"The transition period when spring turns into summer always feels like an easy one—it practically goes unnoticed. From the longer days to the warmer nights, the days aren’t sweltering just yet. But when they are, what better way to enjoy those perfect summer days with great company—and of course, great food—than with some stellar summer cookout recipes?
Summer’s just not summer without a backyard barbecue, and the combination of cold drinks and delicious food just can’t be beat. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend (or any weekend, really, if you’re just looking for an excuse to celebrate) a get-together cookout is truly just a summer essential.
We’ve compiled some of our favorite summer cookout recipes—including appetizers and sides, main dishes, and desserts—that are perfect for kids of all ages (and you, too!). Check them out below.
Appetizers & Sides
1. Grilled Zucchini Boats
With zucchini in season when summertime rolls around, it’s definitely worth giving them a chance to hit your summer cookout’s spotlight. These clever zucchini boats have seasoned quinoa, bright cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta as tasty cargo.
2. Grilled Veggie Skewers with Magic Green Sauce
Don’t let veggie lovers miss out on the yum of freshly grilled kabobs. These colorful ones are a hearty mix of bell peppers, baby red and sweet potatoes, corn, onions, portobello mushrooms, and an enchanting sauce you won’t want to miss.
3. Grilled Avocados Stuffed with Veggie Ceviche
There are few appetizers quite as refreshing as ceviche. Add this to delicious grilled avocados and you’ve got a new summer go-to.
4. Grilled Mexican Street Corn
If you ask me, the time of year with fresh sweet corn should be recognized as a season in and of itself. This Mexican street corn recipe is one you won’t want to miss out on during the best months of the year.
5. Grilled Summer Herb Garden Pizza
There’s something about a grilled pizza that makes it that much more enjoyable. Add in fresh summer herbs and veggies, and we’ve got a great start to any summer cookout.
6. Watermelon Salad with Feta and Arugula
Juicy watermelon is certainly a taste of summer, and puts the sweet in this nicely balanced sweet and savory salad. The homemade dressing blended with olive oil, honey, and fresh squeezed lime juice also creates a fun and zesty finish.
7. Grilled Summer Squash with Feta
With this recipe, grilled zucchini, feta cheese, a lemon vinaigrette come together in a most summer-forward side dish. We have to take advantage of fresh summer squash while we can, and this recipe is a great way to do that.
8. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
When we can’t imagine grilling burgers without having fries on the side but don’t want the same old same old, this recipe comes to our rescue.
9. Gluten Free Pasta Salad
There’s no better time of year for a pasta salad than summer time. Filled with summer veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers, and crunchy favorites like olives and banana peppers, this puts the garden in salad and is a perfect addition to any cookout.
10. Grilled Garlic Bread
As a versatile companion to most meals, garlic bread is a safe bet for any cookout’s menu—especially when it’s all warm and toasty right off the grill.
11. Grilled Carrots
This recipe is so good that kids will forget they’re eating vegetables. Grilling carrots makes them turn out so tender and pair nicely with any main dish.
12. Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings
Kids will feel like they’re at their favorite restaurant with these crispy onion rings on the table. We love this air fryer recipe because it’s quick, easy, and a healthier version of a beloved comfort food.
13. Roasted Asparagus and Mushroom Poutine
Summer time means that asparagus is back and abundant. This may be one of the most creative summer cookout recipes on our list and one you’re going to want to try!
14. Healthy Potato Salad
Summer cookouts would be incomplete without potato salad. This recipe is great because it’s a healthier version made with Greek yogurt. But trust us, it’s as creamy as ever!
Main Dishes
15. Grilled Pineapple Pork Sandwiches
There’s something extra special about a pineapple and pork combination that makes perfect sense. Almost as much sense as making this recipe on a warm summer day.
16. 3-Ingredient Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is always a great idea when it comes to summer cookouts. The whole family will love the recipe flavored with soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
17. Grilled Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos
When you need something to hold all of your summer guacamole, consider making these scrumptious fish tacos.
18. Grilled Teriyaki Tofu Skewers
For a nourishing main dish that also happens to be vegan, get mouths watering with these grilled tofu skewers whose homemade teriyaki marinade is absolutely delish.
19. Steak Kebabs
On the other hand, if you’ve got some hardcore meat eaters to please, these kebab’s tender steak pieces are marinated in an aromatic medley of sauces and seasonings for the ultimate feast.
20. Vegan Quinoa Veggie Burgers
Burgers, but make them plant-based! These quinoa veggie burgers will satisfy any craving while remaining a vegan-friendly dish.
21. Grilled Hot Dogs
This one’s for all the kiddos who can eat hot dogs for days in the summertime. If you weren’t sure how to get them perfectly charred on the grill, this recipe’s got you covered.
22. The Best Greek Grilled Chicken
If you were hoping to grill a memorable set of chicken breasts for your summer cookout, this recipe that calls for bathing them in a flavorful lemon, garlic, and oregano Greek marinade indeed leaves them dressed to impress.
23. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
These pork tacos are sure to make for a yummy summer cookout. The best part is, when you’re eating outside, you don’t have to worry about any messes being made!
24. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is hearty enough to be a summer cookout primary focus, while still being light and pleasant like a mediterranean salad ought to be.
25. Juicy Chicken Kebabs
Kebabs are a festive way to mix up common recipes—especially at a cookout. This recipe in particular ensures the chicken always comes out juicy with the incorporation of a honey lime sauce.
26. Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado and Tomato
A salad with avocado, corn, and tomatoes was a combination I never knew I needed until now. Plus, this recipe includes a summer staple dressing: honey and lime.
27. Grilled Chicken Wings
If you think about it, summer cookouts are really just the pre-game to fall tailgate celebrations. Get excited for future game days with this fantastic recipe for grilled chicken wings.
28. Parmesan Crusted Marinara Triple Grilled Cheese
Just when we thought a grilled cheese sandwich couldn’t get any more delicious, we stumbled upon this recipe. Made with three different kinds of cheese, these bad boys are full of flavor and are sure to be a new family favorite.
Desserts
29. Peanut Butter S’mores Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
Whoa—s’mores, chocolate, ice cream, and cake all rolled into one? Where do we start lining up? If anybody at your cookout realizes a slice of heaven like this is coming, they might skip everything else and head straight for dessert!
30. Movie Theater Popcorn Cookies
I personally can’t think of a better idea than combining two family favorites: popcorn and cookies. A salty sweet concoction is always a good idea, and just what a summer family cookout should end on.
31. 2-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet
Anybody who’s stuffed and claims they have no room for dessert won’t be able to resist this light and tempting sorbet blended with tons of refreshing watermelon.
32. Strawberry Shortcake Grilled Doughnuts
Fair warning: there’s a good chance no one in your household will ever want another dessert again after trying these grilled doughnuts. These are unique and simply oh-so good.
33. Fresas Con Crema
With a name that translates to ‘strawberries and cream,’ you know you’re in for a summer treat. As an added bonus, this recipe takes less than 10 minutes to make and only uses five ingredients.
34. Grilled Peaches with Coconut Ice Cream
Don’t shut down the grill just get! Instead, pick up some fresh summer peaches to toss on there. Then pair them with some coconut ice cream for a sweet summer dessert.
35. No-Bake Cheesecake Jars
What could be better than generous spoonfuls of a chilled silky cheesecake, blended with just-made whipped cream, and topped with ripe summer berries?
36. Dole Whip Popsicles
There’s no better dessert in the summer time than popsicles. These are extra special because it’s inspired by the Dole Whip frozen treat from Disney World. If you and your little ones have been or are planning a trip, this treat is a must try!
37. Ambrosia Salad
Bring a bit of southern comfort and hospitality to your summer cookout with this sweet and fruity ambrosia salad. Despite its creamy swirls of Cool Whip and marshmallows, there’s a dose or two of vitamin C tucked in there somewhere, making it a dessert that leans on the healthier side.
38. Strawberry Crumble
Like fall’s beloved apple crisp comes summer’s sister dessert: strawberry crumble. All the crunchy goodness mixed with the sweet strawberries make this a delicious end to a summer cookout.
39. Summer Strawberry Float
Many of us know and love the classic root beer float. With this recipe, the timeless treat gets a summer twist with the incorporation of fresh strawberries and strawberry soda.
40. Raspberry Orange Shortbread Bars
For those of us who just don’t get the hype around strawberries, this recipe for raspberry orange shortbread bars may be the perfect summer sweet.
41. Homemade Ice Cream
Going head to head with popsicles as the quintessential summer treat is, of course, ice cream. Follow this recipe for easy, delicious, no-churn ice cream that the whole family will love.
42. Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Fruit salad is great on it’s own, but it’s gets a well-deserved upgrade on the list of best summer cookout recipes when we throw in a homemade cream cheese fruit dip. We recommend making two batches because we’re confident this will go fast!
