The Best Summer BBQ Recipes to Try This Year

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and gather friends and family for a fun BBQ. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just getting started, these BBQ recipes are sure to impress. From juicy burgers and tender ribs to delicious sides and refreshing drinks, here are some of the best summer BBQ recipes to try this year.

1. Grilled BBQ Ribs

Nothing says summer like a rack of succulent, smoky BBQ ribs. These ribs are cooked low and slow on the grill and finished with a rich and tangy barbecue sauce that caramelizes perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat.
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and rub them with the dry seasoning mixture.
3. Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down, and cook for about 2-2.5 hours, turning occasionally.
4. In the last 15 minutes, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and let it caramelize.
5. Serve with extra sauce on the side and enjoy!

2. Grilled Chicken Skewers

These juicy chicken skewers are marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon, and herbs before being grilled to perfection. Perfect for a quick and easy BBQ dish!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
3. Grill the chicken for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
4. Serve with a side of tzatziki or your favorite dipping sauce.

3. Grilled Veggie Platter

For a vegetarian-friendly BBQ, a colorful grilled veggie platter is always a hit. You can mix and match your favorite vegetables and grill them to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
4. Arrange the veggies on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

4. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer BBQ side dish. The smoky flavor from the grill, combined with butter and seasonings, makes it irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 6 ears of corn, husked
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the kernels are charred and tender.
3. Brush the grilled corn with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

5. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

For a hearty and flavorful BBQ option, pulled pork sandwiches are always a crowd-pleaser. The pork is slow-cooked until it’s tender and shredded, then slathered in BBQ sauce and served on soft buns.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• Soft sandwich buns

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill for indirect heat (or use a slow cooker for this recipe).
2. Mix together apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder to make a rub.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder and cook on the grill for 3-4 hours (or slow cook for 6-8 hours) until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
4. Once done, shred the pork and toss it with BBQ sauce.
5. Serve on sandwich buns with coleslaw if desired.

6. Grilled Pineapple Slices

Grilled pineapple adds a sweet and smoky flavor to your BBQ spread. It’s an easy dessert or side dish that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Brush the pineapple slices with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Grill the pineapple for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear and the pineapple is caramelized.
4. Serve as a side dish or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

7. Watermelon and Feta Salad

This refreshing salad combines sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and fresh mint for a light, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine watermelon, feta cheese, and mint.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then toss gently.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and serve chilled.

Conclusion

These BBQ recipes are perfect for your summer cookouts and will leave everyone coming back for seconds. From smoky ribs and juicy chicken skewers to refreshing salads and grilled veggies, there’s something for everyone. So fire up your grill, invite your friends and family, and enjoy these mouthwatering summer BBQ recipes!