Tennis has me feeling extremely inspired as of late. Both by tuning into Wimbledon earlier this July, and on the court myself. Keep scrolling for the most adorable Wimbledon-inspired menu – a menu that’s basically a permission slip to spend your Sunday afternoon pretending you’re courtside in England, pinkies up!
My (Very New) Love Affair With Tennis
I was never an athletic kid growing up. To get really honest, I was the nerdy one on the sidelines, wishing I had some sort of athletic ability. Sports just weren’t my thing… I made peace with that a long time ago.
But as I got older, I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing out on something. Dedication to a sport is fulfilling in a way that’s hard to replicate. There’s the movement, sure, but there’s also the ritual of it, the people and community, and that little bit of friendly competition. I hadn’t tapped into that, and I didn’t realize how much I was craving it until I finally did.
Cue tennis: my newfound love.
I’ve been prioritizing time on the court several times a week, and I’ve absolutely fallen in love with it. Am I a bit awkward out there? Absolutely. My backhand is… a work in progress, let’s just say that. Awkward or not, I put on a cute tennis outfit (this is the tennis dress of my dreams), meet some of my girls on the court, belly laugh the hour away, and get some good movement in.
With a little practice, I’m starting to see some little improvement – and more importantly, I’ve found the thing I didn’t know I was missing. So between watching Wimbledon and getting my own reps in, I’ve had tennis on the brain all summer. Naturally, that inspiration made its way into my kitchen.
A Menu Fit for Wimbledon
Wimbledon just feels like my style of occasion… the all-white uniforms, the strawberries and cream, the iconic eats. I, of course, love the elegance and class of it all. Be still my heart. I wanted to capture that feeling in a menu you can put together whether you’re hosting a match-day watch party, packing a courtside picnic, or just treating a regular Sunday like a ceremony.
This Wimbledon-inspired combo is built around two classics that always show up when tennis is on:
The most delicious Cucumber Dill Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches – dainty, elegant, and what you need in your hand while watching a five-set match (not a want – a need).
A classic Pimm’s Cup – the quintessential Wimbledon drink, all fruit and fizz and English summer class in a glass.
Pimm’s Cup
No cocktail says Wimbledon quite like a Pimm's Cup. You just need Pimm's, something fizzy, and whatever fresh fruit you've got on hand. Mix it in a pitcher, pour it over ice, and suddenly your Tuesday feels like a celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1
- 4 oz sparkling lemonade (I used Fentiman's)
- Ice
- Cucumber ribbons or slices
- Strawberry slices
- Orange slices
- Fresh mint
Instructions
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Fill a tall glass generously with ice.
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Add the Pimm’s, then top with lemon-lime soda and/or sparkling lemonade.
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Tuck in the cucumber, fruit, and mint, give it one gentle stir, and serve immediately.
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For a less sweet version, use half sparkling lemonade and half sparkling water.
Cucumber Dill Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches
Soft bread, a herby whipped cream cheese, smoked salmon, and cucumber ribbons cut into little triangles. Dainty and simple – like bringing Wimbledon home.
Ingredients
- 8 slices soft white sandwich bread, brioche loaf, or thin sourdough sandwich bread
- 3/4 cup cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1-2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 English cucumber very thinly sliced
- 120 g smoked salmon
Instructions
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In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Lay the cucumber slices on a paper towel and gently pat dry. This keeps the sandwiches from getting soggy, which is the small but mighty tea sandwich secret.
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Spread the dill cream cheese onto each slice of bread. Layer smoked salmon on half of the slices, followed by cucumber. Top with the remaining bread slices.
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Trim the crusts, then cut each sandwich into three fingers or four small triangles. Garnish with a little extra dill if desired.
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Assemble up to 2 hours ahead, cover with a lightly damp paper towel, then wrap and refrigerate until serving.
How to Make Cucumber Ribbons
The secret to those pretty, delicate cucumber slices on the sandwiches? A good old-fashioned vegetable peeler.
Just run your peeler down the length of the cucumber, rotating as you go, until you hit the seedy core in the middle (that part’s a little watery, so I’ll save it and throw it in a salad). What you’re left with are these thin, elegant ribbons that layer beautifully and taste just a little better than a regular slice.
A few tips to make it easy:
- Use an English cucumber if you can find one, fewer seeds and a thinner skin means less prep
- Keep even pressure as you peel so the ribbons come out consistent
- Lay them on a paper towel for a few minutes before assembling, cucumbers hold a lot of water and a slightly drier ribbon means a sandwich that isn’t soggy by the time you serve it
It looks fancy, but it takes about two minutes and zero special skills. The best kind of kitchen trick!
Tips for Hosting Your Own Wimbledon-Inspired Afternoon
Don’t overthink the rest of the spread. A few bowls of kettle chips, some olives, and good, simple snacks let the two stars of this menu – the Pimm’s Cup and Cucumber Dill Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches – really shine.
Set the scene. Think crisp whites, fresh flowers, and maybe a bowl of strawberries and cream nearby for good measure.
Serve the Pimm’s Cup in a pitcher. It’s a crowd-pleaser and means you’re not stuck mixing individual drinks while trying to watch the match.
Make the sandwiches ahead. Prep them an hour or two before guests arrive, cover with a damp tea towel, and keep chilled until you’re ready to serve.
You don’t need Centre Court tickets to embrace the tradition. A pitcher of Pimm’s, a platter of sandwiches, a bowl of strawberries, and a few friends are really all it takes.
How to Find Your Own New-Found Love
Finding a hobby or sport as an adult helps keep you sharp. Mind and body both get a little boost. The trick is finding the thing that’s actually for you. It doesn’t have to be tennis! But one thing I do recommend… finding something you can do with your girlfriends. Major life upgrade.
Here are a few ideas if you’re on the hunt for yours:
- Tennis – I mean, if I can do it, so can anyone! Here is the racket I have (just upgraded from the one pictured and I’m obsessed with the colour – shallow as a puddle over here)
- Pickleball – everyone’s obsessed for a reason
- Yoga – start slow with some basic videos on YouTube
- Puzzles or crosswords will keep your brain happy
We’re celebrating a little more backhand practice, a lot more delicious snacks, and pretending that we’re courtside in England for an afternoon. Enjoy the recipes, loves!
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