Menu Inspo: Fourth of July and Summer BBQs
Summer BBQ season is here, which means it’s time to figure out what you’re making as the host or bringing along as a guest. These are the recipes I keep coming back to because they’re easy to make, packed with flavour, and total crowd-pleasers.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh pasta salad, a hearty side dish, a fun appetizer, or something a little different, there’s something here for every kind of BBQ. From creamy mac and cheese and crunchy broccoli salad to cheesy sliders and buffalo chicken tacos, these are the recipes everyone will be asking you for.
Just click on the recipe name to head to the full blog post with ingredients and instructions. I hope you find a new favourite!
1. Roasted Corn & Burst Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad
This is the kind of pasta salad that will disappear first at any BBQ. Sweet corn and juicy cherry tomatoes are roasted until golden, bringing out their natural sweetness before they’re tossed with pesto, fresh lemon, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and red onion. It feels a little more special than your average pasta salad, and the quick roast is absolutely worth it.
2. Grilled Zucchini and Burrata
If you’re looking for a vegetable side that’s actually delicious, this is it. Tender, lightly charred zucchini is paired with creamy burrata, fresh basil, bright lemon, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for the perfect balance of flavours. It’s simple, fresh, and can easily be roasted in the oven if you don’t have a grill.
3. Buffalo Chicken Sheet Pan Tacos
If you want to bring something a little different to a BBQ, these Buffalo Chicken Sheet Pan Tacos are always a hit. They have all the spicy, buttery, tangy flavours of classic buffalo wings, wrapped up in golden, oven-baked tortillas. They’re easy to make for a crowd, and you can serve them alongside the main meal or slice them into smaller pieces for an easy appetizer.
4. Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese is always a good idea at a BBQ, and this version takes a little inspiration from broccoli cheddar soup to sneak in a little something extra. Finely chopped broccoli is folded into a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s just as comforting as the classic. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s just as popular with kids as it is with adults.
5. Shredded Chicken Sliders with Cowboy Butter
These sliders look like you spent way more time on them than you actually did. Rotisserie chicken, melty cheese, buttery Hawaiian rolls, and the easiest homemade cowboy butter come together to make incredibly flavourful little sandwiches. They’re an easy option whether you’re hosting the BBQ or showing up with something everyone will want the recipe for.
6. Broccoli Crunch Salad
This broccoli salad is anything but boring. Crisp broccoli, cucumber, shaved Parmesan, and crispy bacon are tossed in the most incredible warm bacon vinaigrette that ties everything together. It’s packed with crunch, full of flavour, and guaranteed to balance out all the richer dishes on the table.
7. Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad
Cowboy caviar is good, but cowboy caviar pasta salad is even better. Colourful, fresh veggies, two types of beans, and a creamy, zesty dressing come together in a protein-packed side that’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for the recipe.
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