Backyard BBQs are the perfect way to enjoy good food and great company. These 15 recipes are sure to impress your guests and have your neighbors wishing they were invited. Each dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and ideal for any outdoor gathering.
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
This salad combines shredded chicken with a tangy Carolina BBQ sauce, fresh greens, and crunchy veggies. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and flavorful option. The BBQ sauce provides a sweet and smoky taste, complemented by the freshness of the vegetables. It’s a satisfying dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon
This salmon dish features a garam masala spice blend and is cooked on a cedar plank, infusing it with a unique smoky flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, the salmon is tender and aromatic. The garam masala adds warmth and depth, while the cedar plank enhances the overall taste. It’s an impressive and tasty choice for a BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon
Zucchini Noodle Salad
This salad is made with spiralized zucchini noodles, fresh tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing. It takes only 15 minutes to prepare and is a light and refreshing dish. The zucchini noodles provide a crunchy texture, and the lemon dressing adds a tangy twist. It’s a perfect side dish for any BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
This skillet dish features chicken cooked in a creamy balsamic sauce with garlic and herbs. It takes around 25 minutes to make and delivers a rich and savory flavor. The balsamic vinegar adds a hint of sweetness that balances the creamy sauce. It’s a hearty and delicious option for a backyard BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa
This tri-tip is paired with a vibrant pineapple mango red pepper salsa, adding a tropical touch to the meat. Ready in about 45 minutes, the tri-tip is juicy and flavorful. The salsa provides a sweet and tangy contrast, making each bite refreshing. It’s a standout dish that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
This burger is made with ground beef, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado, creating a mouthwatering combination. It takes just 25 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and satisfying option. The bacon adds a savory crunch, while the avocado gives a smooth, rich taste. It’s a classic BBQ favorite with a twist.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
Veggie Couscous Salad
This salad features fluffy couscous mixed with colorful veggies and a light vinaigrette. It takes about 20 minutes to make and is a versatile side dish. The fresh vegetables add a crisp texture, and the vinaigrette provides a tangy flavor. It’s a refreshing addition to any BBQ meal.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
This dish combines grilled pork chops with succulent shrimp, offering a delicious surf and turf experience. It takes around 35 minutes to prepare, delivering a savory and satisfying taste. The pork chops are juicy, and the shrimp adds a touch of seafood flavor. It’s a hearty and impressive option for a BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
Citrus Asparagus Couscous
This couscous dish is mixed with asparagus and citrus zest, creating a light and zesty flavor. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and refreshing side. The asparagus provides a tender crunch, and the citrus zest adds a bright, tangy note. It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
This grain bowl features grilled shrimp, quinoa, and fresh vegetables, topped with a tangy dressing. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a nutritious and flavorful meal. The shrimp is smoky and tender, and the vegetables add a fresh crunch. It’s a balanced and delicious option for a backyard gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
Grilled Rockfish Tacos
These tacos are made with grilled rockfish, topped with a zesty slaw and a squeeze of lime. They take around 20 minutes to prepare, offering a quick and tasty meal. The rockfish is flaky and mild, while the slaw adds a crunchy texture. It’s a fun and flavorful dish perfect for a BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos
Summer Orzo Salad
This salad combines orzo pasta with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. It takes about 15 minutes to make and is a refreshing side dish. The orzo is tender, and the fresh vegetables add a crisp bite. It’s a simple yet delicious option for any summer BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad
California Steak Salad
This salad features grilled steak, fresh greens, avocado, and a tangy dressing. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a hearty and flavorful meal. The steak is juicy and tender, and the avocado adds a creamy texture. It’s a satisfying and nutritious option for a BBQ.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
This chicken dish is glazed with a maple mustard sauce, offering a sweet and tangy flavor. It takes around 25 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and tasty option. The glaze caramelizes on the grill, adding a delicious crust to the chicken. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish for any backyard BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia
This dish pairs fluffy couscous with sautéed tilapia and fresh summer vegetables. Ready in about 30 minutes, it offers a light and flavorful meal. The tilapia is tender and mild, while the veggies add a crunchy texture. It’s a healthy and delicious choice for a summer BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia