What would Dad like more than yet another tie? A vibrant, flavor-packed summer cookout, that’s what. Surprise him with a delicious dinner straight from the grill that you can share together. We combed through our recipe archive and threw in some new, summery ideas to make sure Dad feels the love from appetizers to dessert.
Appetizers
While Dad plops down in a lawn chair and shares heroic tales of his youth, you can get started on these appetizers that burst with summer flavor.
Strawberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
While the grates heat up, share a spread of seasonal snacks like this berry and basil bruschetta. It’s a little sweet and a little salty, just like Dad.
Grilled Tomato and Romaine Salad
This refreshing salad is right in Dad’s wheelhouse — every step takes place at the grill. Cook the romaine until it’s just charred and take this opportunity to enjoy tomatoes in peak season.
Main Course
The mood is jovial, the drinks and dad jokes are flowing, and now it’s time for the main event: steak — and we’re not talking just any old slab of beef.
Grilled Rib-Eyes with Salsa Verde
A little pre-work goes a long way in this sizzling recipe. Make the Salsa Verde the night before, then add it for a vibrant counterpart to juicy steak. See below for the full game plan.
Before: Put some tunes on and assemble supplies for this Salsa Verde opens in a new tab adventure. A mortar and pestle works best to mash the garlicky paste for the base of the salsa. If you don't have one, a solid fork will do the trick with some extra love and dedication.
During: Now comes the easy part. Prepare a grill or grill pan for medium-high heat cooking. Season steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Place steaks on the grill and cook 3 minutes; rotate each steak about 90 degrees (this will give you nice grill marks) and cook 3 more minutes. Flip steaks and repeat grilling and rotating process, cooking until steaks reach desired doneness, about 5 minutes more for medium-rare (145°F internal temperature).
After: Transfer steaks to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Serve with Salsa Verde on the side.
And while you’re at it, add this zesty side dish:
Grilled Asparagus with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
For the vinaigrette, give the garlic a little TLC at 350°F in the oven. Then turn to the grill, where you’ll have tender, melt-in-your-mouth spears in 5 – 7 minutes.
Get the recipe: Grilled Asparagus with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
Drinks
Show you know Dad’s taste by pairing the meal with his favorite drink!* Not sure what flavors blend best with this Father’s Day menu? Our beverage experts have you covered.
Beer: Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA. A bright, tangy beer that still packs a punch. Dad-approved in every way.
Wine: Maison Noir In Sheep's Clothing Cabernet Sauvignon. A wine as complex as Dad is caring, with ripe fruit flavors and balanced acidity, full-bodied finish and traces of anise, thyme and bay leaf.
Dessert
By the time Father’s Day rolls around, it’s hot and getting hotter, so finish on a light, sweet note with fruit-forward desserts that star seasonal produce.
Grilled Fruit
Try grilled fruit like peaches, nectarines, watermelon and pineapple for a refreshing, smoky-sweet treat. Bonus: Top with a scoop of your favorite frozen yogurt (or a nondairy alternative).
Strawberry Shortcake
Then, because he always goes over the top for you, return the favor with this scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake recipe that comes together in a hurry.
*Must be 21+ to purchase. Please drink responsibly.
