Time to dust off the grill, gather your crew, and get ready for some serious eating. These 19 recipes aren’t just your average hot dog and burger fare. We’ve got quick and delicious dishes that are perfect for throwing on the grill or bringing a pop of flavor to your cookout spread. Get ready to impress your friends and family with some easy-to-make 4th of July winners.
Avocado Tomato Salad
Ditch the boring. This vibrant salad bursts with summer freshness. Creamy avocado meets juicy tomatoes, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s the perfect light counterpoint to richer cookout fare.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Classic Brownies
Calling all chocolate lovers! These brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Rich, dark chocolate melts in your mouth with every decadent bite. The fudgy texture is pure indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Kool-Aid Cupcakes
Brighten your cookout with these fun and colorful cupcakes! Tangy and bursting with flavor, they’re a hit with both kids and adults. A touch of nostalgia in every delicious bite.
Get the Recipe: Kool-Aid Cupcakes
Asian Marinated Steak
Take your taste buds on a trip to Asia with this flavorful steak. A marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil creates a bold and juicy steak that will be the star of the grill.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
These chicken kebabs are like sunshine on a skewer. Marinated in lemon juice, the chicken is infused with a bright and citrusy flavor. They pair perfectly with colorful grilled veggies for a delightful and refreshing dish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chewy S’mores Bars
Capture the campfire magic in a convenient bar form! These easy-to-make s’mores bars deliver all the flavors of the classic treat. A guaranteed hit with everyone at your cookout, they’re perfect for satisfying sweet tooths.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
This vibrant dish is a festive and flavorful addition to your cookout. Summer squash, zucchini, and tomatoes are brought together in a medley infused with fresh herbs. It’s a colorful and delicious way to celebrate the season.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Ditch the canned beans and elevate your cookout with these smoky baked beans. Surprisingly easy and way cheaper than store-bought, they’re packed with flavor and the perfect addition to any cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Fresh Strawberry Pie
The perfect ending to your cookout celebration! This juicy strawberry pie is bursting with summer flavor. A flaky crust cradles a delicious strawberry filling that everyone will love. It’s a taste of sunshine in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Don’t just grill meat! Thread your favorite fruits onto skewers and create a delicious and refreshing grilled dessert. Drizzled with a homemade caramel sauce, these are a fun and flavorful way to end your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Hearts of Palm Salad
This refreshing salad is a delightful palate cleanser between bites of grilled food. Hearts of palm add a unique crunch, while tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing bring a burst of flavor. It’s the perfect way to lighten things up at your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Want a healthy side dish that’s quick and easy? Look no further than grilled baby bok choy. Marinated and then grilled, it’s a flavorful and healthy option that goes perfectly with any burger or grilled protein. A delicious way to add some green to your cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Add a smoky twist to your cookout with chipotle grilled corn. Marinated in a chipotle butter sauce, this flavorful side dish is sure to impress your guests. Smoky and slightly spicy, it’s a unique and delicious take on a classic cookout staple.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Baked Kale Chips
Skip the greasy chips and choose healthy baked kale instead. Crispy and packed with nutrients, they’re a satisfying and guilt-free snack for your cookout. A delicious way to add a healthy crunch to your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Lemon Marinated Kefir Chicken
This tangy and refreshing chicken is perfect for grilling on a hot summer day. Marinated in a creamy kefir blend, the chicken is juicy and tender. The kefir adds a touch of tang that complements the smoky char from the grill. It’s a flavorful and lighter option for your cookout menu.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Kefir Chicken
Veggie Pasta Salad
This refreshing pasta salad is packed with summer veggies, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, making it a perfect side dish for your celebration. A delightful combination of textures and flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Beat the heat with this refreshing chicken dish! Marinated in lime juice, the chicken has a bright and zesty flavor that’s perfect for a hot summer cookout. The zesty lime flavor is a delicious balance to smoky grilled flavors.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake
Celebrate your national pride in style with this festive cake! Swirls of red, white, and blue decorate this stunning cake, making it a delicious centerpiece for your cookout. It’s a showstopper that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake
Miso Glazed Chicken
This flavorful chicken dish is sure to impress at your cookout. The sweet and savory miso glaze adds a unique depth of flavor to the tender chicken. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit, offering a unique and delicious twist on grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken