Southwest Chicken Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing

“Dinner is not what you do in the evening before something else. Dinner is the evening.” Art Buchwald.

Southern winters might not get too cold, but our summers get real hot, real quick — so we savor the springtime weather while we can. Between the derbies, outdoor dining, and music festivals, some of our all-time favorite events happen during the spring, and that’s not to mention the lazy time spent lounging on a breezy porch or riding around the neighborhood on our cruiser bikes. Southerners view early spring as a precious time. Days are getting longer and the nights are warming up  which is a perfect combination to dine al fresco with friends or a significant other.  It’s more than simply eating outside — it’s a whole experience when done properly.  It’s a perfect table setting for fresh fruits and vegetables, a soundtrack provided by nature, and casual entertaining at its finest.

In South Carolina, we like to think that by March we’ll be having our first lunches outside and by late April we’ll be able to have barbeques in the backyard.Dining at its finest is found in the stunning embrace of nature, where outdoor settings offer an unparalleled experience that no walled or roofed structure can replicate. The rich hues of a fiery red sunset cast a breathtaking glow that outshines even the most lavish interiors, while the enchanting dance of seasonal fireflies twinkling in the twilight creates a magical atmosphere unlike anything indoors. These moments, steeped in the beauty of the natural world, elevate the simple act of dining into a celebration of life itself.People relax more when dining outside. There’s a freedom that even the most spacious dining rooms can’t achieve, and alfresco dining has never been a more inviting sight or more crucial to our physical and mental health than during the pandemic. It was literally a breath of fresh air.

Dining outdoors changes the whole atmosphere of the meal giving friends and family a feeling of security and inclusion. It’s when ordinary meals become a celebration. Perhaps you would prefer for spring to hurry up and move along so summer can finally have its day again, but I insist you slow down and enjoy the view. Dining outside offers the chance to unplug from technology and recharge ourselves. And while there is no scientific evidence to back it up, food just tastes better when enjoyed outdoors. So take advantage of these warm months, because in no time we’ll be scraping ice off of our cars again. Spring Fever is contagious but it doesn’t require a vaccine. Take the opportunity to remove your mask and enjoy the fresh air. Please don’t fight me on this, otherwise, I may suggest we settle this thing outside.