19 cookout recipes that scream America (and deliciousness)

Photo of author

| Published:

Get ready for a delicious cookout with 19 recipes that truly scream America. From classic favorites to new twists, these dishes are perfect for any summer gathering. Each recipe is easy to make and packed with flavors everyone will love.

Grilled rockfish tacos assembled on a blue board.
Grilled Rockfish Tacos. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

California Steak Salad

California steak salad with strawberries and avocados.
California Steak Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The California Steak Salad features juicy grilled steak on a bed of mixed greens, avocado, and cherry tomatoes. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish combines fresh veggies with tender steak for a balanced meal. The tangy dressing enhances the flavors, making each bite refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for a light yet filling cookout dish.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce offers tender, shredded pork infused with a tangy mustard barbecue sauce. Cooking low and slow for about 8 hours, the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This dish is perfect for busy cookout days, requiring minimal hands-on time. Serve on buns for a classic American BBQ experience.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Overhead shot of grilled maple mustard chicken.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of mustard for a delicious flavor profile. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish features juicy, tender chicken with a slightly crispy exterior. Perfect for a quick and tasty cookout option, it pairs well with any side. The balance of sweet and savory will be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans.
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf brings together succulent pork chops and tender shrimp for a delightful combination. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those who love both land and sea flavors. The grilling adds a smoky touch, enhancing the natural tastes of the meat and seafood. Ideal for a hearty and unique cookout dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice features tender chicken breasts seasoned with zesty lime and fresh cilantro. This dish, ready in about 40 minutes, is served over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal. The flavors are bright and vibrant, perfect for a summer cookout. Enjoy the refreshing taste that pairs well with grilled vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia

Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia is a light and flavorful dish featuring tender tilapia and fresh summer vegetables. Ready in about 30 minutes, it combines the heartiness of couscous with the delicate taste of fish. The veggies add a delightful crunch and vibrant color. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying cookout meal.
Get the Recipe: Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon offers a unique twist with its aromatic spices and smoky cedar plank cooking method. Ready in about 40 minutes, this dish features moist and flavorful salmon with a crispy exterior. The garam masala adds depth and warmth, making it a standout option. Ideal for those seeking an exotic flavor at their cookout.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains.
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl combines tender grilled shrimp with hearty grains and fresh vegetables. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. The shrimp are seasoned to perfection, providing a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a balanced and satisfying cookout option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini noodle salad on a white square plate with a serving bowl in the background.
Zucchini Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Zucchini Noodle Salad features spiralized zucchini mixed with fresh veggies and a light dressing. Ready in about 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for a refreshing and healthy side. The zucchini noodles offer a crunchy texture, making it a fun alternative to traditional pasta. Ideal for a light and vibrant addition to any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous in a white bowl next to an orange and lemons.
Citrus Asparagus Couscous. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus Asparagus Couscous combines tender asparagus with fluffy couscous and a zesty citrus dressing. Ready in about 25 minutes, this dish is light and flavorful. The citrus adds a refreshing tang, complementing the asparagus perfectly. Ideal for a bright and healthy cookout side dish.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Screaming Skillet Green Beans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Screaming Skillet Green Beans feature fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and spices for a flavorful side. Ready in about 15 minutes, this dish is quick and easy to prepare. The beans retain their crispiness while absorbing the bold flavors. Perfect for adding a touch of excitement to your cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board.
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with a tangy Carolina-style BBQ sauce, served over fresh greens. Ready in about 25 minutes, this dish is light yet satisfying. The BBQ sauce adds a flavorful punch, making it a standout option. Perfect for those who love BBQ flavors in a salad form.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Grilled rockfish tacos assembled on a blue board.
Grilled Rockfish Tacos. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Rockfish Tacos feature flaky rockfish with fresh toppings and a zesty lime crema. Ready in about 20 minutes, these tacos are perfect for a quick and delicious meal. The grilled fish adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the fresh toppings. Ideal for a fun and tasty cookout option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans.
Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer Orzo Salad combines tender orzo pasta with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. Ready in about 20 minutes, this dish is refreshing and easy to make. The vegetables add a crunchy texture, while the vinaigrette enhances the flavors. Perfect for a light and colorful cookout side dish.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

A serving basket of sweet potato fritters next to a bowl of dipping sauce and a single serving on a plate.
Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce feature crispy fritters paired with a tangy sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, these fritters are a delightful combination of sweet and savory. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness, while the sauce provides a flavorful kick. Ideal for a unique and tasty cookout appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

An up-close shot of bacon-avocado ground beef burger on a flat white surface.
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger offers a juicy burger topped with crispy bacon and creamy avocado. Ready in just 25 minutes, this burger is a quick and satisfying option. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish. Perfect for a classic and delicious cookout burger.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa features juicy tri-tip steak topped with a fresh and vibrant salsa. Ready in about 40 minutes, this dish is flavorful and visually appealing. The salsa adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory steak. Ideal for a unique and tasty cookout main course.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie couscous salad in a white serving bowl on a wooden board.
Veggie Couscous Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Veggie Couscous Salad combines fluffy couscous with fresh vegetables and a light dressing. Ready in about 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for a healthy and refreshing side. The vegetables add a crunchy texture, making it satisfying and enjoyable. Ideal for adding a light and colorful touch to your cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of brown butter garlic mashed potatoes on a table, next to a serving on a plate.
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes feature creamy mashed potatoes with a rich brown butter and garlic flavor. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is both comforting and delicious. The brown butter adds a nutty richness, elevating the traditional mashed potatoes. Perfect for a hearty and flavorful cookout side dish.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.