Long, sunny days and rising temps mean one thing: it’s officially summer in Wisconsin. Whether you’re by the pool, playing yard games with friends, or relaxing after a day on the lake, summer is all about slowing down and keeping things light — especially when it comes to food.
That’s where chilled appetizers and desserts shine. Light, fresh, and perfect for warm-weather hosting, they’re easy to prep, easy to serve, and designed to keep things cool. At Lake Life Catering, we’re all about helping you create a menu that feels just right for the moment — relaxed, flavorful, and totally summer-ready.
Chilled Appetizers Your Guests Will Love
Here are a few chilled appetizers straight from our Lake Life Catering menu, perfect for keeping things light, fresh, and flavorful on hot summer days:
- Seasonal Fruit Display – A colorful mix of fresh, seasonal fruits that adds a bright and refreshing touch to any summer spread.
- Roasted and Fresh Vegetables with Hummus – Crisp, garden vegetables served with creamy hummus and roasted veggie accents — light, flavorful, and perfect for warm weather.
- Roasted Jumbo Shrimp with Bloody Mary Infused Cocktail Sauce – Chilled jumbo shrimp with a bold, zesty twist — a refreshing take on a classic favorite.
Seasonal Desserts That Keep it Cool
A chilled dessert is the perfect way to wrap up a summer gathering — light, sweet, and refreshing. Here are a few cool favorites from our Lake Life Catering menu:
- Mini Cheesecakes – Smooth, creamy, and served cold, these bite-sized treats are elegant, easy to serve, and always a hit.
- Mini Pies – These are served chilled and come in a variety of seasonal flavors. They’re the perfect mix of classic and fun for a summer celebration.
Easy Ways to Keep it Cool at Home
Not every gathering calls for full-service catering — but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a little inspiration from our menu. Whether it’s a quiet night on the dock or a last-minute sunset get-together, here are a couple of ways to recreate that Lake Life feel at home:
- Keep It Fresh – Think crisp produce, bold herbs, and light proteins. Even a simple plate of chilled shrimp and sliced melon feels elevated when it’s thoughtfully plated.
- Serve It Cold (and Cute) – Small jars, cups, or skewers help with portioning and presentation. Yogurt parfaits with fruit and granola, or pre-portioned veggie dips, are easy to prep and look great on a tray.
Just a little bit of intention — and a cool drink nearby — goes a long way.
Make it a Summer to Remember at Lake Life Catering
Whether you’re planning a lakeside celebration, a family gathering, or something a little more laid-back, chilled dishes can help set the tone — relaxed, seasonal, and effortlessly stylish.
At Lake Life Catering, we’re all about menus that fit the moment. From refreshing apps to cool, crowd-pleasing desserts, we’re here to help you host with ease (and flavor).
START PLANNING
