Summer is all about spending lazy days in the garden with family and friends, so if you're catering for a crowd, the last thing you want to do is rush around in the kitchen. These simple sharing recipes require minimal fuss and are bursting with delicious seasonal flavours.

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Kick off your party with an impressive veggie party platter, then follow with some flavoursome, quick and easy kebabs. There’s no need to be cooped up in the kitchen on a beautiful summer’s day with our simple one-pan dishes. A refreshing, vibrant salad is a must-have on a hot day, so dig into our epic salad. Our no-churn ice cream and dainty summer fruit cheesecakes will excite all tastebuds – if your guests have room for dessert that is. So, take a deep breath, relax and get ready to breeze your way through the party preparations.

1) Beetroot hummus party platter

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Keep your guests' hunger at bay with our tasty selection of nibbles. This one-platter-serves-all beetroot hummus requires no cooking and can be whipped up in just 15 minutes. Serve a big dollop of hummus as the centerpiece, along with chickpeas, toppings and dipping accompaniments of your choice. We've opted for a moreish medley of crunchy summer veg, toasted bread fingers, mini mozzarella balls, prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks and olives.

Find more delicious hummus recipes and sharing food.

2) Smoked salmon pâté with tear & share brioche buns

A board of brioche buns surrounding a bowl of pate

Why not treat your guests to rich smoked salmon pâté? They're sure to be delighted with the golden, butter-laden tear-and-share brioche that pairs beautifully with the creamy salmon starter.

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Find more tasty tear & share recipes to enjoy with our delicious dips.

3) Sticky jerk lamb kebabs

lamb kebabs

Serve sticky and succulent jerk lamb kebabs for a quick and easy main, made with only five ingredients. Whether you're firing up the barbecue on a lovely summer's day or using a griddle, these kebabs only take 2-3 mins to cook each side. We've saved you time and effort by marinating the meat in a ready-made spice paste mixed with honey, thyme and lime juice, but if you have extra time, the flavour will penetrate deeper if you can marinate the lamb for a few hours. Any extra dressing can be served with meat or swirled into yogurt to make a dip. Serve the kebabs with warm flatbreads, fresh herbs, dips and a salad.

For a delicious veggie alternative, try our minty halloumi & courgetter skewers or these vibrant vegan kebabs with a citrusy avocado dressing.

4) Chicken shish kebabs

Skewered kebabs

These barbecued kebabs are great for summer parties as they're big on flavour, but the spice is toned down, making them perfect for kids. Offer smoky chilli sauce on the side for those who like a bit of heat and serve with easy homemade flatbreads.

Enhance the flavours by serving alongside our cabbage & chilli slaw and garlic sauce.

Discover more mouthwatering kebab recipes.

5) Epic summer salad

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Capture the colours of summer with our stunning sharing salad, which makes a light and refreshing centerpiece or side at a garden party. From juicy heritage tomatoes, crunchy cucumber and tangy mango slices to melty avocadoes and crumbly feta, this veggie ensemble is a feast of flavours and textures. All the ingredients can be mixed together in just 10 minute, then drizzled in a zingy herb dressing. Our summer allotment salad and egg & parsley salad also make impressive sharing dishes and use a host of gorgeous seasonal ingredients.

6) Cauliflower wings & zesty lentil salad

cauliflower in hot sauce on bed of green

This zesty, spicy cauliflower salad is ideal for a summer party, as it takes only 5 mins to prep. Toss cauliflower florets in hot sauce and serve with lentils and salad leaves for a healthy, flavourful, nutrient-packed dinner.

Check out our summer salad recipes for more inspiration.

7) One-pan seafood roast

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Give your Sunday roast a marine makeover with a mixture of charred seafood, smoky chorizo, roast hasselback potatoes and sweetcorn. This sumptuous seafood supper is cooked in just one pan, which saves on the washing-up. We've used a selection of large prawns, mussels and squid for maximum flavour, but you can add your own favourites and include white fish fillets if you like. Most supermarkets sell high-quality seafood in the freezer aisle, which you can quickly defrost before cooking. Serve with bread on the side for mopping up the gorgeous buttery juices.

8) Tempeh traybake

Mixed vegetables and tempeh in a tray

Our tasty tempeh-based traybake is sure to be a winner with both meat-eaters and vegans alike. Tempeh is a nutrient-rich plant protein made from fermented soya beans that's easy to digest. It's vibrant and full of flavours. Simply marinate the vegetables and tempeh in balsamic vinegar, paprika, tomato purée, dates and garlic, then serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some thyme.

Find more easy one-pan roast recipes.

9) Little buttermilk cheesecakes with honey roast summer fruits

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These pretty little summer fruit cheesecakes are the ultimate make-ahead dessert to impress. Individual cheesecakes are easy to pick up and eat compared to a whole one, so are great for serving a crowd. The biscuit base and buttermilk filling are super simple to make, then you can leave the oven to do the hard work. Once cooked, they can be kept in the fridge until serving with cooked fruit and a drizzle of jam. We've used summer fruits for the topping, such as apricots, plums, peaches and raspberries, but you can of course customise to the time of year.

See our summer dessert recipe collection for more light and fruity dishes.

10) Cherry ripple, chocolate & rose ice cream

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Short on dessert prep time? This miracle no-churn cherry ripple, chocolate & rose ice cream makes an impressive pud and needs only 15 minutes before you pop it in the freezer. The unusual yet scrumptious flavour combination is a delight for both kids and adults alike. Serve in cones or show off the chocolate chunk layers in slices for a dinner party dish, along with shortbread biscuits and extra cherries.

As well as using only five ingredients, the magic of this recipe is that it doesn't need an ice-cream maker, as using condensed milk will prevent it from crystallising. The ice cream requires four hours in the freezer leaving you plenty of time for other food prep.

If you prefer classic flavours, then try our no-churn vanilla ice cream.

Find more sizzling summer recipe ideas...

Summer recipe collection
Easy no-cook summer desserts
Summer family meal ideas
Easiest ever barbecue menu
5 of our finest summer punches
Summer party ideas for teenagers

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What would you serve at a summer dinner party? Leave a comment below...

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