3 Easy Dinner Party Menus To Wow The Crowd

Every part of this meal delivers rich flavor using light ingredients, from Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's marinated olives to the main event: a deliciously tangy and vibrant roasted chicken from food expert Michael Pollan. Kale salad and potatoes are simple but delicious accompaniments, and roasted pears with ricotta and honey round out the dinner.
Orange and Fennel Marinated Olives
Vinegar-Braised Chicken
Kale with Onions and Pine Nuts
Parsley Potatoes
Roasted Pears with Ricotta and Honey

Photos: John Kernick (olives), Coral von Zumwalt (others)

There are some unexpected twists in this comforting meal, beginning with an arugula and apple salad dressed in a bracing apple-cider vinaigrette. Dinner includes a savory -- and crustless -- zucchini pie, chicken meatballs and garlicky bread with melted Parmesan. Chocolate pudding is an unexpected throwback at the end.
Arugula and Apple Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
Savory Zucchini Pie
Chicken Meatballs
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Warm Chocolate Pudding
Photos: Ron Manville (pie), Con Poulos (salad & meatballs), Thinkstock (others)

Wild mushroom and mozzarella crostini kick off this comforting supper, followed by cauliflower soup, roast pork tenderloin and mashed potatoes that get a subtly sweet edge from pureed fennel. Old-fashioned Italian biscotti studded with cranberries and pistachios end the meal; send guests home with extras (they're great with morning coffee).
Crostini with Wild Mushrooms and Mozzarella
Cauliflower Soup with Creme Fraiche
Roast Pork Tenderloin
Potato and Fennel Puree
Cornmeal Biscotti with Cranberries and Pistachios
Photos: Thinkstock (crostini), Dana Gallagher (pork), Hannah Whitaker (biscotti), Chris Court (others)