
40 Simple and Tasty Recipes to Take to a Summer BBQ
Where I come from, summer unequivocally signifies cookouts. On weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you’ll often find me carrying my lawn chair and a cooler filled with pasta salad to a friend’s place. It might be a Midwestern tradition, but summer cookouts are taken seriously, and arriving empty-handed is a major faux pas. Even if it’s a spontaneous get-together, bringing a dish to share is expected. Therefore, I’ve prepared a collection of summer BBQ recipes that I can easily make at any moment for these occasions.
From traditional burgers on the grill to delightful dips and salads brimming with fresh ingredients, the food at these outdoor events is one of my favorite aspects of summer. There’s truly nothing like relaxing in the backyard with friends and family, savoring a plate of food fresh off the grill while holding a cold drink. Whether you're hosting your own cookout, grilling at a friend’s house, or trying to recreate the experience indoors, these 40 simple and delicious summer BBQ recipes will help you enjoy the best that the season has to offer.
**Appetizers**
1. **Tomato Bruschetta**
Source: Host the Toast
This bruschetta recipe is an ideal appetizer to prepare before heading to a barbecue. The ingredients will continue to marinate during the journey, enhancing the flavor. Bring along a crusty loaf of bread to toast on the grill for serving.
2. **Summer Cheese Board**
Source: Chungah Rhee | Damn Delicious
A cheese board is always a fantastic choice, especially when topped with fresh summer fruits such as peaches, cherries, and berries. This easy appetizer can be prepared in advance—just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it’s time to serve.
3. **Basil Whipped Goat Cheese**
Source: What’s Gaby Cooking
Trade in standard chips and dip for this delightful whipped goat cheese with fresh herbs. Served with crunchy vegetables, it’s the perfect summer starter.
4. **Grilled Peaches with Burrata, Honey, and Pistachios**
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod
This recipe produces a breathtaking appetizer in just 20 minutes. Sweet peaches combined with creamy burrata and salty pistachios on crispy grilled bread create a taste of summer in one dish.
5. **Greek Salad Hummus Board**
Source: Spices in My DNA
While we all enjoy a classic Greek salad, this hummus board elevates the traditional recipe. Homemade hummus is simple to whip up and tastes far better than store-bought, especially when paired with fresh Mediterranean veggies and pita.
6. **Mexican-Style Street Corn Dip**
Source: The Defined Dish
If chips and dip are your usual choice, you’ll love this Mexican-style street corn dip. With delicious grilled corn and a blend of mayo, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, this dish is very tasty.
**Sides**
7. **Easy Pasta Salad**
Source: Love and Lemons
Mixed with a tangy vinaigrette and fresh veggies, this pasta salad makes a simple yet tasty side dish. It can also be prepped in advance, making it a convenient option for summer picnics or backyard events.
8. **Grilled Vegetables**
Source: Foodie Crush
Sometimes simplicity is key, and this grilled vegetable recipe showcases that. Grilling brings out smoky, sweet flavors, making it an excellent alternative to a traditional salad.
9. **Peach Tomato Caprese**
Source: What’s Gaby Cooking
Fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil create a classic summer combination, and adding peach elevates it further. Expect to make this peach caprese salad repeatedly all summer long.
10. **Grilled Corn Salad with Tomato and Avocado**
Source: By Erin Clarke of Well Plated
For a refined twist on corn on the cob, consider this grilled corn salad. It combines the sweet summer goodness of corn with avocado, vibrant tomatoes, and arugula, all tossed in a honey-lime dressing.
11. **Dill Cucumber Salad**
Source: Foodie Crush
This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy pickles. This tangy salad featuring pickled cucumbers, onions, and dill is a must-try.
12. **BBQ Sweet Potatoes**
Source: The Rustic Foodie
For vegetarians (or sweet potato lovers) craving BBQ flavors, this sweet potato dish is the ultimate answer. Serve it as a side or in buns for a main course.
13. **Instant Pot Pinto Beans**
Source: Isabel Eats
Any recipe that includes "instant" is a definite go-ahead for me. With the Instant Pot doing most of the work, this hands-off recipe is a winner.
14. **Kale Caesar Salad**
Source: Love and Lemons
This kale Caesar salad changes things up










































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40 Simple and Tasty Recipes to Take to a Summer BBQ
Rule number one for summer cookouts: always bring something with you.