You get the invite to a summer BBQ and you quickly offer to bring something to share, but now to think of what in the world to bring? Below you will find my go-to list of summer BBQ recipes that I know are crowd-pleasers and easy for me to put together.
Here are some of my favorite summer BBQ recipes:
Avo Summer Salad
This works as both a refreshing appetizer and a great side dish for a BBQ lunch. Every time I bring this to an event, it gets rave reviews and everyone asks for the recipe!
4 ripe avocados, diced
1 can of sweet corn, drained
1 large tomato, seeds removed, diced
1 jalapeno, seeds removed, diced
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of lime juice
Combine all ingredients and place in a serving bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Tostitos Scoops nearby make this a good appetizer or just add a spoon to serve as a side dish.
Can’t Miss Marinade
(Adapted from the hipfoodiemom.com)
We love steak tips year-round, but they never taste quite as good as they do hot off the grill in the summertime! After trying this marinade, you’ll never buy the pre-marinated steak tips from the grocery store again!
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon ground pepper
After you mix all the ingredients in a bowl place the meat (we like to use steak tips) in a Ziploc bag and add the marinade. Then close the bag and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. Remove the meat from the refrigerator and grill it to your liking. Discard the remaining marinade.
Fruit Kebabs
This one is as easy as can be. Simply, everything is better on a stick!
Gather up a variety of seasonal fruits and then place them in a pattern on kebab sticks. My favorite combo is strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, and grapes. Consider cutting the grapes in half first if you will be sharing these with young kiddos!
Place a small tub of vanilla yogurt out as a quick and tasty fruit dip to pair with the kebobs.
Raspberry Jell-O Pretzel Bars
Crust:
3 cups of crushed pretzels
¾ cup melted butter
3 tablespoons sugar
Filling:
1 package (8 ounces) plain cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 container (8 ounces) of Cool Whip
Topping:
1 box raspberry-flavored Jell-O
2 cups of hot water
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine the crust ingredients (crushed pretzels, butter, and sugar). Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13” pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
In a bowl, mix together the first three filling ingredients (cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla). Once the ingredients are combined gently fold in the Cool Whip. Next, spread it gently on top of the cooled pretzel mixture.
Then add the Jell-O packet to two cups of hot water, and stir until fully dissolved. Let it cool for a few minutes before gently pouring this on top of the filling for the third and final layer.
Next, you will refrigerate for about 3 hours or until firm.
Finally, cut into squares for serving. The first piece always comes out messy, but it tastes delicious! If you are serving this outside at a BBQ in the summer heat, please consider bringing another pan filled with ice cubes to place under the serving dish so it stays chilled while serving.
If you try any of these summer BBQ recipes, let us know what you think!
Don’t forget to tag us @centralmassmom.
