11 Best Backyard Barbecue Recipes

Summertime is quickly approaching! This means backyard barbecue season is here. And it’s time to get our outdoor recipe game on. Whether heading to the neighbor’s house for a casual dinner or hosting on your own patio, we hope there is an idea here for you. This is a list of 11 best backyard barbecue recipes that we have loved over the years, and a few new ones too.

Watermelon, mint, and feta salad prepared in a bowl for serving

#1. Watermelon, Mint, and Feta Salad

Nothing says summer like watermelon! Toss chunks of this fabulous, refreshing fruit with some fresh mint and crumbled feta cheese for a crisp, sweet, and gorgeous side dish.

1 tall glass with the prepared mojito, garnished with mint and a lime wedge resting on a wooden board with a cocktail stirring spoon laid to the side

#2. Classic Mojito

The classic mojito has that refreshing taste and look that is begging for a hot summer day. We love this drink for patio happy hours and hanging out with friends.

Fruit salad prepared in a bowl, garnished with mint leaves

#3. Boozy Fruit Salad with Cointreau

For a festive and flavorful dessert or side dish, try this Boozy Fruit Salad with Cointreau. It is an adult fruit salad marinated in Cointreau, a delicious orange liqueur. A fun salad for your summer kick-off party or to bring to the neighbor’s for dinner.

Roasted Red Pepper Dip served with seasoned pita chips, and garnished with basil leaves

#4. Roasted Red Pepper Dip

This light, creamy Mediterranean style appetizer is great for summer entertaining. It is easy to make for a group and is enjoyed with pita bread or chips.

grilled corn kernals with halved tomatoes, and chopped basil mixed in a blue bowl

#5. Grilled Corn, Tomato, Basil Salad

This is one of our favorite summer side dishes because of the fresh seasonal ingredients. This grilled corn, tomato and basil salad complements any main course from the grill. It looks as good as it tastes!

steak sandwich ingredients laid out on a wood board: grilled flank steak, toasted buns, an avocado cut in half, and a small bowl of pesto aioli

#6. Flank Steak Sandwich

This steak sandwich is so flavorful, complimented by a savory garlic aioli sauce, that it is unforgettable. We love this main course when hosting company for an outdoor barbecue meal.

spinach salad in white bowl. Cucumbers, pickled shallots, goat cheese and walnuts on top.

#7. Summer Spinach Salad

This summer spinach salad is simple and healthy. Only a few ingredients, tossed with a homemade vinaigrette, and you have a beautiful salad perfect for outdoor entertaining.

A mixed maitai with a garnish of an orange wheel slice and 2 cherries, with a pineapple and sliced orange in the background

#8. Mai Tai

Bring the vacation to your backyard with this tropical cocktail from paradise! The mai tai is a sweet, fruity drink that has that relaxation vibe.

#9. Easy Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

This is a fall-off-the bone style of rib recipe that your guests will fall in love with. These ribs are tender and full of flavor- perfect for outdoor dining.

Tomatillo & Avocado Salsa prepared in two small bowls with a bowl of blue and yellow tortilla chips.

#10. Tomatillo & Avocado Salsa

This is a smooth and tangy appetizer salsa that will disappear quickly in a group. Made with fresh tomatillos, avocados, garlic, and herbs and served with your favorite tortilla chips.

Mixed Berry Cobbler baked in the baking dish with a crispy buttery top and pools of melted berries.

#11. Mixed Berry Cobbler

Gather your favorite fresh mixed berries for this all-American classic dessert. An easy cobbler recipe, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is a perfect finale for your backyard barbecue menu.

We love outdoor entertaining in the warm summer months. We hope you find a great idea for your backyard barbecue on this list! If you do try one, let us know what you think!

XO,

signatures of Beth & Jamie