The Golden Hour Menu: 5 Seasonal Recipes, Grocery Lists, Prep Lists, Wine Pairings

Your go-to June menu: bright flavors, easy prep, and serious summer vibes.

June is here (yay summer kickoff!!!) and with it comes that magical stretch of longer days, golden light, and the kind of early summer energy that makes you want to eat outside every night. Also, can I get a hell yea for it not being too hot to function just yet?! My favorite part of June is that golden hour sweet spot where I can lay outside in a bathing suit and throw on a sweatshirt without being too hot or too cold.

This month’s menu is all about leaning into that golden hour feeling—vibrant flavors, easy prep, and recipes that feel a little extra without making you sweat. Yes, it’s technically my June drop, but honestly? You’re going to want it on repeat all summer long, just like my Citrus & Smoke menu.

I built it around the kind of food I actually crave in early summer: fresh herbs, juicy stone fruit, a crisp drink in hand (I’m ALMOST done being pregnant woohoo!) and meals that feel light but still satisfying. Whether you’re hosting friends, making something a little special on a weeknight, or planning a backyard dinner that hits restaurant-level vibes without being complicated… this is it.

Here’s what’s on the table:

The Drink

Spicy Orange Smash

I’m not going to lie to you, I personally would opt for champagne as the Golden Hour drink of choice because it’s perfectly golden, sparkly and goes with everything on the menu. However, I would never leave you hanging without a cocktail if you prefer cocktails so this is my second option, just behind champagne! This cocktail has bright citrus, a touch of jalapeño heat, and just the right amount of oaky bourbon. It’s gorgeous in a pitcher and perfect for golden hour sipping.

The App

Apricot & Halloumi Skewers with Hot Honey & Thyme

These skewers are salty, sweet, and just a little spicy—in the best way. The roasted halloumi gets crispy around the edges, the apricots get jammy, and it all gets drizzled in thyme-laced hot honey.

The Side

Peach Panzanella with Mozzarella, Basil & Mint

This side salad is crunchy, juicy, herby and light… everything you want in a summer salad. The toasted sourdough soaks up all the peach and tomato juices, and the torn mozzarella takes it over the top. If you’re gluten-free or not into panzanella, skip the bread and add some fresh arugula to make it a greens-forward salad instead.

The Main

Roasted Salmon with Preserved Lemon Salsa

This one’s fresh, flavorful, and super unfussy. A little briny, a little zesty, a lot herbaceous. The salmon roasts (or grills) in under 20 minutes, and the salsa is one of those toppings that makes the whole thing feel fancy with minimal effort that you can batch prep ahead of time.

The Sweet

Cornmeal Olive Oil Cake with Whipped Cream & Seasonal Fruit

This sweet is a little rustic, a little elegant, and very, very easy. We use store bought cornbread mix as the base of our cake and combine it with high quality olive oil to add some pizzazz and moisture. It looks like something from a bakery, but it comes together in one bowl and tastes even better the next day. You know that I am not a dessert decorator, so if I’m making something this pretty—you know it’s foolproof. You've totally got this.

I hope this menu makes you excited to celebrate the sunshine and gather with your people—whatever you're toasting to this season. As always, in the recipe booklet, I included prep lists so you can spread out the work over a few days if desired, plus grocery lists and wine pairings. Aaaand yes, there's a printable menu card because we love a cute table moment.

If you’re not already in the club, I’d love for you to join my Monthly Menu Club to get this full booklet (plus all my past and future ones!) along with exclusive weekly recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.