We all know that fall is the season for all things pumpkin spice–flavored, and that winter is all about cozy soups and using the slow cooker. But we're going to make a bold claim: Summer is the best season of the year for eating. Not only is it the peak season for delicious produce from the farmer's market, it's also the prime time for amazing summer barbecues. Barbecues are a fun way to socialize with friends and neighbors — and the ultimate proof that everything tastes better eaten outside.
When we think about barbecue food, things like watermelon, potato salad, and grilled meats come to mind. Even though a juicy slice of watermelon is perfection on a hot summer day, maybe we can level up a bit this summer? Sure, hot dogs and burgers are standard barbecue fare, but there's no reason we can't step up our game and bring some new and even celebrity-approved recipes to the table.
We've rounded up 15 recipes from celebs and celebrity chefs alike that include grilled skewers with some yummy-sounding barbecue sauce, shrimp tacos that will make those avoiding red meat happy, and some amazing grilled fruits and veggies that taste like summertime. Bon appétit!
Trisha Yearwood's Lemon Squares
Martha Stewart's Strawberry-Ginger Smash
When the sun is hot, a refreshing drink is a must for a successful summer barbecue. We're obsessed with the Strawberry-Ginger Smashes from Martha Stewart. This combo of vodka, ginger beer, fresh ginger, lemon juice, and fresh strawberries is perfectly cooling!
Reese Witherspoon's Corn Salad
A BBQ-worthy salad needs to feature fresh, seasonal produce and be able to withstand sitting on the table for a bit without wilting or getting squishy. Reese Witherspoon's Grandma Dorothea's Corn Salad totally hits the mark with fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, and lots of tasty herbs.
Guy Fieri's Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Not everyone at a barbecue is into heavy meats like ribs or sausage. The Mayor of Flavortown, Guy Fieri, has a perfect recipe for Grilled Shrimp Tacos that only take about five minutes on the grill but pack a wallop of flavor in a not-so-heavy way.
Ayesha Curry's Grilled Bratwurst with Brie & Spiral Apple Slaw
Ayesha Curry isn't just an NBA wife (though her husband, Steph Curry, may be one of the all-time greats) — she's also an actress and a cookbook author. One of her best summer barbecue recipes is a fresh take on the traditional bratwurst. Her Grilled Bratwurst with Brie and Spiral Apples proves that there's room on that sausage for more than just mustard!
Jennifer Garner's Frozen Yogurt Bark
Leave it to Jennifer Garner to have a great option for the littlest guests at any backyard barbecue. Her Frozen Yogurt Bark is super easy, so it could be fun to make with a kid. Customize with fruit, candies, and whatever flavor of yogurt is available, but make sure to get it in the freezer a few hours before BBQ time.
Meghan Markle's Green Dip
One of the innovative ways Meghan Markle brought attention to an important cause was with her cookbook Together, which was created to raise money to support the Hubb Community Kitchen in London. In that book, the Duchess of Sussex revealed that she loves a green dip that would be perfect at any BBQ table. The Green Chili & Avocado Dip features green chili, avocado, garlic, and other tasty ingredients that are yummy with chips or raw veggies.
