Summer Catering Menu: Light, Seasonal Meals for NYC Events

Summer in New York City is a season of energy—longer days, rooftop views, and outdoor gatherings that deserve meals as bright and refreshing as the weather. At Green Apple Catering and Events, our summer catering menu brings together clean, colorful ingredients and easy-to-enjoy formats designed for the season.

Whether you're planning a team lunch, a private garden party, or a wellness-focused event, our menu offers flexible options that travel well, serve beautifully, and satisfy a variety of tastes. Each dish is crafted for comfort in warm weather—light, bold, and made with fresh, local ingredients that speak to the season.

Sample Summer Catering Menu

Main Dishes

• Lemon-Tahini Lentil Bowl (Vegan): With roasted carrots, microgreens, and sunflower seeds
• Grilled Chicken with Citrus Marinade: Served chilled with fresh herb garnish

Sides

• Cucumber & Tomato Salad: Tossed with mint, olive oil, and sea salt
• Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with herbs, vegetables, and lemon zest

Desserts

• Lemon Mousse Cups: Dairy-free, served in chilled compostable jars
• Berry Crumble Bars: Gluten-free, naturally sweetened with maple syrup

Beverages

• Mint-Infused Cucumber Water: Served chilled with citrus slices
• Hibiscus Iced Tea: Lightly sweetened and garnished with edible flowers

Service Notes

• Available in individual boxes, buffet trays, or plated service
• Allergen-friendly and vegan options clearly labeled
• Delivered citywide in compostable, eco-friendly packaging

Vibrant Ingredients and Light, Flavorful Dishes

Our summer menu is all about balance. We highlight produce at its peak—ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers, fresh herbs, stone fruit—and pair them with whole grains, grilled proteins, and citrus-forward dressings. These dishes are meant to be eaten chilled or room temperature, ideal for rooftop lunches, outdoor brunches, or midday meetings under the sun.

Popular options include lentil grain bowls with lemon tahini, basil couscous salad with peaches, and marinated tofu skewers that are flavorful yet light. You’ll also find watermelon-feta bites, roasted corn salsa, and colorful slaws that bring texture and brightness to the plate. Explore more of our fresh, no-fuss offerings in the light summer menu NYC, where wellness and flavor go hand in hand.

Corporate Lunches, Rooftop Events, and Backyard Gatherings

Summer events in NYC are as diverse as the city itself—and our catering is designed to match. We offer both buffet-style trays and individually boxed meals, ideal for rooftop offices, private terraces, nonprofit celebrations, or wellness-focused meetings. No matter the location or guest count, our team ensures your meal arrives labeled, styled, and ready to enjoy.

Each format is tailored to your setting, from compostable cutlery for park-side events to small-plate presentation for elevated client lunches. Our summer BBQ catering NYC menu also pairs perfectly for events where grilled items and cool side dishes meet under the sun.

Diet-Inclusive Menus for Every Guest

Summer gatherings often bring together a wide range of dietary needs—and we believe everyone deserves to enjoy the meal. Our menu includes clearly labeled vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options that taste as beautiful as they look. These are not “alternative” items—they’re main features, created with care and flavor-first thinking.

Favorites include grilled portobello steaks with chimichurri, quinoa-stuffed peppers, and chilled cucumber noodle salads with sesame vinaigrette. For guests avoiding dairy or gluten, we offer naturally inclusive sides like roasted vegetables, citrus-marinated lentils, and bright herb dressings. Many of these inclusive ideas are drawn from our fall catering menu NYC, where seasonal inclusivity is central to the experience.

Desserts, Drinks, and Seasonal Extras

No summer meal is complete without something sweet and something cool to sip. We offer lemon mousse cups, vegan berry parfaits, and seasonal fruit bars that are light, bright, and easy to enjoy outdoors. Served chilled in compostable jars or paper boats, they’re designed to close your meal with color and refreshment.

On the beverage side, we create beautiful drink stations with cucumber-mint water, iced hibiscus tea, and sparkling citrus mocktails served with fresh herb garnish. These seasonal add-ons are as welcome at a business lunch as they are at a wedding brunch. For more beverage-forward inspiration, check out our spring-ready pairings in the spring catering menu NYC, where every detail—from the glassware to the garnish—matters.

Booking Made Simple: Compostable, Custom, and On-Time

We make catering feel like summer should—easy, smooth, and joyful. Choose from pre-built summer bundles or let our team help you create a custom spread. We assist with delivery scheduling, portion planning, and dietary accommodations, so you never feel rushed or overwhelmed.

Everything arrives in eco-conscious packaging, labeled clearly, and styled for effortless presentation. Whether you’re hosting a 10-person strategy session or a 100-guest rooftop mixer, we’ll deliver a menu that reflects the season and respects the moment. See how we bring this philosophy to every season on our seasonal catering menus page—where great food meets thoughtful timing year-round.

Contact us today to plan your summer catering menu—and let Green Apple bring bold flavor, fresh color, and stress-free service to your next NYC event.