This is what I'm buying from Sainsbury's for my next summer garden party

When the sun finally makes an appearance and friends start suggesting long afternoons in the garden, I'm all for keeping entertaining as relaxed as possible. I love serving food that looks impressive without spending hours in the kitchen, which is exactly why I'd head straight for Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Deli Deal. With three selected items for £8, it's an easy way to build a table that feels generous, sophisticated and perfect for sharing.

One of the first things I'm adding to my basket is the Carbonara bake with a creamy cheese sauce sharing plates. Rich, indulgent and packed with comforting flavours, it has a combination of smoky bacon, pasta and a velvety cheese sauce that guests always seem to gravitate towards. Served warm, it brings a little substance to the spread while still feeling relaxed enough for outdoor dining. I'd happily make it one of the centrepieces of the table.

No summer sharing table feels complete without a delicious dip, and the Roasted garlic aioli would definitely earn its place. Smooth, creamy and packed with mellow roasted garlic flavour, it's the kind of accompaniment that instantly elevates everything around it. I'd serve it alongside crusty bread or fresh vegetable crudités, knowing it would disappear surprisingly quickly.

For something lighter and full of colour, I'd include the Moroccan cous cous. It's exactly the sort of salad that works beautifully on a warm day, bringing fragrant spices, fluffy grains and vibrant vegetables to the table. It balances the richness of the carbonara perfectly while adding a fresh, summery feel that makes the whole spread look even more inviting.

I'd never resist adding the Olives with jalapeño and garlic. Their combination of savoury olives, gentle heat from the jalapeños and punchy garlic makes them an ideal nibble to enjoy with a chilled glass of wine while everyone relaxes in the garden.

For me, that's exactly what summer entertaining should be about. The Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Deli Deal takes away the stress of planning while still delivering food that looks and tastes worthy of the occasion.

Natalie Dixon is our Lifestyle reporter, if you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here.

^{This article was produced with the support of AI tools to assist in sourcing and structuring information. All content has been reviewed, verified and completed by a journalist prior to publication.}