3 Festive Main Dishes for Any Spring Party
The New York Times
Whether for a casual cookout or an elegant dinner party, these impressive recipes are easy to pull off.
After the quiet winter months, spring heralds the return of longer days and gathering over leisurely meals. The best dishes for those get-togethers are the ones that feel celebratory enough to serve to guests, but are simple enough to ensure you’re not spending all day in the kitchen.
These three cheery mains — a salad that can be prepared in advance, a one-pot seafood stunner and a versatile grilled chicken — remind us that with the right recipes, hosting doesn’t have to be stressful. These recipes can be served alone for low-key occasions, but for a particularly memorable meal, make all three. The clams are a lovely yet rustic first course, to be followed by the chicken as a hearty centerpiece and the salad as a refreshing side dish.
Marinated with whole-milk yogurt and shawarma-inspired spices, both white and dark meat end up tender and flavorful. Serve right off the grill or at room temperature.
Perfect for: A backyard barbecue on a warm spring day.
Prepare ahead: Marinating the meat a day in advance yields the best results and makes this dish even easier to prepare for guests. The sauce also can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to three days.
Serve with: Steamed rice and roasted or grilled vegetables or the salad below turn this into a hearty spread.
