These 22 summer BBQ ideas were made for people who take cookout season seriously
Some recipes are made for quiet weeknights, and some belong outside with folding chairs and citronella candles nearby. These BBQ ideas were clearly built for the second situation. They’re casual, crowd-friendly, and hard not to go back for.
Grilled Zucchini
This grilled zucchini features slices of zucchini marinated in a lemony herb blend, then grilled to tender perfection with a touch of smokiness. It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. Get the recipe: Grilled Zucchini
Honey Sriracha Chicken
These honey sriracha chicken thighs are juicy, glazed, and full of sweet heat. They’re perfect off the grill and pair easily with anything from veggies to slaw for a dinner that feels like summer. Get the recipe: Honey Sriracha Chicken
Grilled Vegetable Medley
Cooked until tender in a grill basket, this colorful vegetable medley is full of bold, fresh flavor. Tossed in a simple, tasty marinade, it’s a nutritious side dish that complements any summer barbecue. Get the recipe: Grilled Vegetable Medley
Grilled Corn Avocado Salad
This grilled corn avocado salad is a quick and healthy dish packed with creamy avocado, charred sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, and feta cheese, all tossed in a cilantro lime dressing. Serve it as a flavorful side, a taco topping, or a crowd-pleasing addition to any summer BBQ. Get the recipe: Grilled Corn Avocado Salad
Grilled Tandoori Chicken Kebabs
These Tandoori chicken kebabs are tender, flavorful, and come together fast on the grill. Perfect for weeknight BBQs or when you’re feeding a crowd. Get the recipe: Grilled Tandoori Chicken Kebabs
Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
Sweet and tangy honey mustard grilled chicken is a solid pick for summer grilling. The simple marinade keeps it juicy and gives it that just-right mix of sweet and tangy. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
Grilled Potatoes in Foil
These rosemary and garlic grilled potatoes are one of the most flavorful side dishes you can make over a campfire or on the grill. They’re surprisingly easy to prepare, though no one needs to know just how simple they really are. Get the recipe: Grilled Potatoes in Foil
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
This easy grilled asparagus recipe makes a flavorful, no-fuss side dish that’s perfect for your next camping trip or backyard BBQ. Lightly charred and tender, it’s a summer staple ready in minutes. Get the recipe: Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin
This Asian-marinated grilled pork tenderloin turns out juicy and full of flavor every time. It’s the kind of recipe you keep coming back to because it just works. Get the recipe: Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Grilled Chicken Green Goddess Salad
Bring some fresh energy to your meals with this grilled chicken green goddess salad. It’s loaded with greens, full of good stuff, and perfect for everything from sunny lunches to casual dinners with friends. Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Green Goddess Salad
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
This recipe for Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, starts with perfectly grilled corn on the cob coated in zesty crema. Finished with cotija cheese, paprika, and cilantro, each bite is bursting with bold, fresh flavor. Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Easy Grilled Steak Salad
Get ready for warmer days with the grilled steak salad that’s basically summer on a plate. Juicy sirloin, creamy avocado, blue cheese, and basil vinaigrette come together for a colorful, crave-worthy combo. Get the recipe: Easy Grilled Steak Salad
How to Grill Onions (3 Ways)
Think your burger is missing something? Grilled onions could be the answer, with step-by-step instructions for making them as wedges, rings, or whole in foil packets. Get the recipe: How to Grill Onions (3 Ways)
Grilled Plum and Pork Kebabs
Grilled plum and pork kebabs are a perfect way to keep summer going strong. With tender pork and sweet, juicy plums, these skewers bring all the vibes of a laid-back cookout. Get the recipe: Grilled Plum and Pork Kebabs
How to Grill the Perfect Steak
Grill season isn’t complete without mastering the perfect steak. Think juicy, seared, and just the right amount of char. This post breaks down all the tips and tricks you didn’t know you needed (but definitely do). Get the recipe: How to Grill the Perfect Steak
Grilled Vegetable Salad
Inspired by a grilled vegetable salad created years ago, this updated version is perfect for grilling season. It features grilled asparagus and other vegetables, feta cheese, tomatoes, a roasted garlic vinaigrette, and a drizzle of reduced balsamic glaze. Get the recipe: Grilled Vegetable Salad
Grilled Rosemary Chicken
Grilled rosemary chicken is your weeknight dinner hero that is zesty, garlicky, lemony, and totally low-effort. Just a few pantry staples and the grill does the rest. Get the recipe: Grilled Rosemary Chicken
Grilled Chimichurri Pork Tenderloin
This grilled chimichurri pork tenderloin is super juicy and finished with a bright, herby sauce that brings all the flavor. It’s easy to prep ahead and made for summer nights. Get the Recipe: Grilled Chimichurri Pork Tenderloin
Grilled Lamb Burger with Mint-Jalapeño Chimichurri
This grilled lamb burger with bacon and mint-jalapeño chimichurri goes beyond the usual. It’s stacked with smoked provolone, thick-cut applewood bacon, and a chimichurri with mint, jalapeños, and lime. Get the recipe: Grilled Lamb Burger with Mint-Jalapeño Chimichurri
BBQ Grilled Eggplant Steaks
These BBQ grilled eggplant steaks are meaty, tender, and packed with bold flavor. Coated in a smoky dry rub, charred to perfection, and finished with your favorite BBQ sauce, they make a hearty vegan entrée or a quick and easy side for summer cookouts. Get the recipe: BBQ Grilled Eggplant Steaks
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Veggie skewers made with zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers are grilled to perfection and drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar and brushed with a fresh garlic herb sauce. Hello, summer! Get the recipe: Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Grilled Chicken Breast
This grilled chicken breast is anything but basic or boring. A garlic and lime marinade keeps it tender, juicy, and full of fresh and bright flavors. Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Breast