Grill and Chill this Summer with these 10 Healthy Picnic Recipes

Nothing says summer fun like cooking outside! Get your full menu for a healthier cookout with these backyard picnic recipes

Warm days and balmy evenings spark an irresistible urge to escape the confines of indoor cooking fire up the grill. In this recipe roundup, we present a collection of picnic recipes that will take your outdoor dining to the next level.

Let the fresh air inspire you to dine al fresco in the joyous tradition of backyard picnics and cookouts. From fresh fruit to grilling galore, and not to forget summery sips, these recipes are sure to make your backyard picnics truly unforgettable.

Embracing the Backyard Vibe

Backyard picnics and cookouts hold a unique charm, providing a relaxed atmosphere that celebrates the simple pleasures of good food and great company.

Whether you're gathering with family, friends, or that special someone, these outdoor feasts offer the perfect opportunity to connect, unwind, and savor the beauty of nature.

Grilling Galore: From Burgers to Barbecue

No backyard cookout is complete without the mesmerizing aroma of sizzling food on the grill. Sink your teeth into juicy burgers piled high with toppings, succulent grilled meats marinated to perfection, and tender barbecue specialties that will make you a grill master in your own right.

Fire up the grill and let the smoky wonders unfold!

BBQ Infused Grilled Burger

BBQ sauce infused onion stuffed burgers for the grill
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BBQ sauce and onion infused grilled burger. Hamburger patties recipe for the grill that won’t fall apart

Best Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce

Sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce, great for use while grilling and as a condiment.
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Grilling brush dipped in BBQ sauce recipe with molasses

Chimichurri Marinated Flank Steak

This chimichurri recipe makes a single serving for flexible meal prep or scales nicely for a grilled dinner.
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Recipe for Chimichurri marinated flank steak on grill

The Perfect Sidekick: Grilled Vegetables for Outdoor Feasts

Picture a platter adorned with charred zucchini, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet corn kernels.

One of the best things about grilled vegetables is its simplicity. With just a few fresh ingredients and a hot grill, you can create a dish that impresses with both its taste and presentation. These cookout recipes can be easily prepped and grilled to perfection in no time, making them a stress-free addition to your outdoor feasts.

Plus, the vibrant colors and enticing aroma will catch the eyes and appetites of your guests. The grilling process lends the vegetables a delicious smokiness and caramelization, creating depth and complexity in every bite.

Grilled Vegetable Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This simple grilled vegetable salad combines grilled eggplant and zucchini with fresh herbs and veggies in a rich balsamic dressing.
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Grilled vegetable salad for cookout: grilled eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers with balsamic vinaigrette

Grill Roasted Tomatoes

How to make Grill Roasted Tomatoes and keep the HEAT out of the kitchen. Genius Idea for Beginners and Everyone Else!
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Intense Flavor: Grill Roasted Tomatoes

Sides and Salads: Infuse Classic Flavors with a Modern Edge

To put the finishing touches on your backyard feast, we present a selection of creative sides & salad recipes to round out a memorable meal.

Greek Zucchini Marinated Salad

Zucchini marinated salad, discovered by the love of using zucchinis in Greek cooking.  The longer fresh zucchini is marinated the more flavor it holds.
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Thinly sliced zucchini, or zoodles, often used in Greek cooking make a wonderful zucchini marinated salad.

Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil and Lime

Watermelon tastes like summer.  Think of this as an evolved version of backyard watermelon slices.  Your grown-up palate will appreciate the spicy jalapeno and salty feta interplay with the sweet watermelon.
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Basil lime dressing sparks up this watermelon feta salad

Watermelon Radish Sprout Salad

This savory and zesty summer side is a completely different take on fruit salad! Great for picnics, cookouts, and tailgating!
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The perfect bite of watermelon radish sprout salad

Thirst Quenching Summery Sips

As great as the sun may feel, it's essential to stay cool and hydrated. In this section, we present a summer signature mocktail that will keep you and your guests refreshed throughout the gathering.

Raise your glass and toast to the perfect sip that complements your outdoor feast.

Basil Blackberry Smash [Mocktail]

This blackberry kombucha mocktail is super refreshing! It is made with just 4 ingredients. Perfect when you're craving a yummy drink without the alcohol. Plus, it’s gut healthy! 
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For a sweet and tart mocktail perfect for summertime, this Blackberry Smash is a taste sensation muddled with basil.

Spicy Strawberry Mockarita

A mocktail idea that blends sweet and spicy using muddled strawberries and jalapeno to create an easy cocktail everyone can enjoy.
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Non-alcoholic margarita in a glass with a fresh jalapeno for garnish and muddled strawberries.

Create Lasting Memories with Backyard Feasts

Backyard picnics and cookouts embody the essence of summer, where laughter mingles with the gentle rustling of leaves and the aroma of delicious food fills the air. So, raise a glass to toast the joyous moments of life; these picnic recipes are sure to make your backyard gatherings unforgettable.

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