SummerTime, and dining al fresco is easy!
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken and Arugula Parmesean Salad (recipe at end of post)
Affiliate links were used which means I may earn a small commission if you buy any products that have been linked. There’s no additional cost to you.Okay, it’s officially summer — and the weather has warmed up beautifully, and I’m fully embracing my patio era. Summertime, and the living (and dining!) is easy—especially when you have a cozy outdoor space to relax in.
I wouldn’t call myself an outdoorsy person, but I absolutely love lounging on my porch or patio. Mornings are my favorite— I love to go out on the patio. The birds are chirping, the sprinklers are on, and the air is fresh. It’s the perfect way to ease into the day, with a freshly brewed cup of coffee in hand.
And then there are the evenings. Once the sun starts to go down, I find myself under the gazebo with a glass of wine, listening to oldies and waiting for that magical golden time of day. There's something about the warm glow and soft breeze that makes everything feel a little more special. But nothing—nothing—beats dining al fresco!
If you’re not familiar with the term, dining al fresco simply means eating outdoors. I set up my Pottery Barn dining table with a beautiful tablescape. The table is spacious and comfortable enough to linger over dinner—whether it’s just my husband and me or we’re entertaining friends. There’s something magical about sharing a meal under the stars.
If you're ready to elevate your own outdoor experience, here are a few easy tips to make outdoor dining feel effortless and enjoyable. I’ve even shared a fresh, no-fuss al fresco dinner that feels like a little luxury—perfect for your next night of dining under the stars.
It’s best to keep al fresco dining simple, and casually elegant. Make it an extension of your home - not a separate zone where style and effort are forgotten. Use dinnerware, flatware, and drinking glasses. All will elevate the humblest dinner like hot dogs and burgers. Make it an experience!
tips
1. Use real dinnerware
As I already stated above, skip the paper plates and plastic cups. Instead, bring out your everyday dishes, flatware, and glassware. A real plate and a proper glass make any meal feel special. If you’re feeding the kiddos, of course, keep them in mind. Here you may want to use paper plates and cups for safety.
2. Layer in texture and comfort
Add placemats, cloth napkins, or even a lightweight throw for cooler evenings. Small touches like these make the space feel thoughtfully styled and welcoming.
3. Create a simple centerpiece
You don’t need a full floral arrangement. A bowl of lemons, or a lantern can go a long way in setting the mood without a lot of fuss.
4. Light it up
Soft lighting is key to a cozy vibe. Think string lights, flameless candles, or even the glow of a nearby firepit. It’s all about creating ambiance.
5. Cue the music
Play your favorite playlist! A little background music goes a long way in setting the tone for an enjoyable meal.
Easy Al Fresco Dinner: Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken + Arugula Salad
This light and flavorful meal is perfect for summer evenings on the patio. It’s fresh, effortless, and feels special—just like your ideal outdoor gathering. Just pair with a glass of white wine - my favorite is a Sauvignon Blanc.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half to make 4)
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
Grill chicken over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest a few minutes before slicing.
Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
4 cups fresh arugula
Shaved parmesan (to taste)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
Sprinkle red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Toss arugula with the vinaigrette.
Top with parmesan and pine nuts just before serving.
Serve the grilled chicken sliced over or beside the salad.