Now that it’s officially summer and grilling season, here are some delish and EASY ideas for dinner or sides. These are all perfect dishes to pass for a BBQ, too!

Summer sides

Broccoli salad. This is a classic BBQ favorite, with a twist: honeycrisp apples. It’s also lightened up with yogurt. I love that this salad can be enjoyed for up to 3 days after making without turning into a soggy mess. Day 2 is actually my favorite to eat this!
Loaded Ranch Potato Salad. Everyone always asks what is different about my potato salad when I bring it to parties. It’s the ranch packet!
German Potato Salad. A different twist on potato salad that everyone will be raving about. I mean, hello BACON.
Tomato & Cucumber Salad. If making ahead of time, just save the dressing for 15 minutes before serving.
Easy Pasta Salad. Perfect for last minute!
Pantry salsa. Whip up this easy salsa and grab a bag of chips on your way–people will be asking for this recipe.

Main Dishes

Jerk Pork Chops. Don’t shy away from the heat of jerk seasoning–it’s SO perfect paired with mango salsa. I love to buy a pork loin to slice for my chops, instead of pre-cut. They’re so flavorful and tender!
Freezer burger patties. When beef goes on sale, I stock up our freezer with these easy patties. You can also use ground turkey! They can be grilled on a busy weeknight straight from the freezer. Great to make ahead of time at a party, too!
Lemon Basil Boneless Chicken thighs. This marinade is our new go-to for chicken. So flavorful! Use fresh summer basil, if you have an abundance!
Grilled brats with drunken cheesy peppers. Brats are always a must for summer grilling here in the Midwest! Since the beer cooks off, these are fine for the whole family to enjoy.
Bourbon brown sugar steak. This is one of my most popular posts…once you try the marinade, you’ll know why!
Baked white fish with a lemon caper sauce. Until summer, white fish can be hard to find here in Michigan. The minute I spot it, I make this recipe–Gabby’s favorite summer meal!
Peach tea braised country style ribs. You can use BBQ sauce or another favorite glaze for these boneless ribs.
Go-To slow-cooker pulled pork. I leave the BBQ sauce on the side so you can re-purpose leftovers for carnitas or other pulled pork meals.
Honey balsamic pork chops with strawberry salsa. Have you noticed we like pork for grilling season? It’s always on sale and flavorful! You can also use this with chicken!
Baked BBQ chicken legs. When it’s cold or not grilling friendly weather, try baking!

Sweet Treats

I’m not a huge baker, but here are some treats for that sweet tooth!

Ooey gooey s’mores brownies. Need I say more?
Chocolate covered strawberry shell. Must have for any sundae!
Fruit cookie pizza. Take a little help from the store with sugar cookie mix!

…and you’ve gotta have a cocktail!

Triple citrus homemade margarita mix. Skip the store-bought and try this easy mix. You won’t be sorry!
Watermelon FroséRita. Yup, Rosé meets tequila for this frozen treat, perfect for a hot day!
DIY sour mix. There are plenty of amazing cocktails that call for sour mix–try making your own!
Passion fruit frozen Mojito. I hate biting into mint when I drink mojitos, so I decided to blend it up!
Berry peach gin smash. This is my official drink of this summer. SO refreshing!
5 Minute sangria. I bring this everywhere and people can’t believe how easy it is!