The summer backyard barbecue. Whether it takes place by the pool or on your patio under the shade of a patio covering, it’s really all about the food. Planning the menu for an outdoor feast takes some thought and consideration. Some food is better cooked outside, and there are also foods that are easier for your guests to manage if there’s no room at the patio table.
Get the Grill Ready
Why grill just hamburgers and hot dogs when you can serve up grilled Thai coconut chicken skewers? The skewers make it easy to grab and go, and the marinade on the chicken is made from ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and coconut cream to give it a flavor that everyone will love.
You can put the marinade together in the morning and get the chicken marinating for the day. When it’s time to cook, just grab them and toss them on the grill.
Chill Out in the Heat of Summer
What’s summer out on the patio without a frozen cocktail? Whip up some spiked pink lemonade slushies for you and your friends to sip on. Freeze some pink lemonade the day before. Make sure to freeze some extra, because you’ll probably want seconds.
When it’s time to have your drinks, put the frozen lemonade along with some vodka and grenadine into a blender and blend until smooth.
If you have younger guests, just leave out the vodka and create a frozen treat for them, too.
Cool Summer Salads
There’s nothing better than a well-made pasta salad to go with your summer feast. If you like the flavors of Mexico, Mexican street corn pasta salad is always a big hit with the blend of black beans, cotija cheese, corn, and sour cream.
A zesty Italian dressing mixed with pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs is not only easy to make, but it’s also delicious.
Just make sure you keep these salads cool and don’t let them sit out in the sun.
Grill Your Veggies
Veggies are delicious on the grill. You can wrap some asparagus in prosciutto and grill them until just barely crips tender or create skewers of your favorite veggies and season with a mix of Italian herbs before putting them on the grill.
Make sure to choose vegetables that will hold up on the grill. Bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, squash, and zucchini are all great choices.
Don’t Forget Dessert!
A cold treat on a hot summer day hits the spot. You can impress guests by taking ice cream to the next level by creating an ice cream icebox cake.
All it takes is some layers of your favorite flavor of ice cream, whipped cream, jam, and crushed cookies. Layer them all in a bread pan and freeze. Slice and serve when it’s time for dessert.
Now that you know your menu for your next summer gathering outside under the patio covering, you can start inviting your friends and family.
