Light Summer Catering Menus in NYC

Summer catering in New York City calls for a different kind of menu—one that feels refreshing, not heavy, and that complements the energy of rooftop celebrations, garden parties, and afternoon gatherings that spill into golden hour. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we create light summer menus that are elegant, balanced, and perfect for warm-weather events across the city.

We design each menu to match the moment: crisp textures, seasonal ingredients, and clean flavor profiles that leave guests feeling satisfied—not weighed down. Whether it’s a post-ceremony cocktail hour or a full family-style dinner under string lights, our goal is to make food that fits the setting, the season, and the mood.

Our approach to summer catering is rooted in seasonality. Light doesn’t have to mean minimal—it means thoughtful. It means building menus around vibrant produce, lean proteins, chilled sides, and dressings that elevate rather than overwhelm. If you’re already exploring what the season can offer, our seasonal catering menus show how we interpret each time of year with flavor and style.

What Defines a Light Summer Menu?

“Light” can mean different things to different people. For us, it’s about balance. A light menu isn’t just a plate of greens—it’s a curated selection of dishes that hold their own in summer weather, are easy to enjoy while standing or mingling, and don’t require guests to sit down for a heavy, multi-course meal unless they want to.

It also means using ingredients that are in their peak window. Summer squash, heirloom tomatoes, stone fruits, garden herbs—these are the stars of our summer menus. By letting these ingredients speak for themselves, we’re able to create dishes that feel refreshing but still full of flavor and character.

If you’ve hosted events with us earlier in the year, you’ve seen how this philosophy carries through. Our spring menus offer similarly vibrant and produce-forward dishes, setting the stage for the even bolder brightness of summer offerings.

From Fresh Ingredients to Finish

Our chefs prioritize both beauty and practicality in summer dishes. A chilled farro salad with roasted corn and fresh herbs looks just as good at the start of a party as it does two hours in. Grilled shrimp with lemon zest oil holds up on a skewer. Watermelon and feta cubes topped with basil stay crisp and clean-tasting in the heat.

This kind of menu planning comes not just from knowing food, but knowing New York. We’ve catered events in lofts, on patios, aboard yachts, and in brownstone gardens—and we’ve learned exactly how to build menus that feel indulgent without being overdone.

In the next section, we’ll share a sample light summer menu and walk through event formats where these kinds of dishes shine—from gallery receptions to engagement brunches and intimate wedding dinners. We’ll also show how our lighter catering options blend with more rustic formats like our summer BBQ menus for clients who want variety on the table.

Sample Light Summer Menu

Below is a sample menu that reflects the kinds of dishes our clients request most often in the warmer months. It’s seasonal, clean, and completely customizable to your event’s style and guest list.

• Chilled Cucumber and Mint Soup Shots
• Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Zest and Parsley
• Heirloom Tomato Salad with Feta, Basil, and Olive Oil
• Watermelon and Radish with Sea Salt and Microgreens
• Farro with Grilled Corn, Scallion, and Lemon Vinaigrette
• Mini Peach Galettes with Honey Glaze
• Sparkling Citrus Iced Tea (with optional herbal infusions)

While we build every menu from scratch, this gives you a sense of the kind of balance we aim for: dishes that taste fresh, look beautiful, and hold up over the course of a summer afternoon or evening. Guests feel satisfied without feeling full, and there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.

Event Types That Pair with Light Menus

Light summer catering is especially popular for events that prioritize flow and interaction. Think rooftop brunches, gallery openings, welcome receptions, poolside parties, and early evening gatherings. In these settings, food plays a central role in setting the mood—approachable, delicious, and easy to enjoy while standing, walking, or talking.

These menus also work beautifully for more elegant occasions. We’ve created fully plated multi-course dinners using only light dishes—layered in flavor but intentionally composed to match the tempo of warm evenings and open-air settings.

If you’re already thinking ahead, remember that lighter-style menus aren’t only for summer. Our fall menu offers a seasonal transition with roasted vegetables, broths, and grains that continue that same sense of balance. And during winter, we adapt the format for comfort-driven fare that still respects pacing and variety. You can explore what that looks like on our winter catering page.

Booking Your Summer Event

If you’re planning a summer event and want to offer your guests something thoughtful, flavorful, and seasonal, we’d love to talk. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, every menu begins with a conversation—about your goals, your venue, your style, and your guests.

We design each menu with care, using seasonal ingredients from trusted local purveyors, and offer support for everything from layout to timing to service style. Whether you need passed plates for a casual cocktail hour or a fully composed tasting menu, our team can make it happen—light, bright, and just right for the season.