Mix and Match

Start your summer cookout with a mix of vegetables and protein. A fruity mango salsa and lime-infused shrimp skewers go particularly well together, and neither take that long to prepare. Or, try grilled veggies as a starter or side.

Recipes:

• Jalapeno-Mango Salsa
• Tequila-Lime Shrimp Skewers
• Sesame Grilled Asparagus

Easiest Entree

If you’re looking for a super-easy main course, go with simple grilled clams and oysters. All you have to do is clean them, put them on the grill, wait a couple of minutes for them to open, and you’re done!

Recipes:

• Grilled Clams and Oysters

Feasts Fit for the Grill

Ready for a bigger challenge? Feed a crowd with skirt steak fajitas or a couple of grilled vegetable pizzas. Or go with an old favorite (with a new twist) like grilled Tuscan chicken or grilled salmon with salsa verde, which both work nicely. Classic burgers always hit the spot, like a bacon-blue cheese burger or juicy "super" burgers with homemade ranch on top. Or, let guests build their own burgers by firing up basic patties and then laying out bowls of caramelized onions, rosemary-scented bacon and more toppings.

Recipes:

• Pomegranate Glazed Skirt Steak Fajitas
• Grilled Pizza With Tomatoes, Basil and Artichokes
• Grilled Tuscan Chicken
• Grilled Salmon With Citrus Salsa Verde
• Smoked Bacon Blue Burger With Caramelized Onion Tomato Jam
• Chuck's Super Burgers
• The Burger Bar

Sips and Sweets

You’ll need a drink to wash that all down –– go with tequila-spiked lemonade or a simple agua fresca. For dessert, grilled fruit is easy and refreshing: Try grilled bananas topped with maple creme fraiche or grilled peaches drizzled with honey and yogurt. 

Recipes:

• Tequila Lemonade
• Agua Fresca
• Grilled Bananas With Maple Creme Fraiche
• Grilled Peaches With Honey, Yogurt and Mint