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone has something to enjoy. With such a varied selection, spring entertaining recipes will definitely make you want to throw a garden party with fancy hats optional.

Lemon cake pops on a white plate.
Lemon Cake Pops. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up the usual picnic favorite with this Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Infused with fresh garden herbs and the younger, milder version of traditional garlic, this salad introduces a refreshing taste that revives the traditional potato salad nonchalantly while keeping the vibe casual enough for a relaxed afternoon chat. It ripples through the banter of your party, making it a common point of loved discussion, combining taste with memories.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These scrumptious slices of Smoked Carver Ham will doubtless hold pride of place at your next garden gathering. Nothing beats the thrill of revealing a beautifully cooked, smoky ham to your guests, whose enthusiastic response is always rewarding to the host. It pairs impeccably with almost any side dish, from a vibrant salad to a decadent creamy mash, providing versatile options for any festive menu. Always a crowd-pleaser, it is served best surrounded by friends and family, complemented by good conversation and laughter.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets

Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets with lemon wedges on a black plate.
Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets are little parcels of joy that are sure to dazzle your guests with their flaky pastry and rich filling. Each bite offers the satisfying crunch of phyllo dough, which encases the subtle flavors of leek and the unmistakable richness of salmon. Perfect for passing around as appetizers during your garden soiree, they allow your guests to mingle while enjoying complex flavors in a single mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets

California Eggs Benedict

Eggs benedict with ham and avocado on an English muffin served on a black plate.
California Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

This California Eggs Benedict offers a twist on a brunch classic by introducing avocado and tomato, bringing a touch of freshness that’s hard to beat. It’s a dish that strikes a fine balance between indulgence and freshness, making your meal feel like a special occasion. This recipe is often the topic of conversation, with friends sharing their favorite versions and twists.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Lemon Loaf

A slice of lemon pound loaf on a plate with daffodils.
Lemon Loaf. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a touch of sunshine to your dessert table with this gorgeous Lemon Loaf, perfect for those who appreciate a subtler, sweet option. The moist cake with a hint of lemon is a fresh alternative to heavier desserts, pairing wonderfully with both coffee in the late morning and light tea in the afternoon. It’s a recipe that invites a second slice without guilt, blending seamlessly into leisurely chats and lazy garden parties.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

A bowl of this Cucumber Salad with Feta can be the refreshing side you need to balance out a meal of rich, hearty flavors. It’s not only a pleasure to eat but also incredibly easy to throw together at the last minute, ensuring you’re never caught unprepared. Often, it’s this salad that becomes the surprise favorite of the day, much to the treat of those who prefer something less heavy.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Traeger Smoked Turkey

A smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board.
Traeger Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Upgrade your feast with the unexpected flavors of the Traeger Smoked Turkey. It’s an adventurous twist on traditional poultry that brings a smoky depth to your dining table, encouraging conversations about unique cooking techniques and recipes. This method not only infuses the turkey with incredible flavor but also maintains its moist texture, ensuring that each mouthful is as succulent as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

A top-down shot of Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies on a white plate.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are the perfect addition to your cookie jar for any springtime gathering. They blend the lightness of lemon with the satisfying crunch of poppy seeds in a cookie that isn’t too sweet or too heavy. This treat is ideal for those who appreciate a slightly subtler dessert that still packs plenty of flavors. The cookies are often a hit among guests looking for something a bit different from the usual chocolate or vanilla fare.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When looking for a dish that’s as healthy as it is flavorsome, this Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is a standout. The roast brings out a nutty flavor in the cauliflower, beautifully complemented by the brightness of lemon and the boldness of dill. Such a combination not only pleases the palate but also adds a splash of color to any table setting, making it an attractive addition to meals that might otherwise favor heavier dishes. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into a dish that’s both nutritious and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Lemon Cake Pops

Lemon cake pops on a white plate.
Lemon Cake Pops. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

The fun of cake with the convenience of a lollipop is brought together in these Lemon Cake Pops. Each pop offers a burst of lemon flavor, a marvelous treat that’s both novel and nostalgic. They’re perfect for guests of all ages, making everyone smile with their whimsical charm. These are a definite favorite at any party, keeping the atmosphere light and joyful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pops

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those seeking something less traditional, this Yellow Bean & Potato Salad offers a charming alternative to the typical garden-variety side dishes. Ideal for those preferring their dishes with a bit more crunch, it becomes not just a salad, but a conversation about texture and taste in food. It stands out in any spread, promising a fresh bite with every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Lemon Goldies

Three square pieces of lemon goldies on a white plate.
Lemon Goldies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both satisfying and simple, Lemon Goldies are your go-to. These bar cookies offer a soft, chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with their sharp lemon flavor, creating a balance that’s hard to resist. Easy to serve and perfect for eating out of hand, they’re ideal for guests who want to enjoy a stroll around the garden while nibbling on something delicious. They’re the kind of treat that invites you back for a second or third without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Goldies

Mother’s Day Charcuterie Board

A mother's day charcuterie board with assorted meats and cheeses.
Mother’s Day Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The beauty of a Mother’s Day Charcuterie Board lies in its versatility and the personal touch one can add. Such a spread not only feeds the guests but also feeds the conversation, sparking discussions about food, flavors, and preferences. It’s more than food; it’s an experience you create, one that remains memorable long after the party ends.
Get the Recipe: Mother’s Day Charcuterie Board

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