28 Easy Summer Cookout Ideas (to try this summer)

summer cookout ideas

Summer cookouts are just the BEST, right? Sunshine, friends, and of course, delicious food fresh off the grill.

You probably have your go-to dishes, the ones everyone looks forward to. And that’s AWESOME!

But sometimes, it’s fun to try something completely NEW. To find that dish that makes everyone say, “WOW, what IS this? It’s SO good!”

That’s exactly why we put together this BIG list of ideas. It’s packed with all sorts of yummy inspiration for your next backyard get-together. Think tasty things for the grill, fresh salads, easy sides, and even some sweet treats.

We’ve got plenty to make your summer gatherings REALLY memorable. Let’s dive into these cookout ideas!

1. Veggie Burger

Veggie Burger

This Veggie Burger recipe delivers a truly flavorful and satisfying meal. You’ll find these veggie burgers hold together beautifully, making them perfect for grilling. It’s an easy way to make a delicious veggie burger that everyone will enjoy.

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2. Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken

Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken

Enjoy delicious Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken, cooked perfectly tender in your pressure cooker.

This quick and easy dish is fantastic on sandwiches, with rice, or simply by itself, offering saucy and delicious flavor.

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3. Air Fryer Sausages

Air Fryer Sausages

Air Fryer Sausages offer a super easy and quick way to cook delicious sausages. This simple method ensures perfectly cooked results every time, making meal prep a breeze.

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4. Blackberry Poke Cake

Blackberry Poke Cake

This Blackberry Poke Cake is a wonderful dessert that’s easy to make.

Enjoy the vibrant taste of blackberry throughout this classic poke cake, perfectly complemented by white chocolate.

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5. Maple Glazed Salmon

Maple Glazed Salmon

Prepare to enjoy this delicious Maple Glazed Salmon.

Broiling perfectly sears the outside while locking in a sweet-savory Asian-inspired marinade for a truly juicy bite.

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6. Watermelon Canapés

Watermelon Canapés

Discover how simple and delicious entertaining can be with these Watermelon Canapés.

This healthy watermelon appetizer is an easy recipe to prepare for any gathering.

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7. Key Lime Ice Cream

Key Lime Ice Cream

This Key Lime Ice Cream is incredibly refreshing, making it the perfect summer dessert. It’s simple to prepare and a fantastic addition to your Cuisinart ice cream maker recipes. Enjoy a bright, tangy cool-down that truly hits the spot.

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8. Blackberry Grilled Chicken Salad with Fried Goat Cheese

Blackberry Grilled Chicken Salad with Fried Goat Cheese

Enjoy the delightful Blackberry Grilled Chicken Salad with Fried Goat Cheese, a fresh and flavorful dish. It combines tender blackberry chicken with a crisp salad and is topped with delicious, creamy fried goat cheese.

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9. Orange Creamsicle Milkshake

Orange Creamsicle Milkshake

The Orange Creamsicle Milkshake brings together creamy vanilla and tangy orange flavors. This refreshing fruit-based drink is simple to make. You can enjoy this delicious treat in just minutes.

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10. Crunchy Broccoli Slaw

Crunchy Broccoli Slaw

Crunchy Broccoli Slaw is a quick and easy side salad that’s packed with flavor.

This tasty broccoli slaw comes together effortlessly using a bagged mix for a convenient dish.

It’s the perfect crunchy broccoli salad addition to any meal.

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11. Roasted Garlic Mushroom Hummus

Roasted Garlic Mushroom Hummus

Roasted Garlic Mushroom Hummus gives your favorite veggie dip a delicious, flavor-packed makeover.

Enjoy the mellow, rich taste of roasted garlic combined with savory umami mushrooms in every creamy bite.

This hummus is perfect for a satisfying snack any time.

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12. Gluten Free Almond Pound Cake

Gluten Free Almond Pound Cake

This Gluten Free Almond Pound Cake is wonderfully moist and rich.

Its delightful almond flavor makes it a perfect treat.

Enjoy it plain or use it as a fantastic base for trifles and shortcakes.

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13. Keto Deviled Eggs

Keto Deviled Eggs

Discover the perfect low carb snack with these Keto Deviled Eggs.

They feature a creamy sour cream filling, savory cheddar, crunchy bacon, and fresh chives, making them simply irresistible.

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14. Sesame Noodles

Sesame Noodles

These Sesame Noodles feature Asian noodles coated in a rich, savory peanut and sesame sauce.

This quick and easy meal option tastes even better than what you’d find at a restaurant.

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15. Maryland Style Crab Cake Recipe

Maryland Style Crab Cake Recipe

This Maryland Style Crab Cake Recipe truly captures the authentic taste of the Chesapeake. Made with delicious jumbo lump crab meat and just a hint of filler, it features classic Old Bay seasoning and Dijon mustard. You’ll love this easy-to-make crab cake recipe.

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16. Salsa Fresca

Salsa Fresca

This Salsa Fresca is a light and refreshing dip, bursting with vibrant fresh flavors.

It’s a quick and easy salsa recipe that tastes amazing and always gets rave reviews, far better than store-bought.

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17. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Get ready to enjoy amazing Chicken Lettuce Wraps, filled with savory ground chicken and veggies in cool lettuce leaves. This easy-to-make PF Chang’s copycat recipe tastes just as delicious as the restaurant version.

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18. Pineapple Pretzel Fluff

Pineapple Pretzel Fluff

Pineapple Pretzel Fluff is a delightful dessert that perfectly blends sweet and salty flavors.

This creamy treat offers a wonderful contrast with the buttery crunch of pretzels.

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19. Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Get ready to enjoy these Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts, featuring crunchy marinated water chestnuts covered in savory bacon.

Baked to perfection with a sweet and savory sauce, this quick and easy appetizer is always a big hit.

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20. Concord Grape Sorbet

Concord Grape Sorbet

Concord Grape Sorbet offers a wonderfully refreshing burst of sweet-tart flavor. This vibrant, icy treat truly captures the essence of ripe grapes, perfect for a delightful cool-down.

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21. Black Bean Burgers

Black Bean Burgers

These Black Bean Burgers are incredibly delicious and satisfying for a wholesome meal. This simple black bean burgers recipe comes together quickly. Enjoy preparing these flavorful veggie burgers for a mouthwatering plant-based option.

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22. Burger Dinner Foil Packets

Burger Dinner Foil Packets

Burger Dinner Foil Packets offer a super easy way to cook a complete meal.

These convenient packs are filled with savory beef and hearty veggies for a delicious one-dish dinner.

They’re perfect for stress-free weeknights or your next camping trip.

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23. Caprese Sandwich

Caprese Sandwich

This Caprese Sandwich Recipe transforms your favorite Italian salad into a hearty, satisfying meal. Each delicious caprese sandwich is slathered with a flavorful homemade pesto aioli.

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24. Smoked Chicken Wings

Smoked Chicken Wings

These Smoked Chicken Wings deliver incredibly juicy meat with perfectly crunchy skin. Enjoy delicious BBQ chicken wings coated in a sticky sauce, all ready in just 45 minutes.

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25. Chunky Guacamole Recipe

Chunky Guacamole Recipe

This Chunky Guacamole Recipe is a classic Mexican dip perfect for any occasion.

It’s made with creamy ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, spring onions, and fresh coriander for that irresistible chunky texture.

Enjoy this delicious Guacamole recipe at parties, movie nights, or your next BBQ.

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26. No Bake Strawberry Pie

No Bake Strawberry Pie

Enjoy this amazingly creamy No Bake Strawberry Pie.

It’s a classic Jello pie that only needs four simple ingredients, making it super easy.

This is the perfect dessert to whip up without a fuss.

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27. Hot Honey Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Yogurt sauce

Hot Honey Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Yogurt sauce

These Hot Honey Shrimp Tacos are a fantastic choice for your next meal.

You’ll love the sweet and spicy hot honey shrimp paired with a creamy cilantro yogurt sauce.

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28. Vegan Pasta Primavera

Vegan Pasta Primavera

Enjoy this easy Vegan Pasta Primavera, a light and fresh pasta with vegetables that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with bright lemon and garlic flavors, making it a perfect primavera recipe for any day. This flavorful dish is also easily customizable with your favorite seasonal veggies.

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