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:
- Blend the watermelon, lemon juice, and sugar (or honey) in a blender until smooth.
- Pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a large pitcher to remove any pulp.
- Muddle the mint leaves at the bottom of the pitcher.
- Add the water to the pitcher and stir to combine.
- 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:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Toss the shrimp in olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until opaque.
- In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice, and cilantro to create the salsa.
- 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:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating as desired.
- Brush the kabobs with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- 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:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, basil, and parsley.
- 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.
- 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!
