Backyard Barbecue Collection
A mix of easy crowd favorites, simple sides, and warm weather recipes that help you pull together a backyard spread that feels fun, relaxed, and delicious.
I have been on such a street taco kick lately because they feel easy enough for a quick lunch or dinner, but still feel like you made something good. These tacos started because I already had leftover grilled corn and avocado salad in the fridge and realized it worked ridiculously well over shrimp with yum yum sauce.
Mexican street corn pasta salad is the perfect creamy, tangy side dish made with sweet corn, shell pasta, lime, and cotija cheese. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients and is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, summer cookouts, or easy meal prep. This elote-inspired pasta salad holds up well in the fridge and is a crowd-pleasing twist on a classic.
If you’ve ever had that irresistible roasted chili-corn salsa from Chipotle, you already know it’s the unsung hero of the toppings lineup. Sweet corn gets a smoky char, roasted peppers bring warmth (without being overpowering), and lime plus cilantro brighten everything up. The best part? You can make a big bowl at home in under 40 minutes, and it’s even better after chilling in the fridge.
These Hot Honey Chicken Salad Sliders are the kind of lunch that makes you look forward to leftovers. We’re talking juicy shredded rotisserie chicken in a creamy, tangy hot honey-mustard dressing, piled onto soft Hawaiian rolls with peppery arugula and zippy pickles.
These mini corn muffins are golden, slightly sweet, and just crumbly enough to feel like real cornbread — not cupcakes pretending to be cornbread. But what makes them special is the whipped peach honey butter on the side.
If you’re looking for something ultra-refreshing, these Lemon-Lime Frozen Pops are the ticket. They’re cool, citrusy, and made with real fruit juice and a touch of honey—no weird syrups or neon food coloring here. Just fresh, tangy goodness frozen into a sunny-day treat.
If summer had a signature side, it just might be macaroni salad. This version hits all the comfort food notes: tender elbow pasta, creamy dressing, crisp bites of celery and bell pepper, and a pop of brightness from a little pickle brine and Dijon. It’s rich, tangy, and satisfying without feeling heavy—exactly what you want next to grilled burgers or ribs.
Summer cookouts deserve more than just your average ketchup-and-mustard dog. This hot dog brings the crunch, the heat, and that creamy slaw —all while keeping the grill at the heart of the action.
Nothing screams summer (or comfort food, honestly) like a thick, juicy All-American Burger stacked with melty cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, tangy pickles, and a slather of ketchup and mustard. Whether you're grilling in the backyard or cooking on a stovetop skillet, this recipe brings the diner vibes right to your kitchen.
There’s just something about shrimp tacos that instantly feels like summer. These Baja-Style Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take me right back to those perfect nights sitting on patios with friends — laughing too loud, staying out too late, and always ordering "just one more" round of tacos.
You know those perfect summer evenings when the chips are crunchy, the drinks are cold, and the guac is so good you kind of forget to eat anything else? That’s exactly what this guacamole reminds me of.
Juicy chicken, charred corn, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings packed into soft tortillas — these street corn tacos are perfect for a fun and easy Cinco de Mayo celebration.
This deviled egg potato salad is the best of both worlds—creamy, tangy, and packed with Easter vibes! It’s got the classic deviled egg filling whipped into the dressing, chunks of fluffy potatoes, and crispy bacon bits to add a smoky crunch. The best part? It’s easy to transport and can be served cold or at room temperature!
These Bourbon Peach BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory! Tender, slow-cooked pork is coated in a rich peach bourbon BBQ sauce and piled high on buttery slider buns with a tangy slaw for crunch.
Smoky, sticky, sweet, and spicy—these BBQ Pineapple & Jalapeño Glazed Chicken Wings are next-level good! The wings are grilled to crispy perfection, then tossed in a bold, tropical glaze made with pineapple juice, honey, jalapeños, and BBQ sauce for a sweet-heat flavor explosion.
Potato salad is a BBQ classic, but this version takes it to the next level with the bold, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn (elote)! Grilled corn, roasted potatoes, and a creamy, tangy dressing come together to create the ultimate summer side dish.
Sweet, smoky, garlicky, and just the right amount of spicy! These Spicy Honey Garlic BBQ Shrimp Skewers are bursting with flavor and take less than 30 minutes to make. The shrimp are marinated in a tangy, sticky honey-garlic sauce and grilled to perfection for a juicy, caramelized bite every time.
Sweet, smoky, creamy, and crunchy—this crostini has it all! Juicy grilled peaches paired with creamy burrata, fresh basil, and a drizzle of homemade hot honey make this an irresistible summer appetizer. The crispy, charred bread brings everything together for a bite that’s both elegant and backyard BBQ-friendly!
Nothing says backyard barbecue like a juicy, flavor-packed burger fresh off the grill! These Smoky Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers are a tropical twist on a classic, featuring a perfectly grilled beef patty glazed in homemade teriyaki sauce, topped with caramelized pineapple, and nestled in a toasted brioche bun. Smoky, sweet, and absolutely mouthwatering!
Nothing says comfort food quite like corned beef and cabbage, but let’s give it a fun, bite-sized twist! These Corned Beef & Cabbage Sliders with Tangy Mustard Sauce are packed with tender, salty corned beef, caramelized cabbage, and a creamy, zesty mustard sauce—all nestled between soft slider buns. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, game day, or whenever you’re craving a mini sandwich with big flavor!
Bring the zing of fresh flavors to your table with these Zesty Shrimp Ceviche Cups, an ideal appetizer for any sunny day gathering!
Kickstart your spring soirée with these zesty Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers that promise to dance on your taste buds!
Get ready to be crowned the BBQ monarch of your backyard with these mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Raise a toast to summer with this vibrant and fruity berry sangria, a perfect picnic companion that combines the richness of red wine with the sweetness of berries and a hint of citrus.
Juicy and flavorful turkey patties are glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce, topped with grilled pineapple, and served on toasted buns for a delightful twist on a classic burger.
This refreshing blend of juicy mangoes, creamy avocados, and zesty lime will transport you to a tropical paradise.
Serve the Grilled Peach and Halloumi Skewers as an enticing appetizer or an unforgettable addition to any summer gathering.
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The cherry pomegranate juice gives this drink a rich, fruity flavor, while the Lime LaCroix keeps it light, crisp, and bubbly. Served over plenty of ice in a wine glass, it feels a little more elevated than your everyday drink.