Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

Hot Days, Cool Food: The Barefoot Contessa’s 20 Best Platters, Dips, Salads and Spreads

Posted on August 17, 2020 by Leslie Wu

When it’s too hot to cook, Ina Garten has the perfect way to keep you cool in the kitchen. Learn from her experience as a Hampton's caterer and put out an array of platters, dips, salads and spreads. With a little bit of preparation and a summer sipper in hand, you can have a relaxed dinner on the patio or picnic in the park.

  • Smoked Salmon Platter
     
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    Smoked Salmon Platter

    <p>Some specialty markets or smaller grocers offer in-house versions of this luxe treat, smoked with different types of wood for variations in flavour. Choose your favourite <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-smoked-salmon-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">smoked salmon</a> and serve it on a pretty platter with red onions, capers, lemons and fresh, fluffy dill (try sweet Meyer lemons, tiny cornichons or buttery giant caper berries for an upscale twist).</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/breakfast-smoked-salmon-platter/20040/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Platter</a></strong></p>
  • Cheese and Homemade Guinness Brown Bread Platter
     
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    Cheese and Homemade Guinness Brown Bread Platter

    <p>You already know the basics: provide a mix of textures and flavour strengths with your cheese, and take it out of the fridge ahead of time to bring it up to optimal serving temperature. Give your selection a soigné spin with fig or grape leaves, a variety of dried fruit (Ina suggests apricots, but you can also try figs, dates, cherries or more) and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/irish-guinness-brown-bread/21523/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homemade Guinness brown bread</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cheese-and-bread-platter/21525/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Cheese and Bread Platter</a></strong></p>
  • Seafood Platter
     
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    Seafood Platter

    <p>Time for a cornucopia of crustaceans — assemble a tasty platter of the freshest seafood you can find, break out some cracking equipment and some wet cloths for cleanup, and share a sumptuous feast. Ina recommends a mix of oysters, littleneck clams, lobsters, jumbo shrimp and blue claw crab, with two sauces.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/seafood-platter/18374" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Seafood Platter</a></strong></p>
  • Greek Mezze Platter
     
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    Greek Mezze Platter

    <p>As long as you remember to plan ahead with marinating the feta (and toasting some pita chips), this easy platter comes together with good <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/photos/ina-garten-recipes-using-store-bought-ingredients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">store-bought ingredients</a>. Artfully arrange dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), roasted red peppers and hummus for a hearty and satisfying no-cook meal.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/greek-mezze-platter/20015/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Greek Mezze Platter</a></strong></p>
  • Hummus
     
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    Hummus

    <p>Serve this creamy <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-hummus-dip-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hummus recipe</a> with crudités such as baby radishes or slices of raw fennel, or crack open a box of your favourite chips or pitas. For a more substantial plate, sprinkle the hummus with small pieces of cooked lamb or other meat, or even whole chickpeas for more protein.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-hummus/20291" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Hummus</a></strong></p>
  • Butternut Squash Hummus
     
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    Butternut Squash Hummus

    <p>Looking for a hint of sweetness in your hummus? Ina whips <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/32-brilliant-ways-to-use-butternut-squash/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">butternut squash</a> into this take on the chickpea favourite, and drizzles an extra bit of maple syrup on top as a finishing touch. Greek yogurt adds a bit of sour tang as a counterpoint.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/butternut-squash-hummus/20582/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Butternut Squash Hummus</a></strong></p>
  • Smoked Salmon Spread
     
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    Smoked Salmon Spread

    <p>Should you have leftover smoked salmon, or even if you want to start from fresh, this simple spread is ready in no time. Ina favours Norwegian salmon for its drier and less salty texture.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-smoked-salmon-spread/17349" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Spread</a></strong></p>
  • Herb Coeur a la Crème
     
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    Herb Coeur a la Crème

    <p>Whether you make these drained cheese delicacies in their traditional heart shaped moulds or just in ramekins, the thickened herbed <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-cream-cheese-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cream cheese</a> is a great spread as part of a platter or served on its own with an assortment of crackers and flatbreads.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/herb-coeur-a-la-creme/20665/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Herb Coeur a la Crème</a></strong></p>
  • Pan Fried Onion Dip
     
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    Pan Fried Onion Dip

    <p>One of Ina’s fan favourites, this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/photos/26-crowd-pleasing-dip-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">crowd-pleasing dip</a> trades powdered soup for slowly caramelized onions, meltingly soft and sweet combined with cream cheese, sour cream and good mayonnaise. Don’t disappoint Ina by subbing in substandard mayonnaise — this is one time to shell out for the good stuff or make your own.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pan-fried-onion-dip/17339" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Pan Fried Onion Dip</a></strong></p>
  • Roasted Eggplant Spread
     
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    Roasted Eggplant Spread

    <p>Tossing <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-eggplant-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">eggplant</a>, red peppers and onions together in a sheet pan to roast makes for an easy take on baba ghanoush. You won’t get the traditional charred flavour from grilling the eggplant over an open flame, but this sweeter, milder version will soon become a favourite addition to dinner on a hot night.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-eggplant-spread/16050/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Roasted Eggplant Spread</a></strong></p>
  • Fresh Corn Salad
     
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    Fresh Corn Salad

    <p>Keeping <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/best-fresh-corn-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fresh corn</a> the star of this dish is key, and this simple recipe complements the sweetness with a little cider vinegar, and basil. Roast, grill or sauté the kernels if you’d like an extra layer of flavour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/fresh-corn-salad/21589/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Fresh Corn Salad</a></strong></p>
  • Chopped Vegetable Salad
     
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    Chopped Vegetable Salad

    <p>Turn chickpeas and a heaping helping of fresh herbs into a chop, toss and serve dinner. Ina uses a popular flavour combination found throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East: feta, mint, chickpeas and tomatoes.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/middle-eastern-vegetable-salad/15061/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad</a></strong></p>
  • Tomato Carpaccio
     
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    Tomato Carpaccio

    <p>Late summer <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/fresh-tomato-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tomatoes</a> are so beautiful that cooking them seems almost a waste. This no-cook carpaccio is redolent with puddles of a Caesar-esque dressing, salty capers and fleur de sel and shavings of parmesan. Ina recommends serving extra of the dressing in a pretty pitcher on the side so that guests can help themselves to more.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/inas-tomato-carpaccio/20061/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina’s Tomato Carpaccio</a></strong></p>
  • Crunchy Noodle Salad
     
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    Crunchy Noodle Salad

    <p>The crispness of sugar snap peas, bell peppers and scallions gives this noodle salad its name. Ina uses smooth peanut butter here to blend well with the rest of the dressing ingredients, although chunky versions could also work. For more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/dinner-salads-without-lettuce/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lettuce-free salads, try these recipes</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crunchy-noodle-salad/16826/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Crunchy Noodle Salad</a></strong></p>
  • Blini With Smoked Salmon
     
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    Blini With Smoked Salmon

    <p>Teeny-tiny blini look sophisticated, but if you can flip a pancake, then you can have these small bites on a platter and ready to devour in no time. Ina likes the traditional smoked salmon and crème fraîche topping, but you could use a favourite topping if you prefer.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/blini-with-smoked-salmon/17345/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Blini With Smoked Salmon</a></strong></p>
  • Tomato Feta Pasta Salad
     
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    Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

    <p>Tomatoes and feta also make an excellent companion to pasta with this versatile dish that can be served warm or cold. Make a large batch for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/no-heat-lunches-bring-to-work/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy no-heat lunches</a> or a light dinner throughout the week.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tomato-feta-pasta-salad/15367" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
  • Camembert and Prosciutto Tartines
     
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    Camembert and Prosciutto Tartines

    <p>Ina calls for these beautiful open-faced sandwiches to be flashed under the broiler to melt the cheese and served warm, but they also hold up well at room temperature. Topped with creamy camembert and savoury <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/giadas-holiday-handbook/photos/giada-de-laurentiis-prosciutto-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">prosciutto</a>, these tartines are a lovely upscale ham and cheese sandwich for any age.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/camembert-and-prosciutto-tartines/21517/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Camembert and Prosciutto Tartines</a></strong></p>
  • Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
     
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    Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

    <p>Cocktail <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/seafood/photos/tasty-shrimp-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shrimp</a> are perennially popular for a reason: they look and taste luxurious with very little effort on the part of the cook. Use bigger shrimp for a more substantial mouthful — the lower the count, the larger the shrimp (the 12 to 15 count that Ina calls for here corresponds to the number of shrimp it takes to make up a pound, and are often labelled “colossal”).</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-shrimp-cocktail/17328/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Roasted Shrimp Cocktail</a></strong></p>
  • Roast Chicken Sandwich Platter
     
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    Roast Chicken Sandwich Platter

    <p>One of Ina’s most beloved recipes is her <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/perfect-roast-chicken/15388/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">roast chicken</a> — use leftovers for a make your own sandwich platter, or make one from scratch if you’d like (you could also use a rotisserie chicken if you must...Ina won’t judge). Put out your favourite sandwich fixings and breads, and sit back and enjoy the company.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/perfect-roast-chicken/15388/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Perfect Roast Chicken</a></strong></p>
  • Roasted Salmon Platter
     
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    Roasted Salmon Platter

    <p>Salmon is a forgiving dinner protein, being pretty perfect served hot or cold. This easy, herb laden fillet can top crunchy lettuce, tossed with cold pasta or even just served with good bread and mayonnaise.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/roasted-salmon-with-green-herbs/18111" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Roasted Salmon Platter</a></strong></p>
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