Summer Salad Extravaganza: Build the Ultimate Summer Menu with BBQ, Sliders, Tacos & More
- Bill O'Brien
- 5 hours ago
- 7 min read
☀️ Cool Catering Meets Hot Summer Flavor
When the Florida sun is blazing and the humidity hits, the last thing anyone wants is a heavy meal. That’s where A Fresh Connection Catering comes in with our Summer Salad Extravaganza — a refreshing and flavor-packed catering menu designed to keep your guests cool, satisfied, and raving about the food. Whether you're planning a corporate lunch in St. Pete, a poolside birthday party in Tampa, or a summer celebration anywhere across the Bay Area, this vibrant menu is a perfect fit for events with 30 or more guests.
At the heart of this seasonal offering is a curated lineup of cool, fresh, and boldly flavorful salads that bring variety and color to your summer table. From our hearty Italian Grinder Chopped Salad to the sweet and savory Strawberry Watermelon Salad, we’ve crafted dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Other highlights include the Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad, Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, and the always crowd-pleasing Watermelon Cucumber Feta with Mint — each one hand-prepared to bring maximum freshness and seasonal flair.
But salads are just the start. We know that every summer event is different, which is why we offer an array of perfect pairings to turn your gathering into a full-on feast. You can combine our Summer Salad Extravaganza with:
🥪 Gourmet Sandwich Platters for casual office lunches
🍔 Custom Slider Bars perfect for mingling and networking events
🌮 Taco Bars that bring bold flavor and fun to any party
🍖 Smoky BBQ options for a backyard-style summer vibe
Whether you’re feeding a team, a family, or a guest list full of friends, we’ll help you build a custom summer catering menu that fits your style, guest count, and flavor preferences. And yes — we do it all across St. Petersburg, Tampa, and the greater Tampa Bay area.
This summer, let A Fresh Connection Catering bring the flavor, the freshness, and the fun. Now, let’s take a closer look at the dishes that make our Summer Salad Extravaganza a crowd favorite. ⬇️
🥗 The Summer Salad Extravaganza Menu
When it comes to summer catering, nothing hits quite like a spread of fresh, seasonal salads — and at A Fresh Connection Catering, we’ve taken it to the next level. Our Summer Salad Extravaganza isn’t just light and refreshing — it’s a colorful, crave-worthy collection of dishes that hold their own at any gathering, from corporate events to backyard BBQs.
Here’s what’s on the summer salad lineup:
🧀 Italian Grinder Chopped Salad
Inspired by the viral sandwich trend, this salad is a bold blend of chopped romaine, sliced salami, ham, provolone, banana peppers, tomatoes, and red onion, tossed in our creamy Italian vinaigrette. It’s hearty, savory, and a total crowd-pleaser.
🌿 Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad
Fresh cherry tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, red onion, and basil combine in this rustic, sun-drenched dish. Finished with a zesty herb vinaigrette and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan — it’s Italy on a plate.
🧆 Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A vegetarian favorite that’s as protein-packed as it is flavorful. Featuring chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives, all dressed in a lemony garlic-herb vinaigrette.
🍉 Watermelon Cucumber Feta with Mint
The ultimate Florida refresher. Juicy watermelon cubes and crisp cucumber slices are paired with crumbled feta and fresh mint for a sweet-and-savory bite that cools you down and wakes up your palate.
🍓 Strawberry Watermelon Salad
Sweet strawberries, chilled watermelon, and a hint of balsamic glaze make this one as beautiful as it is delicious. We can even add goat cheese or almonds upon request for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
🌯 Chili Lime Shrimp Wraps
Okay, not technically a salad — but they deserve a spot on this list. These refreshing wraps feature chilled chili-lime marinated shrimp, shredded greens, and avocado crema wrapped in flour tortillas. A light, zesty bite perfect for summer events.
🇬🇷 7-Layer Greek Dip
Layered with hummus, tzatziki, diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and feta — served with crisp pita chips. It’s like a Mediterranean mezze platter in one scoopable dish.
🌶️ Fiesta Black Bean Salad
Zesty black beans, sweet corn, diced peppers, and a chili-cilantro vinaigrette give this salad a Southwest kick. It’s the perfect partner to a taco bar — but more on that in the next section.
Each dish is handcrafted in our St. Petersburg catering kitchen using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Whether you're planning a summer wedding shower, a corporate appreciation lunch, or just a laid-back celebration with friends, our Summer Salad Extravaganza offers something cool and flavorful for everyone at the table.
Ready to build your perfect pairing? Up next, we’ll show you how to turn this salad spread into a full summer feast. ⬇️
🍴 Build Your Perfect Pairing
Your Summer Salad Extravaganza is the perfect start — but when it’s time to serve a full meal to hungry guests, we’ve got delicious pairings that take your event from fresh to unforgettable. At A Fresh Connection Catering, we make it easy to mix and match your favorite summer salads with hearty, crowd-pleasing mains that fit your vibe.
Here’s how to build your summer catering dream team:
🥪 Sandwich Platters
Our sandwich platters are anything but basic. Think roasted turkey with cranberry aioli, grilled vegetables with herbed goat cheese, and classic club sandwiches stacked high. Perfect for corporate luncheons or any casual summer spread.
💡 Pair with the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad or Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad for a balanced and satisfying lunch.
🍔 Slider Bars
Want to keep things fun and flexible? Our custom slider bars let guests choose their favorites — from mini Angus beef burgers with caramelized onions to BBQ pulled pork or black bean sliders. Add all the toppings, and you’ve got built-in summer entertainment.
🔥 Serve alongside the Italian Grinder Chopped Salad or 7-Layer Greek Dip for serious flavor impact.
🌮 Taco Bars
Let’s taco ‘bout a party! Our build-your-own taco bars feature a selection of proteins (like chili-lime chicken, ground beef, and seasoned jackfruit), fresh tortillas, and all the toppings you love — from pico de gallo to cilantro-lime crema.
🌶️ The Fiesta Black Bean Salad and Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad are natural companions here.
🍖 BBQ Buffets
Craving something smoky and satisfying? Our BBQ options bring that backyard cookout feel to any event — think pulled pork, smoked chicken, BBQ ribs, and all the classic sides. Perfect for outdoor celebrations and team-building events.
🍓 Pair your BBQ spread with Strawberry Watermelon Salad or Chili Lime Shrimp Wraps for a cool contrast to the heat.
Whether you're planning an indoor meeting or an outdoor bash, our pairing options are customizable to fit your theme, guest count, and dietary preferences. And with our team handling the food, setup, and service, you get to enjoy the event right along with your guests.
Whether you're planning an indoor meeting or an outdoor bash, our pairing options are customizable to fit your theme, guest count, and dietary preferences. And with our team handling the food, setup, and service, you get to enjoy the event right along with your guests.
🎉 Special Summer Offer: Book any summer catering event for 30 or more guests
before July 4th, and receive a complimentary Watermelon Fruit Basket — beautifully carved and overflowing with sweet, chilled fruit. It’s our way of saying thanks for celebrating summer with us. 🍉✨
🎉 Events We Cater: Big Gatherings, Bigger Flavor
At A Fresh Connection Catering, we specialize in events that bring people together — and during the summer months, that means cool salads, hot BBQ, and unforgettable spreads served with style. If you're planning a celebration with 30 or more guests, we’re ready to deliver the flavor, flexibility, and flawless execution your event deserves.
Here are just a few of the summer events we love to cater:
🏢 Corporate Luncheons & Office Parties
Keep your team cool and productive with a refreshing midday spread. From salad buffets and sandwich platters to build-your-own taco or slider bars, we make lunchtime the highlight of the workday.
🏖️ Backyard Pool Parties & Family Reunions
Take the stress out of summer hosting with a custom catering menu that brings the bold flavors while you soak up the sun. Our Summer Salad Extravaganza and BBQ options are backyard favorites for a reason.
🎓 Graduation Celebrations
Honor your grad with a celebration that’s as fresh and memorable as their big achievement. We’ll help you build a menu that keeps everyone happy — from hungry teens to proud grandparents.
👶 Bridal Showers & Baby Showers
Looking for light, elegant, and seasonal? Our chilled wraps, gourmet dips, and signature salads are a hit at every shower. Add in a fruit display or slider bar and you’ve got a complete, Insta-worthy event.
🏆 Team-Building Events & Summer Fundraisers
Fuel the fun with a summer-friendly menu designed to energize your group. We offer easy delivery, setup, and service to make your planning simple and seamless.
No matter the occasion, we bring the same commitment to fresh ingredients, creative presentations, and exceptional service — all tailored to your guest list and vision. And if you're not sure where to start, we’re happy to help you build a custom menu that’s uniquely you.
📍 Serving St. Petersburg, Tampa, and the greater Tampa Bay Area, our catering team is standing by to make your summer event a success — from the first bite to the final toast.
Want to take advantage of our seasonal offer? Book before July 4th to score a complimentary Watermelon Fruit Basket! 🍉
📞 Let’s Make This Summer Delicious — Book Your Event Today!
Whether you’re planning a corporate luncheon in St. Pete, a pool party in Tampa, or a summer celebration anywhere in the Bay Area, A Fresh Connection Catering is your go-to for fresh flavors, creative pairings, and full-service catering done right.
🎉 Now’s the time to book your summer event for 30 or more guests — and get rewarded with a complimentary Watermelon Fruit Basket when you reserve by July 4th! 🍉✨
We make it easy:
📱 Call us at 727-308-1256
💻 Request a quote online at www.afreshconnection.com
📍 Serving St. Petersburg, Tampa, and the entire Tampa Bay area
Don’t wait until your summer calendar fills up. Let us bring the flavor and the fun to your next event!
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