Dessert – Page 17 – tenderandtaste.com

You’ve planned the guest list and the pretty invites — now the menu. When the sky is blue and the garden’s in bloom, a Fresh Outdoor Bridal Shower Menu Ideas for Sunny Days makes the party feel effortless and joyful. These recipes are bright, breezy, and designed for warm-weather entertaining. Inside you’ll find 12 easy, make-ahead dishes that travel well to a picnic table or a backyard tea. Each recipe suits a sunny day: light salads, handheld bites, chilled sips, and sweet bites. Use them to build a full bridal shower menu, mix and match, or pick a few crowd-pleasers. Follow these Fresh Outdoor Bridal Shower Menu Ideas for Sunny Days for food that looks as fresh as it tastes. You’ll get ingredient lists, clear instructions, serving tips, and quick storage notes. Ready to create a lovely outdoor spread that guests will remember? 1. Fresh Outdoor Bridal Shower Menu Ideas for Sunny Days: Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers These lemon-herb chicken skewers are bright, juicy, and easy to eat on a sunny afternoon. The marinade soaks into tender chicken for citrusy, savory flavor with a hint of garlic. Grilling gives slight char and smoky aroma that fits an outdoor bridal shower menu. They’re handheld and portable, so guests can mingle. Fans of light, herb-forward dishes will love the fresh lemon and parsley notes. Expect a crisp exterior and tender, moist interior with a citrus scent. Ingredients Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Serves: 8 (about 24 skewers) 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1.25-inch pieces 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) Zest of 1 lemon 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried) 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp honey Wooden or metal skewers, soaked if wooden Instructions Combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and honey in a bowl. Whisk until emulsified. Add chicken pieces to a large zip-top bag. Pour marinade over chicken and seal. Massage to coat evenly. Chill for at least 30 minutes and up to 3 hours. Do not marinate more than 4 hours to avoid texture change. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F) and oil grates lightly. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps for even cooking. Grill skewers 4–5 minutes per side, turning once. Look for light char and an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove skewers once cooked and let rest 5 minutes on a platter covered loosely with foil. Check doneness by cutting one piece; juices should run clear and meat no longer pink. How to Serve It Serve skewers on a long white platter with extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley sprigs. Offer a small bowl of tzatziki or herbed yogurt for dipping. Pair with a crisp rosé or iced herbal tea. Make ahead by marinating up to 3 hours and threading skewers right before grilling. Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 3 days in an airtight container. 2. Cucumber Dill Tea Sandwiches (Sunny Day Bridal Shower Recipe) These cucumber dill tea sandwiches are crisp, creamy, and refreshingly light. Thinly sliced cucumber meets herb-spiked cream cheese for a cool, clean bite. The texture is soft bread with a slight crunch from cucumber ribbons. They’re classic for bridal showers and perfect outdoors in warm weather. Guests who prefer light, elegant bites will return for seconds. Expect a cool cucumber aroma and silky, herbed filling. Ingredients Prep time: 15 minutes Yield: about 24 sandwiches (48 halves) 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature 1/4 cup sour cream 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp lemon zest Salt and pepper, to taste (about 1/2 tsp salt) 8 slices thin white or whole-wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed 1 large English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced 2 tsp olive oil Optional: edible flower petals for garnish Instructions In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until evenly combined. Lightly brush cucumber slices with olive oil and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture on each bread slice. Arrange cucumber slices in overlapping rows on half the bread slices. Top with remaining slices, press gently, then trim crusts if needed. Cut sandwiches into rectangles or triangles. Garnish with dill sprigs or edible petals. Refrigerate 15–30 minutes before serving for filling to set. How to Serve It Stack sandwiches on a tiered serving tray with small napkins. Garnish the platter with lemon wedges and extra dill. Pair with iced green tea or a light prosecco. Make ahead up to 6 hours; assemble, wrap in plastic, and chill. Store up to 24 hours in the fridge to keep cucumbers crisp. 3. Strawberry Basil Spinach Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette This strawberry basil spinach salad balances sweet berries with peppery greens and tangy feta. The honey-lime vinaigrette is zesty and fresh, coating each leaf with glossy brightness. Crunchy almonds add a pleasing contrast. It’s light enough for a sunny bridal shower menu and vibrant on the table. People who love sweet-savory contrasts will enjoy it. Expect fruity aroma and crisp textures. Ingredients Prep time: 15 minutes Serves: 6 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried 3 cups hulled strawberries, sliced 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 tbsp fresh lime juice 2 tbsp honey 1 tsp Dijon mustard Salt and pepper, to taste (about 1/2 tsp salt) Instructions Whisk olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper in a small jar until combined. Place spinach in a large bowl. Add strawberries and basil. Pour half the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle feta and toasted almonds on top. Taste and add more dressing as needed, tossing lightly. Serve immediately to keep spinach crisp. If making ahead, store dressing separately and toss within 30 minutes of serving. How to Serve It Serve in shallow bowls so strawberries stay visible. Garnish with extra basil ribbons and a lemon or lime wedge. Pair with chilled sparkling wine or iced herbal tea. Dressing can be made 1 day ahead and stored in the fridge. Leftover salad best eaten same day. 4. Fresh Outdoor Bridal Shower Menu Ideas for Sunny Days: Watermelon Feta Mint Skewers These watermelon feta mint skewers are juicy, salty, and refreshingly herbal. The combo of sweet watermelon, tangy feta, and cool mint bursts in every bite. A drizzle of balsamic adds a sweet-acid finish. They’re perfect finger food for a sunny outdoor bridal shower menu. Guests will enjoy the cold, juicy texture and the pop of color. Expect a fresh, summery scent and crisp mouthfeel. Ingredients Prep time: 15 minutes Yield: about 30 skewers 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes 10 oz feta cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, whole 30 small wooden skewers 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic glaze 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt Zest of 1 lime Instructions Cut watermelon and feta into similar-sized 1-inch cubes. Drain watermelon on a paper towel for a few minutes to remove excess liquid. Thread watermelon, mint leaf, and feta alternately onto each skewer. Arrange skewers on a chilled platter. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and lime zest. Drizzle balsamic glaze over skewers right before serving. Keep skewers chilled until serving; serve within 2 hours for best texture. How to Serve It Present on a chilled marble slab with mint sprigs for decoration. Offer extra balsamic glaze on the side. Pair with a crisp lemonade or a light white wine. Make ahead by cutting ingredients and assembling no more than 1 hour before serving to prevent sogginess. Store covered in the fridge up to 4 hours. 5. Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup Shots This chilled cucumber avocado soup is silky, cool, and subtly herbaceous. Pureed avocado and cucumber create a creamy texture without dairy. A hint of lime and garlic gives a clean, bright flavor. It’s ideal as a small starter at an outdoor bridal shower. Guests who enjoy light, chilled bites will love the smooth mouthfeel. Expect a fresh cucumber aroma and silky finish. Ingredients Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 1 hour Serves: 8 shooter cups 2 large English cucumbers, peeled and chopped 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, chilled 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 cup fresh dill leaves 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste (about 1 tsp salt) Cucumber ribbons and dill sprigs, for garnish Instructions In a blender, combine cucumbers, avocados, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, dill, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and silky, about 1–2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and blend briefly to combine. Strain through a fine mesh if desired for extra smoothness. Chill soup in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Pour into shooter cups and garnish with cucumber ribbons and dill sprigs before serving. Keep chilled until served; discard leftovers after 48 hours. How to Serve It Serve in small shooter glasses for an elegant appetizer. Garnish with a tiny swirl of olive oil and a sprig of dill. Pair with chilled rosé or sparkling water with lime. Make the soup up to 24 hours ahead and chill; stir before serving. Store in the fridge in an airtight container. 6. Tomato-Mozzarella Basil Skewers with Pesto Drizzle These tomato-mozzarella basil skewers are a bite-sized caprese with fresh pesto for a herb-forward punch. Juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella contrast perfectly. Pesto adds savory depth and a fragrant basil aroma. They’re easy to assemble and visually appealing for an outdoor bridal shower. People who love fresh Italian flavors will reach for them first. Expect vibrant colors and a fragrant basil scent. Ingredients Prep time: 10 minutes Yield: about 24 skewers 24 cherry tomatoes, halved if large 24 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) 24 fresh basil leaves 24 short skewers 1/3 cup prepared pesto 1 tbsp pine nuts, toasted (optional) 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Flaky sea salt, to taste Instructions Thread tomato, basil leaf, and mozzarella onto each skewer. Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle pesto and olive oil over skewers just before serving. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, flaky salt, and cracked black pepper. If using, let pesto sit at room temperature 10 minutes before drizzling for easier pouring. Keep chilled until serving; avoid drizzling pesto too far ahead to maintain color. How to Serve It Serve on a long wooden board with lemon wedges on the side. Offer extra pesto in a dipping bowl. Pair with chilled prosecco or sparkling water with lemon. Make skewers assembly-line style up to 3 hours ahead and keep chilled. Leftovers store up to 24 hours, mozzarella may soften over time. 7. Fresh Outdoor Bridal Shower Menu Ideas for Sunny Days: Mini Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cakes These mini lemon blueberry bundt cakes are tender, zesty, and perfectly sized for a bridal shower. Lemon brightens the crumb while blueberries add juicy pops. The small bundt shape looks pretty on a dessert table. They’re handheld and richly flavored without feeling heavy on a sunny day. Guests who love citrus and berries will enjoy the tender, moist crumb. Expect a fragrant lemon aroma and moist texture. Ingredients Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 18–22 minutes per batch Makes: 12 mini bundts 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp kosher salt 2 large eggs, room temperature 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature 1/3 cup Greek yogurt 2 tbsp lemon zest 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 cup fresh blueberries, tossed in 1 tbsp flour Powdered sugar, for dusting Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease mini bundt pans with butter and flour. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until slightly pale, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in melted butter, milk, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice until combined. Fold dry ingredients into wet gently until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in floured blueberries carefully. Spoon batter into prepared mini bundt pans, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and edges are lightly golden. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto a rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar. How to Serve It Display mini bundts on a tiered cake stand with extra blueberries and lemon slices. Pair with iced tea or a citrusy sparkling cocktail. Make them 1 day ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month, thaw before serving. 8. Prosciutto, Fig, and Goat Cheese Crostini These prosciutto, fig, and goat cheese crostini balance salty, sweet, and creamy elements. Toasted bread adds crunch while figs bring floral sweetness. A drizzle of honey ties the flavors together. They’re elegant and easy to nibble at a bridal shower reception outdoors. Fans of sweet-savory bites will love the combination. Expect fragrant honey notes and a crunchy base. Ingredients Prep time: 15 minutes Yield: about 24 crostini 1 baguette, sliced on the diagonal into 24 slices 3 tbsp olive oil 8 oz goat cheese, softened 6 fresh figs, sliced thinly 8 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, torn 2 tbsp honey 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Instructions Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides of slices lightly with olive oil. Toast slices 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp. Spread about 1 tbsp goat cheese on each slice while still warm. Top with a fig slice and a folded piece of prosciutto. Drizzle honey over crostini and sprinkle with fresh thyme and black pepper. Serve immediately for maximum crunch. If making ahead, toast bread up to 24 hours in advance and assemble just before serving. How to Serve It Arrange crostini on a slate board with thyme sprigs for garnish. Pair with a light white wine or sparkling cider. Make crostini up to 1 day ahead (keep components separate) and assemble just before guests arrive. Store leftover assembled crostini in the fridge up to 8 hours, but toast will soften. 9. Herbed Pea & Ricotta Crostini This herbed pea and ricotta crostini is fresh, bright, and creamy. Blended peas with lemon and mint make a vibrant spread. The ricotta adds a soft, silky counterpoint. It fits a sunny bridal shower with a spring-forward color and flavor. Guests who love fresh vegetables will enjoy the light creaminess. Expect a grassy pea aroma and lemony lift. Ingredients Prep time: 15 minutes Yield: about 20 crostini 1 baguette, sliced and toasted 2 cups frozen peas, thawed 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp lemon zest 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste Microgreens or additional mint, for garnish Instructions Toast baguette slices at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden. In a food processor, combine peas, ricotta, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, mint, parsley, and olive oil. Pulse until mostly smooth but still textured. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread a generous layer of pea mixture on each toasted slice. Garnish with microgreens or mint and a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately for best texture. If prepping ahead, keep pea mix chilled and toast bread just before serving. How to Serve It Serve crostini on a long wooden board with lemon wedges nearby. Pair with chilled rosé or cucumber water. Make pea mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Toast bread and assemble within 30 minutes of serving. 10. Sparkling Rosé Punch with Citrus and Berries This sparkling rosé punch is fizzy, fruity, and perfect for sipping under the sun. Sparkling rosé mixes with citrus, berry puree, and a touch of simple syrup for balanced sweetness. It's light-bodied and refreshing. It’s ideal for a bridal shower drink station outdoors. Guests who love bubbly will appreciate its bright, fruity notes. Expect a floral rosé aroma and lively bubbles. Ingredients Prep time: 10 minutes Yield: about 12 cups 1 bottle (750 ml) sparkling rosé, chilled 2 cups chilled pink lemonade 1 cup fresh raspberries, plus extra for garnish 1 cup sliced strawberries 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed 1/4 cup simple syrup, adjust to taste 1 lemon and 1 orange, thinly sliced Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish Ice, as needed Instructions In a large punch bowl, muddle raspberries and strawberries lightly to release juices. Add pink lemonade, orange juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine. Chill punch mixture in the fridge 30 minutes prior to serving. Just before serving, pour in chilled sparkling rosé gently to preserve fizz. Add citrus slices and mint sprigs. Stir lightly. Serve over ice in clear glasses and garnish with extra berries and mint. Keep leftover punch chilled and consume within 24 hours. How to Serve It Serve in a clear punch bowl with a pretty ladle and stemmed glasses. Offer mocktail version by omitting rosé and substituting sparkling water. Make fruit base up to 6 hours ahead and add sparkling rosé right before guests arrive. Store leftovers in the fridge and avoid leaving alcohol in direct sun. 11. Grilled Peach Bruschetta with Burrata This grilled peach bruschetta pairs smoky-sweet peaches with creamy burrata and a fresh basil finish. The char brings caramel notes that complement the cheese. Texture is juicy peach and silky burrata on crunchy toast. It’s a seasonal standout for a sunny bridal shower menu. Guests who enjoy sweet-savory desserts will savor the warm peach aroma. Expect buttery peach flavor and melt-in-your-mouth cheese. Ingredients Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 6 minutes Yield: about 12 bruschetta 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted 1 baguette, sliced and toasted 8 oz burrata, torn into pieces 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp honey 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn Salt and pepper, to taste Optional: balsamic reduction for drizzling Instructions Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush peach halves with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill peaches 2–3 minutes per side until char marks appear and fruit softens. Slice grilled peaches into wedges. Toast baguette slices and brush with remaining olive oil. Top each toast with a peach wedge and a piece of burrata. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle basil, salt, and pepper. Optional: add a light drizzle of balsamic reduction before serving. How to Serve It Serve on a wooden board with torn basil and extra honey nearby. Pair with sparkling rosé or iced white tea. Grill peaches and toast bread just before guests arrive and assemble within 15 minutes. Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 24 hours, but burrata will soften. 12. Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Lemon Glaze These lavender shortbread cookies are buttery, crumbly, and delicately floral. Dried culinary lavender adds a subtle floral note while lemon glaze brightens the flavor. Texture is tender and melt-in-your-mouth. They’re perfect small sweets for a sunny bridal shower menu. Guests who enjoy floral and citrus flavors will appreciate the delicate balance. Expect a gentle lavender aroma and buttery richness. Ingredients Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 18–20 minutes Makes: about 24 cookies 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup powdered sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender, lightly crushed 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp lemon zest For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice Extra lavender or lemon zest, for garnish Instructions Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Mix in vanilla and lemon zest. Whisk flour, salt, and crushed lavender in a separate bowl. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture and mix until just combined. Roll dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill 30 minutes to firm. Slice log into 1/4-inch rounds and place on baking sheet. Bake 18–20 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies. Garnish with extra lavender or zest. How to Serve It Stack cookies on a cake plate with fresh lavender sprigs. Pair with Earl Grey tea or a lemony iced tea. Cookies can be made 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies without glaze up to 1 month. These 12 recipes give you a varied Fresh Outdoor Bridal Shower Menu Ideas for Sunny Days — from small bites and chilled starters to handheld mains and sweet treats. You’ve got salty-sweet options, handheld skewers, pretty salads, and a sparkling punch to toast with. Try a few recipes that match your bride’s style and the season. Save or pin this collection to build a sunny bridal shower menu later. Which recipe will you try first — a pretty mini bundt, a chilled soup shot, or the sparkling rosé punch? Share these ideas with friends and family to plan a bright, delicious celebration.