Summer Catering Food Trends

Summer means one thing, especially in the south, tomato season. Tomatoes are one of the most variety filled vegetables (well, fruits) there are, both in type and ingredient possibilities. You can slice yellow and red cherry tomatoes for a hearty bruschetta, puree heirlooms for a fresh salsa, or dice a mix of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for some fresh pico de gallo. Any tomato mix will bring brightness to your catering buffet. One of our favorite ways to add tomatoes to your catering menu is a cherry tomato salad. Toss cherry tomatoes, yellow grape tomatoes, and red onions with a light olive oil and Italian seasoning. Side note, you can also use this mix to make a colorful bruschetta.

Photo: Food Network’s Best Summer Appetizers

Another popular summer catering pick – fish. Light, flakey, citrus marinated fish, mmm. Our mouths are watering just thinking about a beautifully cooked piece of fish, served on a dock overlooking the water. Keep your summer fish dish (say that three times fast) light and airy by making it a lettuce wrap. We love a honey lime sauce (honey, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and red pepper flakes) drizzled over tilapia with a red cabbage and cilantro confit all wrapped in a crisp piece of lettuce.

One of our last favorite summer combinations is inspired by Spain. A flavor combination popular in salads, crepes, or crostini — pear, goat cheese, honey, and prosciutto. A fresh crisp salad of mixed greens topped with fresh cut pears, warmed goat cheese, a drizzle of honey and a few slices of prosciutto makes for a great first course on a hot summer wedding day. For a heartier main course grill the pears and place them in a crepe wrap with goat cheese, arugula, and a dollop of honey.

Being the food experts you are we know you probably already have your summer food menus set. Just in case you need a little inspiration or the summer has snuck up on you, though, we think these summer flavor combinations will make great additions to your arsenal.