21 Cookout Favorites You’ll Want to Make All Summer Long
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
If your summer plans include sunshine, good company, and food that disappears fast, you’re in the right place. These cookout favorites are easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for seconds. No more boring backyard dishes and hello to recipes that make you the host everyone brags about.
Chopped Chicken Salad
This chopped chicken salad is the kind of light but delicious meal that’s perfect for sunny days and outdoor lunches. Loaded with fresh veggies, hearty protein, and bold Italian flavors, it makes a vibrant bowl that feels like a meal without weighing you down. It’s simple to toss together and holds up well for backyard picnics or easy meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Chicken Salad
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
These slow-cooker baby back ribs are the ultimate summer cookout win without breaking a sweat. Just rub, glaze, and let the slow cooker handle the hard part while you relax or prep other dishes. In a few hours, you’ve got tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with that irresistible sticky glaze everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Salsa Ranchera
Add some bold flavor to your next summer BBQ with this homemade salsa ranchera. Packed with juicy tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, and garlicky goodness, this vibrant sauce turns anything from grilled meats to simple chips into something unforgettable. Whip it up in under 30 minutes and watch it become the most-requested condiment at the table.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Ranchera
Carrot Raisin Salad
Carrot raisin salad adds a pop of color and a perfect sweet-savory crunch to any summer spread. Fresh shredded carrots and plump raisins tossed in a creamy, slightly tangy dressing make for an irresistible side dish. It’s one of those salads that holds up well in the heat, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad
Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie
Sip your way into vacation mode with this refreshing Bahama Mama tropical smoothie. Loaded with sweet berries and tropical fruits, this drink brings all the beach vibes right to your backyard. It’s perfect for cooling off between grill rounds or serving up as a fun, non-alcoholic option at summer parties.
Get the Recipe: Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
These bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are the sweet-and-salty appetizer you didn’t know you needed but won’t be able to stop eating. Juicy pineapple wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon makes every bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They come together with just two ingredients and a few minutes of prep, making them ideal for a summer cookout with friends.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
Popeyes Coleslaw
Keep things crisp and refreshing with this easy Popeyes coleslaw copycat. It’s the cool, creamy side dish that balances out all those smoky grilled meats perfectly. With crunchy cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing, it’s exactly what every summer plate needs and tastes even better after sitting for a bit, so it’s ideal for prepping ahead.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw
Lemon Loaf Cake
Brighten up your dessert table with this cheerful lemon loaf cake that’s bursting with sunny citrus flavor. The soft, buttery cake is topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that’s just the right finish for a refreshing summer treat. Serve it after a big BBQ meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake
Bacon Cheddar Dip
This bacon cheddar dip is the ultimate no-fuss, crowd-pleasing summer appetizer that disappears faster than you can set it on the table. Loaded with crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and zesty ranch seasoning, it’s perfect served warm or cold with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies. You can whip it up in just 5 minutes, making it ideal when you need something quick before the doorbell rings.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Dip
Bruschetta Al Pomodoro
Bruschetta al pomodoro is that fresh, flavorful bite you’ll want on repeat all summer long. Ripe, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil piled high on warm, crusty bread create the perfect appetizer that looks fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. It’s light, refreshing, and keeps the snack table looking colorful and inviting.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro
Cucumber Pinwheels
Cucumber pinwheels with salmon and cream cheese are the perfect fancy-but-easy snack that always gets compliments. Cool, crisp cucumber wraps around creamy cheese and smoky salmon for a bite-sized summer treat that’s as refreshing as it is delicious. These take only 10 minutes to prep, but they look like you spent way longer.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Pinwheels
Strawberry Lemonade
Nothing screams summer quite like a tall glass of strawberry lemonade. With just five simple ingredients, you’ll have a refreshing drink that’s perfectly sweet and tangy, ideal for sipping poolside or serving up at any cookout. Make a big pitcher because this one goes fast, everyone from kids to adults will be asking for refills.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade
Basil Tomato Mozzarella Skewers
These basil tomato mozzarella skewers are the handheld version of a classic Caprese salad, and they always steal the show at summer gatherings. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil come together on skewers for easy grabbing and snacking. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with black pepper for a simple appetizer that looks fancy but takes just minutes to prep.
Get the Recipe: Basil Tomato Mozzarella Skewers
Deviled Eggs without Mayo
Deviled eggs skip the mayo and go straight for creamy avocado and tangy sour cream for a fresh, lighter twist on the classic. Finished with a pop of bright lemon juice and a sprinkle of paprika, they’re flavorful, delicious, and super easy to pull together. They hold up well on the appetizer table, even on summer hottest days.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs without Mayo
Canned Salmon Burgers
These crispy canned salmon burgers are a fast, healthy dinner solution that’s perfect for hectic summer nights. Made with simple pantry staples, they’re packed with protein and come together in just 30 minutes. Serve them on flatbread with a dollop of creamy sauce or fresh greens for a no-fuss meal that feels way more exciting than the usual.
Get the Recipe: Canned Salmon Burgers
Ham and Cheese Sliders
These ham and cheese sliders are the definition of easy, summer comfort food that everyone loves. Soft rolls filled with savory ham and melty cheese, all baked with a buttery glaze that turns golden and irresistible. They’re the perfect quick dinner or party snack that’s ready in 30 minutes flat.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders
Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
Light, bright, and full of garlicky lemon flavor, this shrimp scampi with zoodles is a fresh summer twist on a classic favorite. It’s a one-pan meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for those nights when you want something fast but still a little fancy. Skip the heavy pasta and enjoy a dish that’s just as filling without the crash.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
Cool, creamy, and packed with bright cucumber and dill flavor, this homemade tzatziki sauce is a must-have for summer meals. Use it as a dip for fresh veggies, a sauce for grilled meats, or even spread it on burgers for an extra burst of flavor. It’s refreshing and light, exactly what you need to balance out those rich BBQ dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
4-Ingredient Guacamole
This 4-ingredient guacamole is your new go-to summer cookout recipe for instant crowd-pleasing flavor. Creamy avocados, fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a scoop of your favorite salsa come together in one bowl for the easiest, most delicious guac you’ve ever made. Serve it with chips, top your burgers, or spoon it over grilled chicken; no wrong answers here.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Guacamole
Blueberry Scones
Blueberry scones are the kind of sweet, flaky treat that makes any summer brunch or backyard get-together feel special. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have warm, bakery-style scones bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a light sugar glaze if you’re feeling fancy. They’re the perfect grab-and-go snack that pairs beautifully with iced coffee or lemonade.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Scones
Bread Machine Zucchini Bread
Let your bread machine handle the hard work while you enjoy a fresh, moist loaf of this flavorful zucchini bread. Packed with warm spices and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s a sneaky way to sneak some veggies into dessert. This one’s perfect for slicing up and bringing along to summer backyard BBQs or sharing with friends over coffee.
Get the Recipe: Bread Machine Zucchini Bread
