Midsummer! Refreshing ideas for your menu

Midsummer is here, and with it the perfect opportunity to spice up your menu with fresh, light, and refreshing dishes and drinks! During this hot season, guests crave a cool down and a little break from everyday life. Whether in Italian restaurants , bakeries , cafes , or snack bars —now is the right time to shine with refreshing, creative ideas .

Summer refreshment: light salads and bowls

Light yet nutritious meals are especially popular in the summer heat. They provide the perfect refreshment and fill you up without feeling heavy on the stomach.

Summer Caprese Salad : A classic Italian Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil is quick to prepare and offers a fresh, Mediterranean flavor experience. For a creative twist, add grilled peach, watermelon, or balsamic glaze.

Power Bowls : Açaí bowls or Buddha bowls are the summer trend! Quinoa, rice, or couscous as a base, combined with seasonal vegetables, avocado, grilled chicken or tofu, and fresh fruit. Topped with a refreshing yogurt dressing or hummus, the bowl offers a light yet satisfying meal.

Ice-cold refreshment: Summer desserts

No summer without ice cream! Iced desserts are especially popular during the hotter months. This is where restaurateurs can get creative and combine the classic sundae with new flavors and ingredients.

Italian Gelato : When you think of summer, you think of gelato! Offer a selection of classic and seasonal ice cream flavors like lemon, strawberry, pistachio, mango, or coffee. For a unique experience, serve gelato sandwiches made from freshly baked sponge cake or waffles.

Fruity sorbets : Sorbets made from fresh berries, peaches, or watermelon are especially refreshing and a true treat on hot summer days. For an extra dose of freshness, you can refine them with a hint of mint or lime.

You can find ideas for a successful ice cream parlor here . 🍦

Refreshing drinks: Summer drinks

In summer, your guests aren't just looking for delicious food, they're also looking for cool drinks. A refreshing drinks menu can contribute to the success of your restaurant.

Sparkling Lemonades : Offer homemade lemonades made with lemon, lime, mint, or exotic fruits like pomegranate or mango. Of course, you can also add a little ginger ale or sparkling water for a tangy and refreshing twist.

Cold Brew Coffee : For coffee lovers, cold brew is the perfect summer drink. Unlike classic espresso, this coffee is brewed cold and has a particularly mild flavor. Serve it with ice cubes, oat milk, or caramel syrup—perfect for summer.

Light snacks for summer

In summer, light snacks are a must, and they go perfectly with a cool drink – whether at a street food festival, for takeaway from your Italian restaurant, or for any other catering establishment!

Bruschetta : Fresh ciabatta bread, toasted and topped with a mixture of tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil – a classic Italian snack that is quick to prepare yet incredibly delicious.

Hummus with Vegetable Sticks : Hummus with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, celery, or bell peppers is a healthy, vegan snack that's perfect for summer. Here, too, you can experiment with different hummus variations (e.g., with avocado or beetroot) for variety.

You can find the perfect street food packaging here . 🚚