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:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- Juice one of the lemons and slice the other into thin rounds. Finely chop the basil, parsley, and thyme.
- 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.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with lemon slices.
- Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- 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:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Cut the pineapple into rings or wedges.
- In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Coat the pineapple pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Grill the pineapple for 3-4 minutes on each side or until caramelized.
- 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:
- 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.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and chopped basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled.
