• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Parallel Plates
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
×
Home » Recipe Collections

19 crowd-pleasing recipes to make before September arrives

Published: Aug 27, 2026 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

There’s still time to gather everyone around the table for a few more summer meals. These recipes are made with sharing in mind, from dependable favorites to dishes that add something extra to a spread. They’re just right for family dinners, backyard gatherings and the final celebrations of the season. Try them now before September changes the mood—and the menu.

Grilled Ham Steak

Top view of a Grilled Ham Steak on a wooden board.
Grilled Ham Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled ham steaks with rosemary maple Dijon glaze cook quickly and need little prep. The grill helps the glaze caramelize, making the dish more robust.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ham Steak

Italian Steak

Overhead image of sliced italian steak with sauce on a plate.
Italian Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grilled Italian steak uses simple seasoning and a short cooking time. The grill sears the outside and keeps the inside juicy, which works well for a no-hassle dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Steak

Grilled Corn Salad

A bowl of Grilled Corn Salad.
Grilled Corn Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This corn salad uses grilled corn that takes on a better texture and stronger flavor over direct heat. The citrus-spiced dressing complements it, making it work well for outdoor meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad

Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb

A plate of Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb.
Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled rack of lamb with za’atar paste is simple to prepare and makes a strong centerpiece for outdoor meals. The grill helps seal in juices while enhancing the flavor of the seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb

Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

A plate of Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping.
Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

New York steak with herb scallion topping cooks quickly and fits well into group settings. The grill adds a char that balances with the freshness of the topping.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad

A plate of Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad with a fork.
Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled summer vegetables with cherry balsamic glaze and orzo make for a light pasta salad. The grill deepens the flavor of the vegetables, helping them hold up in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad

Grilled Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers in a Pretzel Bun

Four grilled gorgonzola buffalo burgers in a pretzel bun.
Grilled Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers in a Pretzel Bun. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Bison burgers with gorgonzola on pretzel buns switch up the standard burger night. The grill helps hold in juices and adds enough char to work with the bold cheese.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers in a Pretzel Bun

Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots

A plate of Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots and a side of greens with a slice of avocado.
Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled lamb kebabs with dried apricots keep things simple while balancing sweet and savory. The grill adds a light char that works well with the fruit.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Ninja Grilled Tomahawk Pork Chops on a white plate.
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Tomahawk pork chops with a dry rub work well over open heat. The grill forms a crisp crust that matches the richness of the cut.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Grilled Scallop Skewers

A close-up of grilled scallop skewers.
Grilled Scallop Skewers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grilled scallop skewers cook fast and work well for seafood. The grill highlights their sweetness, and the citrus garlic butter adds contrast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallop Skewers

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus on foil-lined baking sheet with lemon slice.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Grilled asparagus uses just a few ingredients and comes together in under half an hour. The grill brings out its natural taste, making it a fast and useful vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers

An image of Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers.
Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple cider grilled chicken skewers use a simple marinade that balances sweet and savory. The grill chars the outside just enough to add contrast and pairs well with cheese-based sides.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers

Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers sandwiches on a white platter.
Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Grilled sausage and peppers come together fast with minimal steps. The grill crisps the sausage and softens the peppers, making it a strong option for quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb chops with peach honey glaze and grilled peach salad bring together meat and fruit in one plate. The grill brings out deeper flavor in both components.
Get the Recipe: Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Close up photo of grilled boneless pork chops.
Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This seasoning mix is easy to make and works across a range of grilled meats. It helps boost flavor with minimal effort, which is useful when prepping for the grill.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger

Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The halloumi lamb burger with grilled onions and sun-dried tomato pesto holds up well as a complete meal. The grill improves the texture of the cheese and adds flavor to the lamb.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger

Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Coleslaw. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grilled fish tacos with garlic cilantro lime slaw balance texture and flavor. The grill gives the fish a firmer finish, making it fit well into the taco format.
Get the Recipe: Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

Grilled Artichokes

Grilled Artichokes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilling artichokes brings out a nutty flavor that’s hard to get from other methods. The grill softens them to a good texture, and the lemon tahini sauce pairs well with the result.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Artichokes

Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers

Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Thai spicy basil chicken skewers use bold seasoning and cook cleanly over the grill. The heat locks in flavor and adds just the right amount of char.
Get the Recipe: Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers

More Recipe Collections

  • A slice of Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Lasagna on a plate.
    23 seriously good recipes for one last taste of summer
  • Bowl of creamy leek and mushroom pasta topped with Parmesan cheese and black pepper on a light marble surface.
    22 easy recipes for those lazy August nights
  • An overhead image of slow cooker green bean casserole on a plate.
    25 last-chance summer recipes you’ll wish you tried sooner
  • Overhead image of chicken and rice casserole on top of a wooden board.
    16 throwback recipes that looked different, but still got dinner done

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Close up headshot

Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

More about me →

Popular

  • An image of Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers.
    19 crowd-pleasing recipes to make before September arrives
  • An image of Pasta e Piselli served in a bowl.
    These 20 easy dinner recipes are perfect for the last weeks of August
  • Overhead view of rigatoni arrabbiata dish placed on a white plate and baking dish. 
    17 easy meals that feel special without making dinner complicated
  • Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
    21 recipes everyone will be asking you to make again

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure & Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Black Bicycle LLC