Perfect Summer Cookout Menu
Summer means a lot of things at our house but a big one is grilling! I have the Perfect Summer Cookout Menu for your family that includes some of my family’s summer favorites! With a delicious appetizer, multiple grilled meat options, side dish options and, of course, many desserts… this is a menu you will come back to again and again!
Cookouts often mean a crowd so I included recipes that can be easily doubled for a larger crowd and some recipes that travel well.
There is truly something for everyone in this list below… AND, they are all KID APPROVED!
Pimento Cheese
A classic Southern appetizer makes any cookout better! I love to serve it with Grain Free Crackers, Gluten Free Crackers and Wickles Pickles.
Green Chili Turkey Burgers
Green Chili Turkey Burgers pack a lot of flavor in a burger with just a few ingredients and they cook on the grill in just 10 minutes! Green Chili Turkey Burgers are good alone, with cheese or even on a bun. Mashed avocado or guacamole… yes please! They pair perfectly with the spices of the burger.
Spice Rubbed Flank Steak
One of my hubby’s all time favorite meals that I make… Spice Rubbed Flank Steak. Honestly, I don’t have the chef training to articulate the flavor of this steak. It is sweet and savory with a little mexican/earthy/spanish flare. I just took things I loved and added them together and it is “you want to eat the whole thing” delicious.
Balsamic Marinated Chicken
I love the ease of marinating chicken. It is little output for maximum flavor. Balsamic Marinated Grilled Chicken is tangy with depth of flavor that makes you want more.
Sweet Potato Kale Burgers
Tender sautéed sweet potatoes and onions are mixed with moist turkey and just the right seasonings. The star of the burgers is the smoked paprika.. make sure you use smoked! You can grill or pan cook these burgers so can be made on a warm summer night outside or a rainy day inside.
Simple Black Eye Pea Salad
I love the versatility of this black eye pea salad! Love tomatoes? Add in a diced tomato. Love some creamy avocado? Add in a diced avocado! Have microgreens on hand? Toss in a handful for more crunch and nutrition! You could even add in some chopped black olives or pickled red onions to amp up the Mediterranean flare! Start with my base, eat it as is (because it is already delicious), or adapt it with add ins that you love or have on hand!
Kale Salad
This Kale Salad is our family favorite!! I have been making it for years and my kids get so excited every time I make it. My son gets third helpings each time
Homemade Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese
It is comfort food but also perfect for a summer bbq! Everyone loves a cheesy pasta and mine is made with chickpea pasta to keep things gluten free, add some protein and reduce blood sugar load.
Fresh Chickpea and Veggie Salad
Appetizer, Side Dish, Salad.. this Fresh Chickpea and Veggie Salad with Vinaigrette does it all. It is crunchy with a touch of creamy and has most wonderful tangy vinaigrette that compliments the veggies but does not overpower them.
Gluten Free Cookies N Cream
Homemade Vanilla ice cream and gluten free oreos combine for the perfect summer treat! Gluten Free Cookies n Cream Ice Cream is a decadent treat the whole family will love. It is full on dairy but it is gluten free!
Gluten Free Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler
It is peach season in the south! Of course that means yummy fresh peaches that are perfect all on their own, but once a year I also make a delicious peach cobbler.
4 Ingredient S’mores Bars
All the nostalgia of summer without the need for a campfire. Warm summer night, a raging bonfire, marshmallows on a stick with homemade graham crackers waiting…. there is nothing like it. But while a good old fashioned bonfire is fun, it is not always possible. Enter… 4 Ingredient S’mores Bars that you can make in the oven. All the flavor… none of the mosquitos.
Happy Summer! Let me know in the comments which summer recipe you love the most!
