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 HawaiiTahini 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 TimesIna Garten’s legendary pesto pasta salad with peasRich 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 LAWe love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at [email protected]!

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.