I’ve gathered some of my favorite recipes for spring entertaining to share with you.
With warmer weather, I’m immediately thinking cheeseboards, chilled white wine, and light snacks perfect for outdoor get-togethers. Even simple moments spent outside feel special with a few easy, flavorful dishes. Below are recipes I love to make for casual gatherings, happy hour, or a family springtime spread.
14 Spring Entertaining Recipes
Melon Mosaic Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette
If you can find ripe cantaloupe or watermelon, combine it with tomatoes, cucumber, avocado and feta for a bright, refreshing salad. Arrange as a mosaic for a pretty presentation or toss everything in a bowl for ease.
The Perfect Hummus Trio
I love making multiple hummus flavors and offering them together. They can be prepared ahead of time and bring lots of texture and seasoning to your spread.
Cheeseboard
For quick entertaining, a simple cheeseboard is unbeatable: a good block of cheese, a bowl of nuts, crackers, olives and grapes. I’ll soon share the cheeses I’m reaching for most often—my personal favorites for boards big and small.
Spring Pasta Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This pasta salad is full of flavor and perfect made ahead and chilled. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that disappears fast.
Cantaloupe Caprese Skewers
Skewer cantaloupe with fresh mozzarella and basil for a sweet-salty twist on caprese—simple, elegant, and perfect for spring.
Lobster Guacamole
For a show-stopping dip, try lobster guacamole. I often use langostino tails from the store for a more economical, meaty option that’s still decadently satisfying.
Salted Honey Lavender Nuts
Lavender adds a lovely spring flavor to nuts glazed with honey and salt. Keep culinary-grade dried lavender on hand to brighten simple snacks and desserts.
Ricotta with Tomato Jam
Ricotta paired with slow-cooked tomato jam makes a savory, slightly sweet appetizer that can be assembled ahead of time. It’s a great option when tomatoes aren’t at their peak yet.
Spring Veggies with Cashew Blue Cheese Dip
Fresh spring vegetables are even better with a creamy, tangy dip. This cashew-based blue cheese dip is flavorful and pairs well with an array of crisp veggies.
Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad
A spinach and strawberry pasta salad dressed with balsamic and cracked black pepper is a surprising and delightful spring side—sweet, tangy and fresh.
Chili Lime Watermelon
Chili lime watermelon is a refreshing treat that brings summer flavors into spring when you can find a good melon. It’s bright, spicy, and surprisingly addictive.
Deviled Crab Dip
This rich, creamy skillet-style crab dip tastes indulgent and vacation-worthy. It’s luxurious, full of lump crabmeat, and always a crowd favorite.
Lemon Almond Roast Chicken Salad
This lemon almond chicken salad is a longtime favorite. Serve it on crackers, chips, or mini croissants with arugula for a crunchy, bright bite that’s always popular.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Caramelized onion dip is deeply savory and effortless to prepare. I recently shared this recipe and have already brought it to family gatherings—people absolutely love it.