What to Bring to a BBQ (30+ Ideas)
Published May 21, 2026
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Summer gatherings call for simple, crowd-friendly recipes that are easy to share and full of flavor. This recipe collection, What to Bring to a BBQ, includes fresh salads, hearty sides, easy appetizers, and sweet desserts that travel well and pair perfectly with any cookout menu. I also included a few grilling recipes (at the end) in case you need a main dish! Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these recipes make summer entertaining feel simple and stress-free.
Why These Recipes Work for BBQs
I love bringing dishes to a BBQ that feel easy to serve, simple to prepare, and full of fresh flavor. The best recipes are the ones people keep going back for, whether it’s a pasta salad, a fresh side, or an easy dessert that disappears by the end of the night.
This collection includes a mix of crowd-friendly recipes that travel well and pair easily with all kinds of grilled foods. From light salads to hearty sides and sweet summer treats, these are the kinds of dishes that make outdoor gatherings feel relaxed, fun, and delicious.
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
Fresh Salads & Cold Sides
These fresh salads and cold sides are easy to make, easy to share, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. From crisp vegetable salads to creamy summer favorites, these recipes add freshness and balance to any BBQ spread.
Many of these dishes can also be made ahead of time, making them especially convenient for entertaining. They pair beautifully with grilled foods, like my Chicken Spiedini and Grilled Filet Mignon, and bring plenty of flavor to the table without much effort.
Peach and Burrata Salad
From the tender, juicy peaches, creamy burrata, fresh basil, and peppery arugula to the crunchy roasted pistachios, this gorgeous, summer Peach Burrata Salad offers a delightful array of textures in every bite.
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Asparagus Salad
This is not a boring Asparagus Salad (with Lemon, Parmesan & Crispy Breadcrumbs). This is bright, crunchy, lemony, and layered with crispy golden breadcrumbs that taste like little bites of sunshine- in 20 minutes! It’s the kind of spring salad that feels fancy enough for Easter but easy enough for a Tuesday night!
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Italian Potato Salad Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Italian potato salad with tender baby potatoes, crisp green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. No mayo—just Mediterranean flavors in every bite!
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Spring Salad Recipe
This vibrant spring salad recipe is packed with crisp asparagus, sweet peas, creamy avocado, goat cheese, and toasted pistachios, all tossed in a bright basil-lemon vinaigrette. Fresh, colorful, and full of texture, it’s the perfect light lunch or elegant side dish for spring gatherings.
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Panzanella Salad
Best Summer Panzanella Salad Recipe (Bread & Tomato)– Italian Panzanella salad is a traditional Tuscan dish that combines stale or toasted bread, fresh ripe, juicy tomatoes, good quality olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and fresh basil. It’s a refreshing and hearty salad that is perfect for summertime!
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Best Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
This Classic Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is a delicious and colorful Italian-American dish that combines a variety of fresh vegetables, Italian deli meats, cheeses, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It's easy to make and one the best salads for any occasion.
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Green Bean Salad
This vibrant Cold Green Bean Salad (Italian-Style) with cannellini beans, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette is fresh and bold! The perfect summer salad is ready for your next potluck- in 20 minutes!
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Pasta, Potato & Grain Dishes
These pasta, potato, and grain dishes are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. From classic pasta salads to delicious potato sides and grain-based recipes, these dishes bring a little extra comfort to any table.
Creamy Potato Salad with Herbs
No BBQ gathering is complete without a bowl of delicious creamy potato salad with herbs at the picnic table! This potato salad is lighter and brighter than most potato salads. This easy side dish comes together in just 30 minutes, and is sure to be a new favorite.
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Antipasto Pasta Salad
Bring this to your next BBQ party and everyone will ask for the secret recipe. A perfect summer side dish, this antipasto salad is loaded with fresh veggies, homemade Italian dressing, and perfectly cooked pasta.
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Easy Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
Greek Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta (Easy!)– packed with fresh veggies and a zingy Greek dressing- this is a salad you will crave all summer! It’s the perfect side dish for your next picnic or BBQ.
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Italian Rice Salad
This Italian Rice Salad (Insalata Di Riso) is a refreshing and colorful dish made with tender short-grain rice mixed with various fresh vegetables, herbs, a light dressing, and optional meat or meat seafood. It's delightful and ready to serve in 30 minutes!
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Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
This Italian pasta salad is the ultimate summer crowd-pleaser—bursting with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all tossed with peppery arugula and pasta in a light olive oil dressing. It’s fresh, vibrant, and irresistibly Italian.
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Crispy Rice Salad (Italian Recipe)
This Italian Crispy Rice Salad is a fresh twist on a trending favorite—crunchy baked rice meets juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and a punchy vinaigrette. It’s bursting with Mediterranean flair in every bite—one of my favorite salads ever! Ready in 30 minutes.
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Octopus Salad with Potatoes
The combination of flavors in this Italian Octopus Salad with Potatoes (Insalata Di Polpo) is beautifully balanced. The sweetness of the octopus, the earthiness of the potatoes, and the zing of the light lemon dressing create a harmonious blend that is refreshing and satisfying. A taste of my hometown!
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Vegetable Sides & Easy Appetizers
These veggies and appetizers work well alongside grilled dishes and help round out the table with colorful, flavorful options. Whether you’re bringing a side dish or appetizer to share, these keep summer entertaining simple.
If you’re looking to build an antipasto spread, try my Crostini, Marinated Olives, and Salami Cups!!
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Tender asparagus spears wrapped in salty bacon, glazed with a buttery, honey-soy drizzle, and roasted to perfection. Whether for a holiday table, a dinner party, or a weeknight treat, this easy dish is guaranteed to steal the spotlight with every bite.
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Jalapeno Corn Dip
Sweet corn, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and a kick of jalapeño—this Jalapeno Corn Dip (Easy) brings bold summer flavor in every bite. Quick to make (15 minutes!), easy to serve, and always the first to disappear. Perfect for parties, BBQs, or cozy nights in!
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
This Easy Italian Grilled Eggplant Recipe (Melanzane Grigliate) highlights simple ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavor. Each tender slice is infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and extra-virgin olive oil, creating a dish that’s light, vibrant, and irresistibly delicious. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect easy side or appetizer that brings a taste of Italy to your table.
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White Bean Dip Recipe
This creamy white bean dip is a simple yet flavorful appetizer, perfect for gatherings or a cozy snack. The combination of roasted garlic, fresh rosemary, and blistered tomatoes creates a rich and savory bite. Dip with crostini, focaccia, or flat bread.
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Charred Corn and Zucchini Salad
This Charred Corn and Zucchini Salad (Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette) is a delightful and refreshing side dish perfect for any summer gathering. The smoky flavors from the charred vegetables (created from the cast iron skillet) paired with the tangy and slightly sweet vinaigrette make for an irresistible combination.
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Creamy Avocado Coleslaw
This creamy avocado coleslaw is one of my go-to recipes when I want something fresh, vibrant, and just a little unexpected. I love how the creamy texture blends with zesty lime and fragrant cilantro—a perfect balance of flavors. Whether I’m layering it on shrimp tacos or serving it alongside grilled protein, it always adds that wow factor. It’s simple, wholesome, packed with fiber, and delicious—I know you’ll love it!
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Bruschetta Recipe with Mozzarella
Easy Bruschetta Recipe with Mozzarella and Tomato Basil is a simple, fresh, and gorgeous easy appetizer that screams summer. The colors resemble the Italian flag and the garlic cloves on toasted bread topped with juicy ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and basil are a perfect bite of your favorite Italian flavors.
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Melon and Prosciutto Salad
An Italian classic you don't want to miss trying. This one is always a favorite!
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Easy Marinated Olives
Homemade Italian Marinated Olives Recipe just like in Sardinia: briny, citrusy, and infused with fresh herbs and rich olive oil. An easy make-ahead appetizer that beats store-bought every time!
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Best Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
This Mexican Street Corn Dip is a guaranteed showstopper. It combines creamy textures with smoky and spicy flavors, perfect for a party or a cozy night in. Enjoy bringing this delightful taste of Mexican-inspired street food to your table!
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Marinated Mozzarella Balls
These marinated mozzarella balls are what I put on the table when I want people hovering in my kitchen. Creamy, milky mozzarella soaked in good olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and just enough garlic to make it interesting. It’s effortless, elegant, and tastes like something you’d be served on a terrace in Italy.
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Mexican Fruit Salad
This Mexican Fruit Salad (Ensalada de Frutas) combines a variety of fresh, juicy fruits with a sweet and tangy dressing for a burst of natural flavor and refreshing texture. It’s quick and easy to make in just 10 minutes and perfect for any gathering!
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Desserts for a Crowd
These desserts for a crowd are shareable and perfect for summer gatherings. From fruity favorites to no-bake treats, these recipes make it easy to bring something sweet that everyone will enjoy.
No Bake Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust
These no bake lemon bars with graham cracker crust are the ideal sweet summer treat! This sweet-tart treat is perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the oven. These have been a favorite treat for any BBQ or event in my family for over 30 years.
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Authentic Tiramisu
This Authentic Tiramisu Recipe is just like the classic you’ll find in Italian homes and restaurants across Italy—creamy, light, and decadently delicious. Made with only 6 ingredients and just 20 minutes of hands-on time, it features a silky mascarpone and egg cream layered with coffee-soaked lady fingers for the perfect “pick-me-up” any time of day.
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Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler
This Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with juicy, bubbling fruit tucked beneath a soft, buttery topping. The golden crust bakes up beautifully crisp on the outside while staying tender inside, making every bite irresistible. Ready in under an hour, it’s a simple yet stunning dessert that tastes like pure summer comfort.
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Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Banana bars with cream cheese frosting are a comforting treat that the whole family will love. Topped with a layer of creamy frosting, these bars taste amazing and look beautiful! They're perfect for those overripe bananas on your counter, and is an alternative recipe to your typical banana bread.
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Panna Cotta
Classic Italian Panna Cotta is a creamy, silky, and luxurious dessert that highlights the beauty of simple Italian ingredients. This elegant sweet treat has a delicate vanilla flavor and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels both light and indulgent. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert, making it perfect for dinner parties or a special afternoon treat.
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Lemon Tiramisu
This Lemon Tiramisu Recipe with Lemon Curd combines the classic elements of tiramisu with a refreshing lemon twist. It’s a dessert that brings a taste of Italy to your table and one you will surely make repeatedly!
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Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
This angel food cake with strawberries is as light as a cloud! It feels elegant, but couldn’t be simpler to make. Serve it with juicy strawberries and freshly whipped cream for a showstopping dessert.
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Cannoli Dip
With whipped ricotta, sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus, this Authentic Cannoli Dip is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for parties or a simple sweet treat. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it repeatedly!
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Brown Butter Brownies
These rich, fudgy brown butter brownies are deeply chocolatey with a glossy, crackly top and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Browning the butter adds a nutty depth you won’t find in ordinary brownies. A true chocolate lover’s dessert—easy, luxurious, and unforgettable.
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Biscuit Strawberry Shortcake
These Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits are the ultimate spring and summer dessert, featuring ultra-flaky, buttery biscuits layered with juicy fresh strawberries and clouds of whipped cream. The biscuits are tender with crisp edges and just the right balance of richness, making them the perfect base for sweet, seasonal berries. This simple, homemade recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress every time.
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Peanut Butter Bars
These peanut butter bars recipes have a soft, chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookie base, chocolate layer, and a super creamy peanut butter butter cream on top. These are the best peanut butter bars EVER!
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If You’re Hosting the BBQ…
If you’re hosting, a few simple main dishes can help round out the menu and bring everything together. From juicy meats and easy sandwiches, these crowd-friendly recipes pair perfectly with the sides, salads, and desserts shown above!
Easy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
This really is the best grilled chicken sandwich for a reason! Juicy, flame-kissed chicken, crispy bacon, rich garlic aioli, and a drizzle of sweet-spicy hot honey come together in every bite! It's indulgent, satisfying, and totally crave-worthy.
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Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri
A beautifully grilled flank steak topped with vibrant, garlicky chimichurri is one of those simple meals that tastes like it came straight off a grill in Argentina or Italy’s countryside kitchens. The steak cooks quickly over high heat, then gets finished with a bright herb sauce that brings everything to life. It’s bold, rustic, and incredibly satisfying.
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BEST Grilled Shrimp
Redrock Grilled Shrimp Recipe features jumbo shrimp marinated in rich, flavorful, sweet, spicy tomato butter. It is finger-licking good and comes together in 30 minutes!
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Grilled Chicken Thighs
Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs- marinated to perfection with a blend of herbs and spices, these tender thighs boast a tantalizing charred exterior and juicy, mouthwatering meat in every bite. They’re perfect for any occasion and a surefire crowd-pleaser!
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Tender Pork Ribs
The secret to these oven baked ribs is all in the spice blend! My signature dry rub creates the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, infusing every bite with bold, mouthwatering goodness. As the ribs roast low and slow, the rub forms a delicious crust that locks in juiciness, giving you tender, fall-apart meat with a caramelized finish.
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Grilled Pork Chops
https://www.cucinabyelena.com/how-long-to-grill-pork-chops-best-juicy-recipe/
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Lemon and Garlic Chicken Marinade
This easy lemon and garlic chicken marinade is a tasty way to level up your grilled chicken. It is sweet and savory with the sage, garlic, lemon, and honey marinade and is just what your chicken needs next time it hits the grill!
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Juicy Homemade Burgers Recipe
Nothing beats a juicy burger topped with fresh veggies on a toasted bun with a slice of cheese smothered with an irresistible burger sauce. These tasty burgers are ready in less than 20 minutes and a must-make for your next cookout or BBQ gathering—no fillers or binders in this recipe. You can easily double or triple this recipe.
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Chicken Spiedini Recipe
These Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce feature tender, marinated chicken skewers coated in a rustic Italian breadcrumb and Parmigiano mixture, then finished with a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce. Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly crisp on the outside, this is a recipe both adults and kids will ask for again and again.
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Serving Ideas
- Condiments & Sauces: Bring extra flavor with simple add-ons like Pesto or Classic Burger Sauce to elevate grilled meats and vegetables.
- Cheese & Antipasto: A simple cheese board or antipasto platter is an easy crowd-pleaser that fits right into any BBQ spread. Check out How to Build a Charcuterie Board!
FAQs
Can I prepare these recipes ahead of time?
Yes, many of these recipes can be partially or fully prepared ahead of time. Salads, sides, and some pasta dishes taste even better after resting, making them great for entertaining. Check each individual recipe page for more information.
What should I bring if I’m not grilling?
Great non-grilled options include salads, pasta dishes, vegetable sides, bread, dips, and desserts. These are easy to prepare ahead of time and perfect for sharing.
How do I keep food cold at a BBQ?
Use insulated bags or coolers, and keep dishes like salads and desserts chilled until serving. You can also place serving bowls over ice when outdoors.
I hope these BBQ ideas make it easy to show up with something delicious, shareable, and stress-free. Whether you’re bringing a fresh salad, a hearty side, or a sweet dessert, each recipe is designed to fit right into any summer gathering and help you enjoy the moment with good food and good company. Buon appetito!
