Summer is the season of vibrant flavors, outdoor gatherings, and relaxed dinners with friends. And nothing says effortless entertaining like a meal that’s packed with color, taste, and texture. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or an intimate evening with close friends, this three-course meal featuring a crunchy Ranch Wedge Salad, fiery Cajun Shrimp Skewers, and indulgent Balsamic Strawberry Shortcakes is the culinary celebration summer deserves.

Even better? We’re enhancing every bite with the bold, pure flavors of Watkins Organic products—from their iconic black peppercorns to their savory herbs and spices. Let’s dive into this Watkins-infused summer dinner party menu!

Course 1: Creamy Ranch Wedge Salad with Crispy Salami

Few salads make a statement quite like a wedge salad. With crisp iceberg lettuce, rich buttermilk ranch, and crave-worthy toppings, it’s the ultimate side dish—and Watkins spices bring it to life!

Ingredients:

• 2 heads of iceberg lettuce, quartered

• Buttermilk ranch dressing (see Watkins-powered recipe below!)

• 6 slices of salami, slivered and crisp-cooked

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• Red Sweety Drop Peppers, scattered to taste

• Ricotta salata cheese, crumbled or shaved

• Watkins Organic Black Peppercorn, freshly cracked

Instructions:

1. Trim and quarter the iceberg lettuce into 8 wedges. Rinse and pat dry.

2. Crisp up the salami in a hot skillet until it’s curling and golden. Drain on paper towels.

3. Arrange wedges on a platter. Drizzle generously with ranch dressing.

4. Top with chopped eggs, sweet pepper drops, crumbled ricotta salata, and crispy salami.

5. Finish with a solid crack of Watkins Organic Black Peppercorn.

Watkins-Powered Buttermilk Ranch Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 tsp Watkins Organic Garlic Powder

• 1 tsp Watkins Organic Onion Powder

• 1/2 tsp Watkins Organic Dill Weed

• 1/2 tsp Watkins Organic Parsley Flakes

• 1/2 tsp Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt

• Watkins Organic Black Peppercorn to taste

Whisk together until smooth, then chill for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Course 2: Spicy Cajun Shrimp Skewers

Bring on the bold with spicy Cajun shrimp! Watkins spices make it easy to mix up a fiery blend that brings out the best in fresh shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning (Watkins or homemade below)

• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice

• Wooden or metal skewers

Watkins-Inspired Cajun Seasoning:

• 1 tsp Watkins Organic smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp each Watkins Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Oregano, Thyme

• 1/4 tsp Watkins Organic Cayenne Pepper

• Watkins Sea Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, Watkins Organic Cajun Seasoning, and lemon juice. Marinate for 15–30 minutes.

2. Thread onto skewers (4–6 shrimp per skewer).

3. Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until just charred and cooked through.

4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Watkins spices make it easy to add the perfect balance of heat, herbs, and zest.

Dessert: Balsamic Strawberry Shortcakes

Wrap up your summer dinner with a sweet finale! Watkins Vanilla and a pinch of their bold black pepper take this fruity dessert to the next level.

For the Strawberries:

• 1.5 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 2–3 tbsp sugar

• 1.5 tsp balsamic vinegar

• Optional: pinch of Watkins Organic Black Pepper

For the Shortcakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 3/4 cup buttermilk

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract

Instructions:

1. Combine strawberries with sugar and balsamic. Add a pinch of Watkins pepper for depth. Let macerate 30–45 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix dry ingredients, then cut in butter. Stir in buttermilk just until combined.

3. Shape into 6 shortcakes and bake 12–15 minutes.

4. Whip cream with powdered sugar and Watkins vanilla.

5. Assemble and serve with extra juice and cream, if desired.

Why This Watkins-Infused Menu Works

This summer menu sings with flavor, and Watkins spices make it all shine. The creamy ranch gets a serious upgrade with the addition of herbs. The Cajun shrimp? Full of smoky, punchy goodness. And even dessert has a spicy-sweet surprise thanks to Watkins vanilla and pepper.

The best part? Everything can be made ahead, allowing you to be the ultimate relaxed host.

So, whether you’re throwing a full-on dinner party or just treating your favorite people to a flavor-packed summer night, this Watkins-inspired menu is a recipe for happy guests and zero leftovers.

Time to spice things up with Watkins!

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links through which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.