16 Best Summer Cookout Recipes

Is there anything better than cookouts in the summer? From burgers and ribs to salads and dessert, there's nothing like grilling out in the sun. And with these 16 recipes, you'll be sure to have something for everyone at your next cookout!

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill! There are so many delicious summer cookout recipes to choose from, and grilled dishes always seem to taste better when cooked outdoors.

From main courses to side salads and desserts, there's something for everyone at a summer cookout. If you're looking for some summer grilling and cookout inspiration, here are a few of our favorite summer cookout recipes. Bon appetit!

Grilled Meats

Grilled meats are a summer cookout staple, and there are endless recipes to choose from. Whether you're grilling chicken, burgers, or ribs, there's a perfect recipe out there for you. The best part about grilled meats is that they're easy to customize - you can add your favorite spices and sauces to create a dish that's all your own. And of course, grilled meats go perfectly with all your favorite summer sides.

How to Grill Perfect Burgers

Burgers are a summertime classic and they are best on the grill! This is an easy to follow recipe to grilling perfect burgers every time.

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The Best Baby Back Ribs on a Grill

Baby back ribs are a tender rack of ribs and with a simple dry rub they are cooked to perfection! BBQ sauce is added at the end for the best flavor and texture.

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Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs

Full of flavor and always juicy, these BBQ chicken legs are easy to make! They have a simple dry rub, some lime juice and your favorite BBQ sauce.

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Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

These are the best chicken leg quarters! They are easy to make with a simple homemade dry rub and are delicious with a perfectly crispy skin.

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See more delicious grill recipes!

Grilled Vegetables

Grilling vegetables is a great way to add flavor and texture to your summer cookout. There are endless possibilities when it comes to recipes, so you can always find something to suit your taste. The best part about grilled veggies is that they can be enjoyed by everyone, even if they're not fans of traditional barbecue fare. You'll be sure to impress your guests with these delicious dishes.

Grilled Potato Wedges

These crispy grilled potato wedges are delicious and the perfect side dish for any main meal. They are perfect anytime you want to make French fries.

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Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan Cheese

Grilled zucchini with parmesan cheese is a delicious side dish that is easy to make. It pairs together with any meal and can be grilled along side other dishes.

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Grilled Corn on the Cob

Whether you soak the husks, remove them or pull them back, serve grilled corn on the cob with butter & your favorite seasonings!

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Loaded Foil Packet Potatoes [for the Grill]

Grilled potatoes in foil are easy to make, delicious and are the ultimate side dish! They have all the flavors of a loaded baked potato and can be grilled along side of any meal.

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Cookout salad side dishes

It's finally summertime, and that means it's time to break out the best summer salads! Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or just looking for a light and refreshing meal, these recipes are sure to please. From classic coleslaw to a flavor-packed pasta salad, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to enjoy the best salads of the season!

Ranch Pasta Salad

This easy to make ranch pasta salad is flavorful and colorful all while keeping it simple. It has the perfect combination of vegetables and ranch along with the pasta.

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The Best Potato Salad Recipe

Potato salad is a classic at most cookouts.  Making the perfect salad is all about the way you prep your potatoes and the dressing you add.  This will be a favorite!

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Easy Sweet Coleslaw

This sweet coleslaw recipe is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. It has the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, making it a favorite with kids.

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Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Easy to make this broccoli salad with bacon is a cookout classic! It has a sweet and tangy dressing but yet slightly salty from bacon, making it a delicious side dish.

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See more delicious side dishes!

Desserts

When the weather starts to heat up, there's nothing quite like a summer dessert to cool you down. From classic no bake cheesecakes to easy homemade popsicles, there are endless possibilities when it comes to sweet treats. And what better way to enjoy them than at a summer cookout? Whether you're grilling burgers or hot dogs, these desserts will be the perfect addition to your menu. Get ready to enjoy the best of summer with these delicious recipes!

Berry and Greek Yogurt Popsicles

Summertime is the perfect time for popsicles! And these easy berry and Greek yogurt popsicles will be your new favorite treat. They're simple to make and so delicious. You can use strawberries, raspberries and blackberries for them.

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No Bake Strawberry Blueberry Cheesecake

The perfect summer dessert! This no bake strawberry blueberry dessert is made with fresh berries and is in a simple homemade graham cracker crust.

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No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

No bake strawberry cheesecake is easy to make and will not heat up the house! It is the perfect combination of fresh strawberries, whipped cream and cream cheese filling.

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Salted Caramel Apple Bundt Cake

The salted caramel apple cake is the perfect fall treat! It brings the flavors of apples, cinnamon and caramel together in a deliciously moist cake.

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See more delicious dessert recipes!

We have many summer cookout recipes, but these are some of our absolute favorites! Most of them are pretty inexpensive (compared to steaks and fancy salads) and they are all delicious. Hot dogs are often on the menu as well, quite often we just throw them on the grill the way they are - how easy is that?

We hope you enjoy these at your next cookout whether you are celebrating the 4th of July, a graduation party or just having a cookout because it is summer!