There’s something about dining en plein air that makes everything taste better—so don’t be afraid to keep things simple. A classic roasted salmon with lemon and dill, tender-crisp asparagus and bright, crave-worthy sides and desserts make for an effortlessly elegant meal, best enjoyed in the backyard alongside good friends and summer’s bursting blooms.

Recipes by Julie Van Rosendaal

1. Roasted Salmon with Lemon and Dill

A fillet of salmon is perfect for a garden party, and delicious served at room temperature. It cooks in about 10 minutes, so you can slide it in when your crispy crushed potatoes are done, or vice versa.

2. Crispy Crushed Potatoes

Crispy Crushed Potatoes

Boiling and squishing new potatoes creates craggy edges and allows for maximum crispy bits. Sprinkle the potatoes with finely chopped herbs or chilies, with a curry or other spice blend, or a generous grating of parmesan. They’re also delicious just sprinkled with salt.

3. Marinated Asparagus

When asparagus is in season, it’s a good idea to consume as much as possible. This simple dish, inspired by Edgar Farms—the iconic asparagus growers in Innisfail, Alberta—can be assembled ahead of time and gets even better after some time in the fridge.

4. Scrunched Spanakopita

Spanakopita is far easier to prepare when you scrunch your greens with oil first, breaking them down and compacting them more quickly than if you put them straight into the skillet.

5. Citrus Possets

Citrus possets are reminiscent of key lime pie. They couldn’t be easier to make—simply simmer the cream, sugar and citrus, and a chemical reaction will cause the mixture to firm up in the fridge as it cools. The result is similar to panna cotta, without the need for gelatin. Garnish with fresh berries and/or edible flowers if you like, or with crumbled graham crackers or Biscoff biscuits for a pie vibe.

Get the Look

A party in the garden calls for rustic-chic decor, like these beautiful slate-grey Linge Particulier napkins ($148, set of 6) from France; short-stemmed, European-style Bella wine glasses in Laurel Mist ($18 each); a black-and-white striped pure linen tablecloth, also from Linge Particulier ($398); and classic rattan placemats ($48) in an antique brown finish.  All available at Gild and Co in Vancouver,  gildandco.com

Recipes by Julie Van Rosendaal

Food styling by Lawren Moneta

Photography and prop styling by Tracey Ayton

Assistant styling by Bonnie Wilson-Renaud

Julie Van Rosendaal

Julie Van Rosendaal