Summer lunch ideas are all about keeping things light, fresh, and flavorful—perfect for hot days when you want something satisfying without feeling weighed down. Think vibrant salads with seasonal produce like watermelon, cucumber, corn, and tomatoes, often paired with proteins such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Wraps and sandwiches are also summer favorites, especially when filled with ingredients like hummus, avocado, turkey, or crisp veggies.
Cold pasta salads with zesty dressings, caprese salads with fresh basil and mozzarella, and grain bowls with quinoa or couscous are great options for prepping ahead and enjoying chilled. For a fun twist, try summer rolls with peanut sauce or fruit-forward dishes like chicken salad with grapes and almonds. Whether you’re picnicking, meal-prepping, or just enjoying lunch on the patio, summer meals shine when they’re colorful, simple, and packed with fresh flavor.
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Summer Lunch Ideas
Here’s a list of 100+ summer lunch ideas—perfect for hot days, quick prep, and fresh flavors. This list includes light salads, wraps, sandwiches, bowls, and more, so you’ll never run out of inspiration. 🌞🥗🍉
🥗 Fresh Summer Salads
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Watermelon & Feta Salad
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Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
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Greek Salad with Kalamata Olives
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Strawberry Spinach Salad
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Avocado & Corn Salad
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Grilled Peach Salad
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Cucumber & Tomato Salad
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Asian Cabbage Slaw
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Summer Berry Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
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Chopped Southwest Salad
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Arugula, Fig & Goat Cheese Salad
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Mango & Black Bean Salad
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Kale Caesar with Crispy Chickpeas
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Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
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Couscous Salad with Lemon & Herbs
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Quinoa Salad with Roasted Veggies
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Broccoli Crunch Salad
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BLT Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
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Thai Peanut Noodle Salad
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Panzanella (Bread & Tomato) Salad
🥪 Wraps & Sandwiches
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Turkey Avocado Wrap
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Chicken Caesar Wrap
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Caprese Sandwich on Ciabatta
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Grilled Veggie & Hummus Wrap
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Classic BLT
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Tuna Salad Sandwich
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Egg Salad on Croissant
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Turkey, Apple & Brie Sandwich
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Chicken Salad with Grapes on Croissant
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Roast Beef & Horseradish Wrap
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BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
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Veggie Club Sandwich
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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wrap
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Ham & Swiss with Honey Mustard
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Mozzarella & Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich
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Falafel Wrap with Tzatziki
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Turkey Pesto Panini
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Shrimp Po’ Boy
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Cuban Sandwich
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
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🍚 Bowls & Grains
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Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl
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Burrito Bowl with Rice & Beans
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Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl
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Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl
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Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
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Thai Noodle Bowl
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Tofu & Brown Rice Bowl
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BBQ Chicken Bowl with Corn & Slaw
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Hummus Bowl with Cucumber, Tomato & Feta
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Greek Lamb Bowl
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Buffalo Cauliflower Bowl
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Sushi Bowl with Avocado & Cucumber
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Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowl
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Summer Veggie Couscous Bowl
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Roasted Sweet Potato & Black Bean Bowl
🍽️ Plates & Protein-Packed
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Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa
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Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus
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BBQ Chicken with Corn on the Cob
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Tuna Nicoise Salad Plate
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Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple
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Grilled Steak & Avocado Plate
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Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard
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Stuffed Bell Peppers (cold or warm)
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Baked Feta with Tomatoes & Olives
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Chicken Lettuce Wraps
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Teriyaki Tofu with Sesame Broccoli
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Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp
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Grilled Sausage with Summer Veggies
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Spicy Black Bean Cakes
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Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
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🍜 Soups & Chilled Options
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Gazpacho (Chilled Tomato Soup)
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Cold Cucumber Soup
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Watermelon Gazpacho
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Chilled Avocado & Lime Soup
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Summer Corn Chowder
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Italian Minestrone (room temp or cold)
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Cold Strawberry Soup
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Peach & Basil Gazpacho
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Cold Borscht (Beet Soup)
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Zucchini & Leek Soup (chilled)
🍕 Light Summer-Inspired Mains
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Margherita Flatbread
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Veggie Quesadillas
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Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry
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Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
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BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
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Spinach & Feta Stuffed Pita
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Shrimp Tacos with Slaw
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Veggie Pizza with Arugula
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Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
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Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli
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🧁 Kid-Friendly or Quick Bites
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Mini Bagel Sandwiches
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PB&J with Fresh Fruit
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Cheese & Turkey Roll-Ups
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Macaroni Salad
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Pasta with Butter & Peas
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Chicken Nuggets with Fruit
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English Muffin Pizza
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Yogurt Parfait with Granola
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Antipasto Skewers
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Mini Sliders
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Cheese Quesadilla with Salsa
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Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
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Deviled Eggs & Fresh Veggies
Recipes
1. Watermelon & Feta Salad
Ingredients:
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4 cups watermelon, cubed
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lime juice
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Pinch of salt & pepper
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, combine watermelon cubes and chopped mint.
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Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
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Gently toss to combine.
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Top with crumbled feta.
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Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
2. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients:
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2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
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8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
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1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
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2 tbsp balsamic glaze
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Instructions:
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Layer tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a plate.
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Tuck basil leaves between slices.
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Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Serve immediately or chill briefly.
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3. Greek Salad with Kalamata Olives
Ingredients:
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2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
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1/2 cucumber, sliced
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup Kalamata olives
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1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine greens, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, and olives in a bowl.
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In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Drizzle over salad and toss.
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Top with feta cheese and serve.
4. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients:
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4 cups baby spinach
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1 cup strawberries, sliced
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1/4 cup goat cheese or feta
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1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts
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2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
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Toss spinach, strawberries, and nuts in a bowl.
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Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently.
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Sprinkle cheese on top.
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Serve immediately.
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5. Avocado & Corn Salad
Ingredients:
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1 ripe avocado, diced
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1 cup cooked corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
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1/2 red bell pepper, diced
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1/4 red onion, finely chopped
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper
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Chopped cilantro (optional)
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Instructions:
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Combine avocado, corn, bell pepper, and onion in a bowl.
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Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Add cilantro if using, and mix gently.
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Chill before serving.
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6. Watermelon & Feta Salad
Ingredients:
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4 cups watermelon, cubed
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1/2 cup crumbled feta
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1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lime juice
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine watermelon and mint in a bowl.
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Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
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Toss gently, then top with feta.
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Chill and serve cold.
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7. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients:
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2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
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8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
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Fresh basil leaves
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2 tbsp balsamic glaze
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper
Instructions:
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Layer tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
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Drizzle with olive oil and glaze.
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Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
8. Greek Salad with Kalamata Olives
Ingredients:
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2 cups romaine lettuce
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cucumber, sliced
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup Kalamata olives
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1/4 cup feta
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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1/2 tsp oregano
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Salt & pepper
Instructions:
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Combine vegetables and olives.
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Mix dressing and pour over salad.
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Top with feta and serve.
9. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients:
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4 cups baby spinach
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1 cup strawberries, sliced
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1/4 cup goat cheese or feta
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1/4 cup candied pecans
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2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
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Toss spinach, strawberries, and pecans.
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Drizzle with dressing and top with cheese.
10. Avocado & Corn Salad
Ingredients:
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1 avocado, diced
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1 cup grilled corn
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1/2 red bell pepper, diced
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1/4 red onion, minced
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt, pepper, cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients.
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Gently toss and chill.
11. Grilled Peach Salad
Ingredients:
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2 peaches, halved & grilled
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4 cups arugula or mixed greens
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1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
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2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
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Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
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Grill peaches until slightly charred.
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Slice and place on greens.
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Add cheese and nuts, drizzle with glaze.
12. Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
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2 cucumbers, sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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Salt & pepper
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Instructions:
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Toss vegetables with oil and vinegar.
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Season and chill before serving.
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12. Asian Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients:
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2 cups shredded red and green cabbage
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1/2 cup shredded carrots
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2 green onions, sliced
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2 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tsp soy sauce
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1 tsp honey
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Toasted sesame seeds
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Instructions:
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Whisk dressing.
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Toss with veggies.
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Top with sesame seeds.
13. Summer Berry Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Ingredients:
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4 cups spring greens
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1/2 cup blueberries
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1/2 cup raspberries
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1/2 cup sliced strawberries
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1/4 cup goat cheese
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1/4 cup candied almonds
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2 tbsp poppyseed dressing
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Instructions:
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Toss greens and berries.
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Drizzle with dressing.
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Top with cheese and almonds.
14. Chopped Southwest Salad
Ingredients:
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2 cups chopped romaine
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1/2 cup corn
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1/2 cup black beans
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1/2 avocado, diced
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1/2 red bell pepper, diced
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Tortilla strips
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2 tbsp ranch or chipotle dressing
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Instructions:
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Mix all veggies and beans.
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Add dressing and toss.
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Top with tortilla strips.
15. Arugula, Fig & Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients:
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4 cups arugula
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1/4 cup dried or fresh figs, halved
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1/4 cup goat cheese
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2 tbsp walnuts
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1 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
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Combine arugula, figs, and walnuts.
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Drizzle with vinaigrette.
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Add goat cheese on top.
16. Mango & Black Bean Salad
Ingredients:
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1 mango, diced
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1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed
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1/4 red onion, chopped
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1/2 red bell pepper, diced
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Cilantro, salt, pepper
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients.
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Toss with lime juice and oil.
17. Kale Caesar with Crispy Chickpeas
Ingredients:
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4 cups chopped kale
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1/2 cup roasted chickpeas
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1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
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2 tbsp Caesar dressing
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Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
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Massage kale with a little dressing.
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Add chickpeas and cheese.
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Drizzle more dressing and lemon.
18. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked rotini pasta
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
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1/4 cup black olives
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1/4 cup diced mozzarella
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2 tbsp Italian dressing
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients.
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Chill before serving.
19. Couscous Salad with Lemon & Herbs
Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked couscous
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1/4 cup chopped cucumber
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1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
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1 tbsp parsley
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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20. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Veggies
Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked quinoa
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1 cup roasted zucchini, peppers, and onion
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1/4 cup feta
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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Instructions:
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Toss all ingredients.
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Serve warm or cold.
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21. Broccoli Crunch Salad
Ingredients:
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2 cups broccoli florets
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1/4 cup shredded carrots
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1/4 cup sunflower seeds
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2 tbsp dried cranberries
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2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayo
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1 tsp honey
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
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Mix dressing ingredients.
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Toss with veggies.
18. BLT Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
Ingredients:
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2 cups chopped romaine
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
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1/4 cup crumbled bacon
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2 tbsp buttermilk ranch dressing
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Croutons (optional)
Instructions:
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Toss lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon.
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Drizzle with dressing.
22. Thai Peanut Noodle Salad
Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked rice noodles
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1/2 cup shredded carrots
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1/4 cup red bell pepper, sliced
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1 tbsp chopped peanuts
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2 tbsp peanut sauce
Instructions:
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Toss noodles with veggies and sauce.
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Sprinkle with peanuts.
23. Panzanella (Bread & Tomato Salad)
Ingredients:
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2 cups day-old bread, cubed
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Basil leaves
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Salt & pepper
Instructions:
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Toast or lightly fry bread cubes.
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Mix all ingredients.
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Let sit 15 mins before serving.
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Hi, I’m Maggie Culp, the founder of PartyVibesFun.com, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, United States! With a passion for creating unforgettable celebrations, I specialize in turning any event into a fun and vibrant experience. From birthday parties to themed gatherings, I’m here to help you bring your party ideas to life with ease and excitement. Whether you’re looking for unique games, creative themes, or party planning tips, I’m dedicated to making sure every moment of your event is filled with joy. Let’s create memories together and make your next party the talk of the town!