103 Sizzlin’ Summer Barbecue Recipes

Buttery Grilled Shrimp

This summer barbecue recipe is easy and delicious! The shrimp are great with steak, but for a special occasion, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Start your meal with one of these easy summer appetizers.

Mexican Hot Dogs

My stepmom was born in Mexico and introduced us to hot dogs with avocado and bacon. We were instantly hooked. Now our whole family makes them for every summer cookout. —Amanda Brandenburg, Hamilton, Ohio

Air-Fryer Chicken Legs

For years, I tried to find the perfect bottled barbecue sauce for chicken legs. After a few years, I threw in the towel and created my own using ketchup, honey and spicy brown mustard. It works perfectly with this air-fryer chicken legs recipe. —Kathleen Criddle, Lake Worth, Florida

Pickled Corn

When fresh corn is in season and you’re overeating it straight off the cob, try making pickled corn instead! —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon

Blueberry Dump Cake

When I need a quick dessert for a summer barbecue, this is the recipe I reach for most of the time. I usually have the ingredients on hand so I can whip it together in just a few minutes. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Jalapeno Sloppy Joes

I am always looking to kick things up a notch with heat and my husband really likes jalapenos, so I thought this savory joe would be perfect for a make-ahead reheat-and-go dinner. Adjust the jalapeno amounts to your preference, and serve with your favorite chips. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota

Copycat Southwest Chicken Salad

My husband and I ordered and devoured this salad from Applebee’s three separate times before we finally asked the waitress for the dressing ingredients. She kindly shared the recipe with us, and now I whip up this hearty main-dish salad with its tangy sauce often. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

Southern Peach Toasts

These bruleed peach toasts are my creative homage to the beloved southern fresh peach cobbler. It is an upscale presentation with delicious peaches and very easy to prepare. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia

Jalapeno-Lime Chicken Drumsticks

Bottled hot sauce isn’t my thing, so I developed a fresh pepper glaze for grilled chicken. These drumsticks practically fly off the plate at barbecues. —Kristeen DeVorss, Farmington, New Mexico

Cola Burgers

A friend who’s an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite at summer cookouts. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers. —Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania

Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake

While growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

No one can resist an ice cream cake at a summer barbecue party.

Salsa Black Bean Burgers

Meatless meals are so tasty when these hearty bean burgers are on the menu. Guacamole and sour cream make them seem decadent. —Jill Reichardt, St. Louis, Missouri

Need a shortcut? Check out our Test Kitchen’s favorite plant-based burgers.

Tacos on a Stick

Teens like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them at summer barbecues. The whole family is sure to love the sensational southwestern flavor of this twist on beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois

Barbecued Chicken Salad Sandwiches

An impromptu picnic inspired this barbecue chicken salad sandwich. An instant summertime favorite, these dressed-up sandwiches have become a mainstay at our house. —Linda Orme, Battleground, Washington

Crispy Grilled Wings

My family is full of chicken wing fiends. If there’s a wing-eating contest, my husband is entering. Same goes for our 9-year-old daughter, who’s very proud of her record (16 wings). Our preference is crispy wings, which can be achieved on the grill with cornstarch. —Audrey Alfaro, Boise, Idaho

Green Goddess Vegan Potato Salad

Don’t be fooled by the green color—this vegan potato salad is absolutely delicious! It’s perfect for summer barbecues and potlucks and for those with dietary restrictions. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California

Steak and Shrimp Kabobs

These steak and shrimp kabobs make any summer barbecue special. Cubes of marinated steak are skewered with shrimp and veggies, then grilled. For picnics, I assemble the kabobs at home and carry them in a large container. —Karen Mergener, St. Croix, Minnesota

The Best Baby Back Ribs

I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas

Grilled Elote Flatbread

Here’s a fun twist on a classic Mexican dish! Keep your kitchen cooled down during the summer by grilling this fresh flatbread outdoors. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon

Coconut Pistachio Pie

We simply love the lightly toasted coconut crust that pairs so well with the pistachio pudding in this quick pie. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Margarita Chicken

Marinated in flavors of garlic and lime, this tangy margarita chicken is ready to go whenever the coals are hot! Serve with roasted corn on the cob and lemonade. —Kelly Bruneman, Cedar Park, Texas

Cherry Limeade Sweet Tea

Sweet tea and cherry limeade are two of my favorite summer libations, so I decided to combine them—the results are wonderful. —Renee Page, Rochelle, Illinois

Macaroni Coleslaw

My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our summer barbecues, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota

Aloha Burgers

I love hamburgers and tropical fruit, so it just seemed natural for me to combine them. My family frequently requests this unique Hawaiian pineapple burger recipe at summer cookouts. It’s a nice change of pace! —Joi McKim-Jones, Waikoloa, Hawaii

Make your summer barbecue complete with these delicious sides for hamburgers.

Grilled Romaine Salad

For a great-tasting salad, try this recipe on the grill. It’s equally good with any dressing of your choice.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Easy Pimiento Cheese

Every good Southerner has their own easy pimiento cheese recipe. It’s wonderful on crackers, in a sandwich with a fresh summer tomato or inside a grilled cheese sandwich. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama

Salmon Grilled in Foil

Steamed in its own juices, this grilled salmon in foil is incredibly tender. Curry adds a punch of flavor that’s perfectly balanced by onion and tomato. —Merideth Berkovich, The Dalles, Oregon

Buttery-Onion Corn on the Cob

My mother has been making this oven-roasted corn on the cob recipe for years. Every time I make it for a summer barbecue guests rave and can’t believe how easy it is! —Lisa Denson, Decatur, Alabama

Apple Tartlets

Good-for-you things come in small packages when you make a batch of these tiny apple tartlets. Sweet and cinnamony, these mouthwatering tarts are a delightful addition to a dessert table or snack tray at summer barbecues. —Mary Kelley, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Grilled Guacamole

If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana

Caprese Pasta Salad

This easy caprese pasta salad is always a favorite at cookouts, especially when summer tomatoes are at their peak. It comes together quickly, but if you can make it ahead of time, the flavors seem to get better after it’s chilled for a few hours. —Debby Harden, Lansing, Michigan

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

A little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chop. Once you've mastered how to cook thick pork chops, you'll be enjoying them all summer long. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Chicken Souvlaki Pitas

These chicken souvlaki pitas are a favorite at our house, especially in summer. With just a few ingredients and a grill, we can enjoy a gourmet-style Greek dinner that’s a snap to put together. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. — Becky A. Drees, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart

This tart was a hit at my friend's baby shower. It reminds me of a fruit salad that my mother used to make with cream cheese and whipped topping. Everyone loved the flaky crust, and the bright colors make it a pretty addition to any spread. —Laura McAllister, Morganton, North Carolina

Marinated Sausage Kabobs

These flavorful and colorful appetizers are so fun they’ll be the talk of the cookout. And they’re so easy: Simply assemble the day before and forget about them! —Joanne Boone, Danville, Ohio

Firecracker Grilled Salmon

Let this sensational salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL

Rosemary Lemonade

A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California

Steak Fajitas

Zesty salsa and tender strips of steak make these traditional fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah

Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad

I can eat potato salad like crazy. A little spice is nice, so I use cayenne and paprika in this grilled salad that comes with its own fireworks. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia

Check out more potato salad recipes that are perfect for your summer barbecue.

Grilled Corn in the Husk

If you’re new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It’s especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan

Middle Eastern-Inspired Macaroni Salad

This creamy, tangy macaroni salad is inspired by the many wonderful flavors of the Middle East. The za’atar seasoning gives it an earthy (and delicious!) taste. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut

Red, White and Blue Frozen Lemonade

This patriotic drink is as pretty as it is delicious. With cherries, blueberries and lemon juice, we created a striped lemonade that is perfect for a Fourth of July celebration. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California

Juicy Watermelon Salad

This fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan

Barbecued Burgers

I can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio

Discover more creative burger toppings.

Fresh Lime Margaritas

This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Blackberry Cobbler Recipe

Alabama has some tasty fresh blackberries. Decades ago, my mama was heading out to pick blackberries to make a cobbler, but she ended up going to the hospital to have me instead. This is her mama’s blackberry cobbler recipe. The blackberries start on top, but then end up tucked under a golden brown crust after it’s baked. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama

Try our blueberry cobbler, too!

California Burger Bowls

Burgers are a weekly staple at our house year-round. Skip the fries, chips and bun—you won't need them with these loaded veggie & fruit burgers. To spice up the mayo, add 1/2 tsp. of chipotle powder. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Watermelon and Blackberry Sangria

This watermelon sangria is deliciously pink! Living in the zinfandel wine country of Northern California, I use our local fare in my recipes often. Our scorching summer months inspired this refreshing, light style of sangria. I like adding fresh blackberries and garnishing it with sprigs of mint or basil for personal flair. This easy recipe is perfect for entertaining, and it’s especially great for summer barbecues. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

Summer Dessert Pizza

Especially refreshing during the summer months, this dessert lets fresh fruit shine. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Raspberry Refresher

This recipe explodes with raspberry flavor! It's a wonderful summertime treat.—Doreen Patterson, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia

Bacon Macaroni Salad

This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser at summer barbecues. —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana

Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches

Try these sausage sandwiches for a casual but hearty meal. Full of traditional Italian flavor, they’re a snap to make. —Mike Yaeger, Brookings, South Dakota

Elote Corn

Elote, otherwise known as Mexican street corn, is grilled, covered in mayo, and then sprinkled with chili powder, Cotija and cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice is the perfect finishing touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Check out more of our Test Kitchen’s favorite ways to make corn.

Fluffy Key Lime Pie

For a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It's low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan

Try these no-bake pies for your next summer barbecue.

Grilled Green Beans

I cook almost everything outdoors, including green beans. I prepare this snappy side dish while the entree is cooking. The recipe has won over my picky eaters. —Carol Traupman-Carr, Breinigsville, Pennsylvania

Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos

I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. My grandparents came from Mexico, and these skirt steak tacos marinated in beer and lime juice honor their passion for cooking. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Pina Colada

Velvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Cucumbers with Dill

Sprinkling cucumber slices with salt and letting them stand in a colander draws out excess water so they stay crisp when set on a barbecue buffet. Try this cucumber dill salad alongside any grilled entree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Steak & Blue Cheese Bruschetta with Onion & Roasted Tomato Jam

An appetizer bursting with flavor from bleu cheese, caramelized onion, jam and balsamic vinegar—tasty bites that vanish in a hurry. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida

Lemon Coconut Bites

The tangy lemon flavor of this no-fuss dessert is especially delicious on a warm day. It gives me delightful flashbacks of selling lemonade on the sidewalk as a little girl. —Donna Biddle, Elmira, New York

Corn 'n' Squash Quesadillas

Grilled vegetables give these quesadillas their distinctive flair, while cumin and jalapeno peppers add a little zip. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

Pina Colada Molded Salad

My gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Peach-Chipotle Baby Back Ribs

My son and I collaborated in the kitchen one day to put our own unique twist on classic baby back ribs. We added a sweet peachy glaze and a little heat with chipotle peppers. It was a great bonding experience, and now we have a keeper recipe for fall-off-the-bone ribs. —Rebecca Suaso, Weaverville, North Carolina

Chicken Caesar Pitas

Hand-held and picnic friendly, these chicken-stuffed pockets pack a double dose of whole grains from brown rice and whole wheat pitas. The chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance for a fast-fix lunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Shrimp Pasta Salad

I adore shrimp, so discovering it in this pasta salad recipe was a real treat for me. The lemon-dill sauce is light and bright. It's one of our favorite cold pasta salad recipes! —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania

Mint Julep

It wouldn’t be Kentucky Derby Day without this mint julep recipe! But, really, this mint julep recipe is good anytime: at a summer barbecue, patio party or even a casual night on the porch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Irresistible Coconut Cream Pie

My husband and I grow 500 acres of wheat on the farm his family homesteaded in 1889. I grind my own flour and love to use it in this recipe. The easy, pat-in crust has a rich grain flavor. It’s irresistible filled with old-fashioned coconut cream and topped with a fluffy meringue. —Roberta Foster, Kingfisher, Oklahoma

Old-Fashioned Coney Hot Dog Sauce

Camping and hot dogs go hand in hand. Roast some up over the fire, then top with this irresistible one-pot sauce. —Loriann Cargill Bustos, Phoenix, Arizona

Pasta Salad in a Jar

If you're planning a picnic, make this pasta a day ahead. For my husband's lunch at work, I sometimes tie a plastic fork on the jar. —Pat Neiheisel, Leetonia, Ohio

Blueberry Lattice Bars

Since our area has an annual blueberry festival, my daughters and I are always looking for amazing new recipes to enter in the cooking contest. These lovely bars won a blue ribbon one year. —Debbie Ayers, Baileyville, Maine

Smooth Sweet Tea

A pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it’s not overly sweet. —Kelsey Louise, Taste of Home Community Member

Layered Veggie Tortellini Salad

Tortellini and a Parmesan dressing give this layered salad an unexpected twist. It’s great for a summer cookout. —Dennis Vitale, New Preston, Connecticut

Grilled Potatoes with Bacon-Ranch Sauce

These potatoes are tender and good all by themselves, but pairing them with the sauce creates a perfect combination—a side dish compatible with any entree cooked on the grill. —Craig Carpenter, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania

Peanut Butter Custard Blast

"Ooey, gooey, great!" is how friends and family describe this chocolate-peanut butter dessert. I appreciate the make-ahead convenience. —Marilee Evenson, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Watermelon Vodka Sorbet

This icy granita is a cooling delight on a hot summer day. This is an adults only goody. You can use watermelon vodka instead of plain vodka if you like. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad

The heat, seasonings and appearance of this colorful main-dish salad are perfect for summer barbecues—or any event where you want to summon memories of sunshine. —Eileen Budnyk, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad

A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey

Spiced Peach Cobbler

When you tuck into this warm and comforting fresh peach cobbler, you won’t miss the extra fat and calories a bit! —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York

Grilled Cherry-Glazed Chicken Wings

When I take these grilled wings to summer events, there are never any leftovers! Friends and family love them. —Ashley Gable, Atlanta, Georgia

Learn how to grill chicken wings the right way.

Triple Tomato Flatbread

Tomatoes are the reason I have a vegetable garden, and I developed this recipe as a way to show off my garden's plum, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes. The dish is easy and will impress. —Rachel Kimbrow, Portland, Oregon

Picnic Berry Shortcakes

You can make the berry sauce ahead of time and chill it. Then assemble the entire dessert right before the summer barbecue. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas

Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Ribbons

The first time I substituted zucchini noodles for regular pasta, it was because I was trying to reduce carbohydrates and calories. Now I make them because we love the flavor and texture they bring to dishes. This dish is just as delicious if you substitute shrimp for the chicken. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Grilled Watermelon Gazpacho

This is the perfect starter for a summer dinner or a lunch meal. It's cool and tangy with a whole lot of great grilled flavor. If you like a little more spice, just add more jalapenos. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California

Fudgy S’mores Brownies

I combined the perfect summer snack with my favorite brownie recipe to get these s’mores brownies. They’re sure to wow at your next summer get-together. —Judy Cunningham, Max, North Dakota

Maple Blackberry Mojito

This refreshing blackberry cocktail is how you take advantage of prime berry season during the summer months. I've also used other types of fruit, including raspberries, kiwi and strawberries. —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine

Hot Dog Sliders with Mango-Pineapple Salsa

For summer barbecues, we shrink down lots of foods, including these quick hot dogs, to slider size. Pile on the easy but irresistible fruit salsa for a burst of fresh flavor. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio

This summer barbecue recipe is even better with our Test Kitchen’s favorite hot dogs.

Tarragon Asparagus

I grow purple asparagus, so I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. Recently, my husband and I discovered how wonderful any color of asparagus tastes when it's grilled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries

One night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved! For a patriotic look, add a drizzle of blueberry syrup. —Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine

Grilled Chicken, Mango & Blue Cheese Tortillas

Here's a fantastic outdoor appetizer to kick-start your summer get-togethers. We double or triple the ingredients when we host parties. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida

Charlotte’s Green Tomato Pie

Green tomato pie makes an awesome conversation piece. I took it to a summer cookout and it was a delight to share. —Charlotte McDaniel, Jacksonville, Alabama

Rhubarb Berry Upside-Down Cake

I had leftover rhubarb and wanted to create something fresh. With blueberries, strawberries and dried cranberries on hand, I discovered I had a berry upside-down cake. —June Paul, Portage, Wisconsin

Grilled Peach & Pineapple Sangria

Grill up fresh peaches and pineapple slathered in cinnamon butter and use them to make a refreshing summer sangria. I also like to add slices of grilled lemon and lime to drop in the glass for a citrusy boost of flavor. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland

Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches

I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Gorgonzola Spread

My husband first tried this recipe with plain potatoes. They were so yummy; we experimented with sweet potatoes. Dipped in Gorgonzola spread, they’re irresistible. —Kristen Minello, Macomb, Michigan

Frozen Banana Cereal Pops

When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia

Grilled Southwestern Steak Salad

Pasta salad loaded with steak, peppers and onions makes both my boyfriend and me happy. Plus, it’s versatile! We serve it hot, room temperature or cold. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee

Feta Mushroom Burgers

I got this recipe from my son-in-law and I tweaked it to make it healthier. The burgers are so quick to whip up on the grill for summer barbecues. —Dolores Block, Frankenmuth, Michigan

Grilled Beef Chimichangas

I created this recipe when I didn't have the ingredients for my go-to dish. After making this, it became my new favorite! —Jackie Burns, Kettle Falls, Washington

Farmers Market Orzo Salad

Orzo is a tiny pasta shaped like rice. We use it as a base for veggies, lemony vinaigrette and cheeses such as mozzarella, feta or smoked Gouda. —Heather Dezzutto, Raleigh, North Carolina

Grilled Mushroom Kabobs

Earthy grilled mushrooms taste like flame-kissed goodness. The balsamic vinegar adds just enough tanginess to the savory side. —Melissa Hoddinott, Sherwood Park, Alberta

Creamy Pineapple Pie

Creamy pineapple pie is a light and refreshing dessert that's quick to make and impressive to serve. This is one of our favorite ways to complete a summer meal. —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina