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Home » Recipes Collections

25 Best Outdoor BBQ & Picnic Recipes

Last updated Jan 9, 2026 by Jessica Montanelli

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collection of 25 bbq and picnic recipes

'Tis the season to be grillin'! Finally the warm weather is upon us and with it, the scent of BBQ in the air. Whether you like to picnic in the park with your family or have a barbecue in your backyard with your friends, this collection of recipes is all you need!

collection of 25 bbq and picnic recipes
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One of the things I really love about spring and summer is eating outside. That's one of the reasons why when we were apartment hunting, one of the mandatory requirements was to have a nice big terrace or garden.

When the weather is nice (which unfortunately is not every day here in The Netherlands) we always bring our dinner outside in our terrace and we barbecue almost every weekend.

In this collection of recipes, I chose my favorite appetizers, side dishes, marinades, drinks and dessert to make your next outdoor meal the best one ever!

What is your favorite outdoor picnic or BBQ food? Let me know in the comments!

Browse by category:

  • Appetizers
  • On the Grill
  • Salads and Sides
  • Drinks
  • Desserts

APPETIZERS

Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese and Roasted Tomato Tart

1
slices cut of onion goat cheese tomato tart
Caramelized onion, goat cheese and roasted cherry tomato Tart
The sweetness of the caramelized onions, the tartness and creaminess of the fresh goat cheese, topped with the incredible flavor of roasted cherry tomatoes.
time to makeTotal Time to make: 50 minutes minutes
5 from 3 votes
Check out this recipe

Tomato Balsamic Goat Cheese Crostini

2
Tomato Balsamic Goat Cheese Crostini
Crispy baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze-an easy, colorful appetizer that's bursting with flavor.
time to makeTotal Time to make: 20 minutes minutes
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe

Prosciutto and Melon Bites

3
prosciutto and melon bites on a wooden board.
Prosciutto e Melone Bites
Prosciutto e Melone (Prosciutto and Melon) is a classic sweet and savory Italian appetizer. This finger food version is perfect for a summer dinner party, or to add to a charcuterie board.
time to makeTotal Time to make: 15 minutes minutes
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe

Sriracha Chickpea Dip

4
sriracha chickpea dip in a bowl with crackers
Sriracha Chickpea Salad
A super quick and easy chickpea salad with a spicy kick, for your lunch sandwich or as a party snack.
time to makeTotal Time to make: 5 minutes minutes
5 from 2 votes
Check out this recipe

Cheesy Mushroom and Zucchini Quiche

5
6 pieces of zucchini mushroom quiche on a cutting board.
Mushroom and Zucchini Quiche
This Mushroom and Zucchini Quiche is savory, creamy, and packed with flavor-perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
time to makeTotal Time to make: 1 hour hour
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe

ON THE GRILL

Grilled Spatchcock Chicken with a Marmalade Glaze

6
grilled chicken on a cutting board
Grilled Spatchcock Chicken With A Marmalade Glaze
A spatchcock chicken is the perfect bird to cook on a grill, this grilled spatchcock chook recipe has a glorious orange Marmalade Glaze!
Check out this recipe

BBQ Pulled Lamb

7
bbq lamb chops on a board with rosemary
BBQ Rack Of Lamb - Marinate With Garlic, Lemon And Rosemary & Barbecue
This BBQ rack of lamb is marinated overnight with garlic, lemon and rosemary. Cook on the barbecue and serve with potatoes and salad. Perfect for parties!
Check out this recipe

Grilled Turkish Kofta Kebabs

8
platter of lamb kebabs and vegetables
Grilled Turkish Kofta Kebabs I Panning The Globe
Every Middle Eastern country has a version of grilled Kofta Kebabs. There's nothing more delicious! Especially with garlicky yogurt sauce!! This recipe shows you how to make authentic Turkish Kofta Kebabs at home.
Check out this recipe

Paneer Tikka Skewers

9
paneer tikka skewers on a plate with lemon slices
Paneer Tikka Skewers paired with Yeni Raki - sponsored video
Paneer Tikka Skewers
Check out this recipe

Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos

10
table with ingredients to make steak tacos
Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos with Chile Lime and Buttermilk Cilantro Marinade
Skirt Steak Taco Recipes 2-Ways for Easy Summer Parties. These two recipes give you options to spice it up or choose a kid-friendly mild recipe that everyone loves.
Check out this recipe

Char Siu Chinese BBQ Pork

11
char siu meat sliced on a cutting board
Sweet and Sticky Char Siu (叉烧, Chinese BBQ Pork)
If you love a juicy, sweet & sticky char siu (Chinese BBQ Pork), try this easy recipe! Delicious char siu is achievable at home in an oven or on a grill!
Check out this recipe

SALADS AND SIDES

Summer Farro Salad with Grilled Vegetables

12
overhead of bowl full of grilled vegetables farro salad with a spoon
Grilled Vegetables Farro Salad
A fresh and delicious Farro salad with grilled vegetables, mozzarella, and basil. The perfect summer lunch to be eaten in the patio, as a barbecue side, or in a picnic.
time to makeTotal Time to make: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe

Southern Potato Salad

13
blue bowl of southern potato salad
Southern Potato Salad - The Seasoned Mom
A picnic or cookout would not be complete without this delicious Southern Potato Salad! The easy side dish recipe is a crowd pleasing classic!
Check out this recipe

Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad with Pesto

14
bowl of pasta salad with tomatoes and basil leaves on top
Mediterranean Pesto Orzo Salad
A refreshing and quick recipe perfect for summer. This version is beautifully herby and creamy thanks to the addition of pesto instead of a salad dressing!
time to makeTotal Time to make: 20 minutes minutes
5 from 3 votes
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Zucchini

15
plate of air fryer zucchini slices
Air Fryer Zucchini w/ Lemon [Oil Free] - This Healthy Kitchen
These tasty lemony air fryer zucchini are easy to make, using only 5 ingredients! Super simple, delicious and the perfect side dish that comes together in no time.
Check out this recipe

Grilled Halloumi and Avocado Salad

16
plate with grilled halloumi and avocado salad
Grilled Halloumi and Avocado Salad (Easy Salad Ideas)
Grilled halloumi and avocado salad is a great dish to enjoy in summer. I will share some facts about halloumi cheese and grilling tips!
Check out this recipe

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Pesto Dressing

17
chickpea salad in a silver bowl with a spoon.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Pesto Dressing
This fresh and colorful chickpea salad is packed with Mediterranean flavors-crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, salty feta, and a vibrant pesto dressing. It's quick, healthy, and perfect for lunch or as a side dish.
time to makeTotal Time to make: 10 minutes minutes
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe

DRINKS

Peach and Honey Lemonade

18
glass with peach and honey lemonade next to a peach
Fresh Peach and Honey Lemonade
Take advantage of the seasons perfectly fresh peaches and blend up a batch of this delicious and refreshing Fresh Peach and Honey Lemonade. Only 4 ingredients.
Check out this recipe

Rhubarb Lemonade

19
jars of rhubarb lemonade on a table outside
Rhubarb lemonade with orange and cardamom
Rhubarb lemonade with orange and cardamom is a delicious spring beverage. It's sweet, slightly sour and very refreshing. Tastes good warm and cold.
Check out this recipe

Strawberry Lemonade

20
jar with strawberry chia lemonade with a straw
Strawberry Lemonade Chia Drink
Fresh squeezed lemon juice, combines with strained strawberry puree, sweetened with Agave to create a wonderful natural juice base for the ultimate Chia seed drink!! Truly feels like sipping Summer in a cup!!
Check out this recipe

Orange Mojito no alcohol

21
glass of orange mojito with mint
Orange Mojito Recipe No Alcohol
On hot summer days this is going to cool you down and that its without alcohol! - try this amazingly refreshing Orange Mojito.With goodness of Orange,lemon,ginger,mint and sugar.
Check out this recipe

DESSERTS

Apple Crumble Jars

22
small glasses with apple crumble and custard
Portable Apple Crumble Jars
Portable Apple Crumble Jars - with a custard core!! Eat them hot or cold for a fab picnic treat!
Check out this recipe

Blackberry Custard Pie

23
slice of blackberry custard pie on a plate
Southern Style Blackberry Custard Pie
Homemade Southern Style Blackberry Custard Pie will bring you back to childhood desserts of the past and may become a new family favorite. From-scratch crust, creamy custard filling, and fresh blackberries baked together into a comforting dessert. Custard Pie with Blackberries Have you ever gotten e…
Check out this recipe

Pineapple Pretzel Dessert

24
slice of dessert with whip cream and cherry on top
Creamy Pineapple Pretzel Dessert | Who Needs A Cape?
Creamy Pineapple Pretzel Dessert is an easy dessert that you can whip up in no time at all. Cool, creamy and refreshing, great for summer or holidays!
Check out this recipe

Italian Orange Chocolate Chip Biscotti

25
closeup of orange chocolate biscotti
Chocolate Orange Biscotti
A delicious orange-flavored crunchy Biscotti with dark chocolate chips. The perfect end-of-meal dessert or afternoon snack.
time to makeTotal Time to make: 40 minutes minutes
4.75 from 4 votes
Check out this recipe

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Hi, I'm Jess! Born and raised in Siena, Tuscany, I've been immersed in the rich traditions of Italian cuisine my entire life. Through my food blog, I hope to share a slice of Tuscan warmth and the genuine flavors that have been a part of my journey since childhood.

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