Backyard cookout foods are the perfect way to turn any weekend into an event your neighbors won’t want to miss. Whether you're grilling up classic favorites or trying something new, these dishes will have your guests stopping by for a plate—and maybe a little more. If you’re looking to take your cookout to the next level, these recipes are just what you need to impress and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Easy Grilled Veggie Kabobs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.
Grilled Asparagus
Simple grilled asparagus is a great addition to any cookout with only five ingredients and a 25-minute prep time. It's quick to prepare and a fresh, easy option for your next backyard gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mango Avocado Salad
This easy mango avocado salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect summer dish. With a lemony vinaigrette, it's a refreshing and light choice for your cookout menu.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
Spinach Avocado Salad
Spinach and avocado salad is the go-to choice when you want something light and fresh. With cherry tomatoes, radishes, and cotija cheese, it's a great dish for your next summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad
Classic American Potato Salad
Classic potato salad made with boiled eggs is a perfect side for any summer BBQ. Its creamy texture gets even better after sitting overnight, making it an easy, make-ahead choice for cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad
Heirloom Caprese Salad
Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella is simple yet bursting with flavor. It's the perfect choice for summer cookouts, especially when garden tomatoes are in season.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad
No Mayo Coleslaw
This Asian summer slaw, made with a creamy peanut dressing, is a no-mayo coleslaw option that works for vegan and gluten-free diets. It’s a refreshing side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats at your cookout.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw
Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
A few seasonings and a quick grill is all it takes to make this hassle-free grilled dish. It’s an easy go-to when you want to add something simple yet flavorful to your cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
Easy Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Grilled Veggie Kabobs are a great choice for a fresh, colorful side dish. With zucchini, onions, and bell peppers, these kabobs are easy to make and bring vibrant flavors to your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Tasty BBQ Smoked Meatloaf with Glaze
BBQ smoked meatloaf cooked on a pellet grill brings a bold flavor that’ll stand out at your cookout. The slow-cooked meatloaf has a nostalgic feel that adds variety to your summer meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Tasty BBQ Smoked Meatloaf with Glaze
Broccoli Raisin Salad
Broccoli salad with raisins, bacon, and pumpkin seeds is a standout at any cookout or BBQ. The creamy Dijon mustard dressing makes it a great option for a refreshing, crunchy side.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Raisin Salad
Pea Salad With Eggs
Old-fashioned pea salad with eggs is a simple and classic choice for your next summer picnic or backyard BBQ. It's creamy, tangy, and easy to prepare in advance.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad With Eggs
Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
Grilled chicken with cilantro crema is an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for summer nights. This juicy, marinated chicken with a creamy sauce makes it an excellent option for a backyard cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
Thai Chicken Satay
Thai Satay Chicken has bold flavors like turmeric, lemongrass, and chiles, making it a flavorful option for your cookout. Paired with a spicy Thai Peanut Sauce, it’s perfect for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops
Tomahawk pork chops are big, juicy, and packed with flavor, and they cook quickly on the grill. They’re a perfect choice when you want something bold and easy to make, even without perfect weather.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops
Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Lamb kofta kebabs grill up quickly and deliver big flavor. With ground lamb and spices, they're a great choice for a cookout when you want something different but always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs
BBQ Pasta Salad
BBQ chicken salad is an easy dish for quick lunches or a summer cookout. It’s a cold pasta salad topped with crunchy fried onions, adding extra flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pasta Salad
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are creamy, comforting, and a crowd favorite. These cheesy, sliced potatoes are sure to please everyone at your next backyard BBQ or cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Pasta Salad without Mayo
Pasta salad without mayo is a refreshing, simple dish that comes together in no time. With Italian dressing, it’s perfect for your cookout or as a quick, light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad without Mayo
BBQ Chicken Legs
BBQ chicken legs cooked in the slow cooker are a no-fuss dish that still delivers great flavor. This is a perfect option for a cookout when you can’t grill but still want that cookout vibe.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Legs
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Grilled steaks with cowboy butter turn juicy cuts of beef into something special. With a flavorful butter topping, this recipe is great for those nostalgic cookout moments.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Pea Salad
Vintage pea salad, with its creamy, tangy, and sweet flavor, is a great make-ahead option. It’s a popular dish for any cookout, Easter, or even Christmas gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Best Blackstone Chicken Breast
Blackstone chicken breasts are quick, flavorful, and perfect for any BBQ. This simple recipe is an easy way to make chicken the star of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Best Blackstone Chicken Breast
Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Whole Chicken
Whole smoky chicken done on a Ninja Woodfire Grill is a standout option for your cookout. It’s a flavorful choice that will make any backyard BBQ feel special.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Whole Chicken
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp skewers cook up fast and bring big flavor, making them a great choice for your next BBQ. These skewers are perfect when time is tight and you need something that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Chicken kofta kebabs are quick to grill and packed with fresh herbs and juicy flavor. They’re a great option when you need a fast, shareable dish for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Corn Chaat (Masala Corn Salad)
Corn chaat is a spicy, tangy treat that’s a hit at any cookout or picnic. This Indian-style corn salad combines sweet corn with colorful veggies for a refreshing, unique dish.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chaat (Masala Corn Salad)
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken gives you a sweet and spicy combo, making it a fantastic dish for quick dinners or weekend cookouts. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s a must-try for your next chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
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