The Best Recipes for End-of-Summer Barbecues

Summer is wrapping up, meaning leisurely days basking in the sun will soon make way for cozy fall weather. Many people are trying to eke out the last of the season by checking activities off their end-of-summer bucket list. One of best ways to celebrate summer is by hosting a backyard barbecue for friends, families and neighbors. With Labor Day Weekend right around the corner, there’s no better time to put your barbecue skills to the test. Whether ribs or tofu, following are some of the best recipes for end-of-summer barbecues.

Honey Barbecue Chicken

Photo courtesy Averie Cooks

Barbecue chicken is always a hit at summertime barbecues. There are a million ways to prepare it, but this recipe from Averie Cooks packs a flavor punch, thanks to an overnight marinade made from apple cider vinegar and honey, plus a bit of sriracha just because.

Red-Skinned Potato Salad

Photo courtesy Iowa Girl Eats

There’s nothing wrong with an old-fashioned potato salad. But this one from Iowa Girl Eats skips the heavy mayo in favor of a honey-Dijon vinaigrette. The result is a light, tangy side dish that won’t weigh you down.

BBQ Grilled Ribs

Photo courtesy Kylee Cooks

Nothing beats ribs cooked on the grill, and this recipe from Kylee Cooks promises flavorful meat in just an hour! You can use a homemade or store-bought rub coupled with a barbecue sauce of your choice for fall-off-the-bone deliciousness.

Mango Salsa

Photo courtesy Spoon Fork Bacon

A hot summer day calls for a cooling appetizer, and this mango salsa from Spoon Fork Bacon fits the bill. The sweet-and-savory combo of mango, onions and jalapeño is delicious with tortilla chips, but it can also be used to top burgers, add to tacos or to complement grilled fish.

Cedar Plank Salmon

Photo courtesy Nellie Bellie

If you’ve never cooked salmon on a cedar plank before, you’re in for a treat. The wood infuses the fish with an earthy flavor that can’t be beat. Plus, an Asian-style marinade courtesy of Nellie Bellie ups the flavor and leads to a nice caramelization.

Cucumber and Feta Salad

Photo courtesy Love and Olive Oil

If you’re a home gardener, you probably have more cucumbers than you know what to do with right now. This recipe from Love and Olive Oil is a refreshing side dish that makes good use of your late-summer bounty. Cucumber and feta is tossed in an herby vinaigrette, then embellished with colorful, edible dianthus blooms.

Spicy Barbecue Tofu

Photo courtesy The Big Man’s World

You don’t have to be a carnivore to enjoy a barbecue! This simple recipe from The Big Man’s World has the same flavors minus the meat. Even better, it only uses three ingredients, is is naturally gluten free, vegan and low carb!

Grilled Corn With Miso Butter

Photo courtesy Just One Cookbook

Nothing says summer more than a fresh cob of corn right from the grill. This recipe from Just One Cookbook adds an Asian twist by dousing it with a salty-sweet butter made from Japanese miso, honey and soy sauce.

Watermelon Berry Salad

Photo courtesy One Little Project

Watermelon is a summertime staple, and while it’s good enough on its own, this recipe from One Little Project kicks it up a notch by pairing it with berries. Add a sweet-and-tangy dressing made from honey and lime, and you’ve got a refreshing companion to your barbecue meal.

Bourbon BBQ Steak Kabobs

Photo courtesy Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons

Why go basic when you can go bold? This kabob recipe from Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons takes the humble meat-and-veggies-on-a-stick concept and amps it up with the addition of a smoky, sweet and spicy barbecue sauce made with bourbon, brown sugar and crushed red pepper.

Strawberry Lemonade Pie

Photo courtesy Daily Dish Recipes

Strawberries and lemonade are summer must-haves. Combining the two into a refreshing dessert is even better! This no-bake pie from Daily Dish Recipes is both sweet and tart, with a creamy frozen base flavored with frozen lemonade.

Fried Peach Shortcake

Photo courtesy Sprinkle Bakes

This recipe from Sprinkle Bakes gives a brand-new spin on a summer dessert. Strawberries are swapped for peaches, which are fried in cinnamon-spiked butter for a hint of fall. Topped with a handmade shortcake and vanilla ice cream, and it’s a great cap to an end-of-summer barbecue.