Nothing says summer quite like the smell of smoky barbecue drifting through the backyard while friends and family gather together for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. These all-American holidays are the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, bring out your favorite side dishes, and enjoy long sunny afternoons filled with good food and even better company.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, heading to a neighborhood block party, or planning a family picnic, these unforgettable BBQ recipes are guaranteed to impress your friends and keep everyone coming back for seconds.

The best summer BBQ recipes for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day

(click the title links for the recipes)

Crispy chicken Caesar pasta salad – This is like if pasta salad and Caesar salad had a baby and the pasta adds the perfect crunch.

Smashed potato salad – This salad is a great mix of crispy smashed potatoes, with a creamy tangy dressing and crunchy herbs.  It’s sure to become your new favorite way to eat potato salad and will be a hit at any bbq or summer cookout!

Watermelon salad – This recipe is Kate Middleton approved and perfect for those hot days of summer. Refreshing watermelon and cucumber is tossed with a light and tangy dressing and topped with salty feta and mint. I crave this salad all summer long and it’s super easy to whip up for a cookout or BBQ.

Deviled egg dip  – who doesn’t love some deviled eggs? This recipe is a great summer appetizer and a healthy option too.  Deviled eggs are transformed into a delicious and scoopable dip that can be served with veggies, crackers or chips.

Red White & Blue Candy Salad – this is one kind of “salad” that will go fast!  And I love it because it is literally the easiest thing to prepare! No baking or cooking at all.

Boozy bomb pops – kick off your summer holiday with a bang with these fun bomb pop cocktails! I love to serve mine with tequila but they can easily be made into a mocktail version too to be kid friendly!

Root beer float bar – Set up a fun, make your own root beer float bar with all the ice cream and toppings. This is a festive idea for graduation parties, birthdays and cookouts! See my easy setup here. 

Fireworks brownie sundaes – Red velvet cheesecake brownies are topped with homemade pop rocks fireworks ice cream that will truly be bursting with festivity! I love to serve these together but both are delicious on their own too!

Patriotic S’mores dip – nothing says summer like s’mores and this dip gives you all the flavors, no campfire required.

Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle – This is a great no bake dessert for summer. And you can simply add blueberries to keep with the red, white and blue theme.  You can also serve in individual dessert cups too!

Here’s to a fun Americana summer!!!

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