Refreshing Summer Recipes For Your Next BBQ At Home

The summer heat can be hard to bear, but these delicious and easy-to-make recipes for your next BBQ at home will help you cool off! From vibrantly flavored salads to mouthwatering mains and even some sweet desserts, this post has got something special lined up that will make grilling this season a breeze.

No matter if you’re barbecuing for just yourself or with the whole family in tow, your selection of dishes is sure to bring everyone together around the table while adding freshness and flavor to all your summer cooking needs. So what are you waiting for? Get those grills going – it’s time to do things right this summer with delightful meals as unique as the people who share them!

Key Features Of A Perfect Summer Time Barbecue

The perfect summer barbecue involves more than just throwing some burgers on the grill and hoping for the best. To truly elevate your BBQ experience, there are a few key features to keep in mind. First, ensure you have a variety of meats and vegetables to accommodate all dietary preferences. Additionally, set up an area for games and activities to keep guests entertained while the food is cooking.

And don’t forget about the drinks! Offering a variety of refreshing beverages like lemonade, iced tea, and beer can really enhance the overall ambiance of the event. Finally, make sure to have ample seating and shading options to keep guests comfortable during those hot summer days. Incorporating these key features will ensure your summer BBQ is the talk of the town.

Refreshing Recipes For Your Next BBQ

With so many different recipes to choose from, deciding on the perfect menu for your outdoor gathering can be overwhelming. To make things simpler, here are some BBQ-friendly dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

There’s something invigorating about the flavor combination of fresh herbs and citrus. The Grilled Lemon Herb, Chicken Skewers recipe is a perfect embodiment of these refreshing flavors and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 lemons
• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 1 bunch fresh parsley
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent them from burning.
2. Juice one of the lemons and slice the other into thin rounds. Finely chop the basil, parsley, and thyme.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, lemon juice, chopped herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until the chicken is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better flavor infusion.
4. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with lemon slices.
5. Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
6. Serve hot with a side salad or grilled vegetables.

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar

Embrace the taste of summer with this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar recipe. It’s an irresistibly sweet and juicy dessert that’s simple to prepare and sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole pineapple
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Cut the pineapple into rings or wedges.
3. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
4. Coat the pineapple pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
5. Grill the pineapple for 3-4 minutes on each side or until caramelized.
6. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Summer Corn Salad

This Summer Corn Salad recipe offers a burst of colors and flavors. The fresh corn, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado create a perfect blend of summer flavors that pairs well with any BBQ main dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn
• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill the corn on medium heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides. Allow it to cool, and then cut the corn kernels off the cob.
2. In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and chopped basil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve chilled.

Refreshing Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Finish off the BBQ with a Refreshing Watermelon Mint Lemonade. This thirst-quenching beverage is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of cubed watermelon
• 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup of sugar or honey
• 1 cup of fresh mint leaves
• 4 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Blend the watermelon, lemon juice, and sugar (or honey) in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a large pitcher to remove any pulp.
3. Muddle the mint leaves at the bottom of the pitcher.
4. Add the water to the pitcher and stir to combine.
5. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Serve over ice with additional mint leaves for garnish.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Bring a coastal vibe to your BBQ with these Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa. This light and fresh recipe is a wonderful change from traditional BBQ fare.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small tortillas
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• Juice of 2 limes
• A handful of fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Toss the shrimp in olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until opaque.
4. In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice, and cilantro to create the salsa.
5. Warm the tortillas on the grill, then fill with grilled shrimp and top with avocado salsa.

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

These Grilled Veggie Kabobs are a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying addition to your BBQ. They’re easy to customize with your favorite summer vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow squash, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating as desired.
3. Brush the kabobs with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the kabobs for 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.

Pasta Salad With Fresh Herbs

Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs is a classic BBQ side dish. It’s versatile, make-ahead friendly, and packed with refreshing flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work great)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, basil, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Enjoy These Refreshing Recipes At Your Next BBQ!

As you can see, there’s no need to default to burgers and hotdogs for a classic backyard BBQ. With these refreshing recipes, spruce up your next grill event in style. Whether it’s the deliciousness of the shrimp tacos or the ease of summer corn salad – one thing is certain: All of your guests will leave happy and full! Not only that, but they’ll definitely be asking for seconds! So grab some ingredients, fire up the BBQ, and enjoy an unforgettable summer evening with your closest friends and family. And don’t forget to take plenty of photos – because nothing captures the essence of good moments better than an excellent photo album or digital gallery!