Summer is the time to take your meals outside! Whether you’re heading to your local park, the beach, an outdoor concert, or any other warm-weather gathering, this episode will guide and inspire you to cook and eat deliciously.

Family reunion at the park? We love fried chicken and all the classic sides like potato salad, with a few twists. If you prefer pasta salad (or are a skeptic, like Sonya), we share our favs plus an updated version that leans into tahini and parmesan. Headed to the beach? Sonya shares an unexpected takeout approach for the perfect beach picnic. And Kari reminisces about a summer fruit salad that her mom used to make that is served in an unusual but clever way. This conversation builds on our “Deli Salads” episode from a few weeks ago and offers seasonal ideas that will carry you through a delicious summer.

What’s your favorite picnic food??

***

Links to recipes and favorites from this week’s show:

Hawaiian mac salad from Onolicious Hawaii

Tahini parmesan pasta salad by Ali Slagle via the NY Times

Alison Roman’s pasta salad with jammy tomatoes

Turns out Melissa Clark developed a Green Goddess pasta salad for the NY Times

Ina Garten’s legendary pesto pasta salad with peas

Rich Rosendale’s Elote salad

Potato and green bean salad by Minimalist Baker

The Spruce Eats shows how to make a watermelon basket

Vonbee passionfruit honey puree can be found at Costco or online, or check out your local H-Mart!

JJ’s Lone Daughter Ranch has Kari’s favorite juices at the farmers’ market in LA

We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!