When the weather’s warm, we love the chance to bring delicious food and drinks outside to enjoy them al fresco. Whether it’s for a picnic, an outdoor movie night, or dinner on a patio, dining outside makes the occasion even more special.

The key to dining al fresco in warm weather is to enjoy light, fresh fare paired with lively, flavorful drinks. Think of fresh produce and high acidity wine or cocktails as the perfect pairings of summer.

We love the vibrant flavors we get in the summer – from heirloom tomatoes to creamy avocados and fresh pesto. And we have some great ideas about how to fill your plate and your glass this season. Below you’ll find delicious recipes inspired by our restaurant offerings, and menu items you can enjoy at Wally’s or take to-go.

For each of the food suggestions, our experts have provided excellent drink pairings to enjoy with them. Whether you want crisp summer flavors or rich elegant bites, there’s an option for you.

DIY Gourmet Onion Dip – or – Wally’s Artichoke Hummus

Level up your dip game this summer with a gourmet — and delicious — take on the classic onion dip. This elevated recipe from Food & Wine uses five different types of alliums (including shallots, scallions, sweet onions, yellow onions, and red onions) to create a decadent dip with layers of flavor. Enjoy it with truffle chips, baguette, or crudites.

Or, enjoy a taste of summer with Wally’s seasonal Artichoke Hummus in our restaurant. This blend of garbanzo, tahini, and steamed artichoke celebrates summer ingredients and makes a great snack to enjoy, both indoors or outdoors.

To wash down these dips with perfect sips, we recommend a full-bodied, flavorful white wine with high acidity. One delicious option is 2022 Presquile Aligote Santa Barbara ($45), a crisp and refreshing white. We also love bright Chardonnay for this pairing, such as 2021 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay ($115) and 2017 Paul Lato Chardonnay Les Bons Amis ($50).

DIY Caprese Pasta Salad – or – Wally’s Caprese Sandwich

Nothing tastes like summer more than a caprese salad, with layers of juicy tomato, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. It’s even more delicious enjoyed outside under the sun. For an easy picnic side or main dish, try making this simple yet delicious Caprese Pasta Salad at home. It combines all the signature ingredients of a caprese salad in a hearty pasta that holds up well to travelling or dining outside.

You can also enjoy these classic flavors at Wally’s when you order our decadent Caprese Sandwich at lunch. It’s layered with sun-dried tomato pesto, heirloom tomato, and fresh mozzarella for a fresh and summery bite.

For your drink pairing, we recommend plenty of acidity to elevate your caprese flavors. Try a clean and crisp white, such as the vibrant 2022 RouteStock Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($20), or a powerfully ripe red like 2018 Masciarelli 'Marina Cvetic' Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva ($30), or a delicate red such as 2021 Claude Riffault 'La Noue' Sancerre Rouge ($45). On the cocktail side, a classic Aperol Spritz is a great way to go.

DIY Creamy Avocado Dip – or – Wally’s Avocado Salad

Avocado season is in full swing in the summer and it’s the perfect opportunity to feast on this creamy treat in the sunshine. But this time, upgrade your classic guacamole with a luxurious yet simple twist. Using this easy recipe, just blend peeled avocados with yogurt, scallions, lemon juice, and zest, then season to perfection and enjoy with crostini or chips.

To enjoy fresh avocado season at Wally’s, try our seasonal Butter Lettuce Avocado Salad. It’s a crunchy lunchtime bite with snap peas, asparagus, and crisp lettuce, topped with grilled avocado and a bright vinaigrette.

The perfect drink pairing for guacamole, avocado dip, or avocado salad? A margarita! Order The Eiza at Wally’s to get yours with a spicy twist, thanks to fresno chile and house made tajin.

If you’re in the mood for wine, crisp and acidic whites are ideal with these dishes. Try a fresh Spanish white such as 2022 Alegre Valganon Rioja Blanco ($25), a citrus-driven Chardonnay like 2021 Failla Chardonnay Sonoma Coast ($40), or an elegant mineral-noted white like 2021 Brundlmayer 'Ried Loiserberg' Gruner Veltliner, Kamptal ($40).

DIY Nicoise Salad – or – Wally’s Nicoise Salad

Fresh and flavorful, a nicoise salad is the perfect summer bite for a hot day. Plus, it’s easy to make your own decadent version to enjoy on your patio. This classic recipe combines vibrant greens and tomatoes with rich tuna and eggs. It’s light enough for warm weather, but hearty enough to be a full meal.

Come in to Wally’s to enjoy the seasonal Nicoise Salad in our restaurant or to-go. Our classic preparation uses a light dressing to let our fresh produce shine. We also add seared bluefin tuna, fingerling potatoes and artichoke hearts to create a flavorful feast.

One of our favorite parings for a fresh salad is a light, dry Provence-style rosé, such as 2022 Chateau La Coste Rose, Cotes de Provence ($25). We also love an invigorating and aromatic rosé like 2023 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rose ($45), or a delicately fruity white like 2022 Rumor Blanc, Cotes de Provence ($30). For a cocktail option, try a classic Negroni with sweet and herbal notes to balance the savory flavors of the salad.

DIY Pesto-Prosciutto Flatbread – or – Wally’s Mortadella Pizza

Light on prep time but big on flavor, a pesto-prosciutto flatbread is a perfect idea for a last-minute picnic or when you need a dish for an outdoor event this summer. This is a great way to incorporate luxurious flavors like prosciutto into an easy-to-make bite. This delicious recipe offers rustic Mediterranean flavor with tomato pesto, arugula, prosciutto, and provolone. Don’t forget to stock up on Italian prosciutto at Wally’s cheese counter.

Stop by Wally’s to enjoy a seasonal favorite that makes a great bite for an outdoor gathering: Wally's Mortadella Pizza layered with lemon mascarpone, mozzarella, shaved mortadella, and topped with fresh burrata and pistachio crumbles. It’s a perfect dish to share with the table or enjoy on your own.

You can pair these pizzas with fresh and lively wines that bring out the rich flavors in delicate meat dishes. We recommend a fruity and floral white like 2021 Pighin Pinot Grigio, Collio ($35), a bright red wine with berry notes like 2021 Brezza Dolcetto d'Alba ($25), or a food-friendly red with smooth tannins such as 2019 Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva ($45).

Looking for more wine or spirit recommendations? Reach out to our Customer Support team and they’ll be happy to provide a suggestion or help you shop.