No party is complete without food and drink. Lots of people choose to meet up by the beach for a day of fun in the sun but what sorts of food should people be eating? What are the options for a beach party?
Certain foods and drinks definitely suit the beach vibe and can even bring a Caribbean or Indian vibe to the party – themed beach parties may make you feel like you’re somewhere else.
Consider Your Environment
Anyone having a beach party needs to think about the environment and the nature around them as well as what the rules are at the beach. Some beaches allow people to have a BBQ or bring their own grill as long as they clean up after themselves, and it isn’t uncommon to see people take portable grills and smokers to prepare food by the sea.
When I lived in Orlando, Florida we found information about lots of locations which were flexible and allowed people to bring their grill. Some of the top beaches in Florida have dedicated spaces for grilling and preparing food. Beaches in Florida also tend to have a lot of picnic tables and areas for eating and serving. These beaches can provide a warm and stunning setting that still has the facilities needed. People may be meeting up with a couple of friends or having a huge gathering here – there will probably be hungry mouths to feed.
People who want to prep food at the beach need to be prepared and make sure they go through a checklist of the items needed for preparing food and even invest in a top portable grill to make transport easier. Vegetarian options are often better in terms of taking food that is easier and safer to transport from place to place.
With an adequate plan for making the food and drink for the party, as well as plans for where to serve and eat, it is time to consider the recipes that might be on the agenda.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
There’s nothing quite like grilling at the beach, and grilled vegetable skewers bring out the natural heartiness and sweetness of the vegetables and add a bit of smoky flavor. Assemble skewers with a variety of veggies. Vegetables that work nicely include:
- Zucchini
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Bell peppers.
People who want an extra touch of flavor or to add some of that signature spice can marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs/spices before grilling. Those who are a bit more adventurous may even try adding a balti sauce for more of a kick. If grilling on-site isn’t an option, these skewers can be grilled at home and served at room temperature (this isn’t ideal though).
Veggie and Cheese Platter
A veggie and cheese platter is a simple yet effective way to offer a variety of flavors and textures.
Assemble a selection of fresh vegetables such as baby carrots, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips. Add an assortment of cheeses to really open up the options. To make it more interesting, include some dips.
This platter is easy to prepare and can be arranged in a visually appealing way, making it a centerpiece of the food table. Plus, it’s a great option for guests to snack on throughout the party.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Mediterranean dishes definitely give people beach vibes, and an orzo salad is a refreshing and hearty dish made out of Italian pasta that resembles rice. Made well, this dish is full of flavor but also keeps people full. Orzo pasta is light and works well in salads, meaning it is flexible but also adds some carbohydrates to the plate, even in a salad recipe.
Cooked orzo pasta is tossed with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese. Loads of these ingredients are interchangeable and people may choose to follow a different orzo salad recipe or make it up as they go!
Next, dress the salad with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano for a zesty finish. This salad is light but filling,making it a great choice for a beach picnic. It can be made the night before and stored in the fridge, ready to be packed into a cooler and enjoyed by the sea – keep this nice and cold for a hot day.
More suggestions
There are hundreds of options for beach snacks, but some other notable mentions and ideas include:
- Stuffed peppers. These can be full of flavor and can be made ahead of time and transported in a cooler, ready to enjoy by the shore.
- Salsas (different varieties). A good salsa is not only colorful but also packed with flavor – all people need to do is serve it with a side of chips or veggies and watch it disappear.
- Stuffed mushrooms. They are especially good for adding a bit of cheese and reheating as they’re easy to make ahead of time and heat up..
Everyone has their own specific needs and considerations with food but these are some of the top ideas for those looking for food to enjoy by the beach. Sometimes it’s great to have impromptu picnics where you can purchase sandwiches, crisps, fruit and fizzy drinks from the supermarket. It’s all about having fun when out, on the beach. I know my Indian friends with take theplas and dry potato curry for their picnic wherever it is.
Just remember to keep the beach tidy and use the bins provided or bring home the rubbish to recycle. Make sure all grills and BBQ’s are cool before packing.
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