Summer sides, drinks, and desserts for your next cookout

Jun 1

Jun 1 Summer sides, drinks, and desserts for your next cookout

Yesterday was Memorial Day in the United States which is also the unofficial kick-off of summer and cookout season. If you are planning on any outdoor celebrations this year here are some simple sides, drinks, and desserts for your next BBQ.

Side Dishes

Corn on the Cob: I love grilling corn or doctoring up ears to make Mexican Street Corn. If you are going for classic and simple corn though this recipe is my favorite.

Grilled Radishes: If you are watching carbs or avoiding nightshades this side dish is the perfect alternative to potatoes and just as satisfying.

Mango Slaw: I am not a fan of the classics cookout sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, and pasta salad because I’m not big on mayo. This slaw uses lime juice and honey as the dressing so it’s bright and fresh as opposed to heavy or oily in taste.

Orange Beet Dip: This dip is served in endive leaves which makes for a pretty and edible presentation.

Watermelon Salad: This salad is so simple. You might not think watermelon and balsamic vinegar would go well together but this dish is sweet, savory, and salty all at the same time.

Drinks

Aperol Spritz: I’m a Campari and soda girl, but this spritzer is a great alternative if Campari is too bitter for your tastes.

Pimm’s Cup: This is one of my all-time favorite summer drinks. If this seems too complicated or if you don’t have access to all of the fresh ingredients you can skip on the strawberries and rhubarb, but don’t forget the cucumber.

Shirley Temple: If you want to add booze to this classic mocktail you can always add vodka but I prefer this one sans alcohol. Why mess with a classic?

St Germaine Spritz: The elderflower in this cocktail isn’t overly floral, but just the right balance of light and sweet.

White Sangria: I love classic red sangria but on particularly hot summer days nothing beats a refreshing white wine sangria filled with seasonal fruits.

Desserts

Coconut Pistachio No-Bake Pie: I love pistachio and this pie is great for days that are too hot to turn on the oven.

Key Lime Pie: This is my favorite summer dessert, heck I enjoy it so much that I like it all year round.

Lemonade Party Cake: I tried this for the first time this weekend and this cake was a nice alternative to traditional lemon bars. I topped this cake with candied lemons.

Pineapple Upsidedown Cake: This is a summer staple in my family and so easy to make!

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert: My mom brought this dish to every summer party when I was a kid so this is pure nostalgia for me the way I think ambrosia salad is for many others.