Magnificent Menu Ideas For Backyard BBQs and Grilling Gatherings

Summertime is right around the corner, and we could not be more ready for this season of outdoor adventures, beach trips and, of course, backyard barbecues. If your outdoor space allows for a grill, we highly recommend investing in one; and if you’ve already got one, check out the ZENB guide to grilling, where we answer all your, ahem, burning questions about cooking over fire!

Once you’ve gotten comfy with your grilling technique, it’s time to invite some folks over for a sun-soaked gathering and shared meal. If guests ask what they can bring, suggest drinks or dessert, and then pull together this chic, curated (but super-easy) menu that pairs savory, fresh, plant-forward flavors:

Drinks: Sparkling Lemonade, Rosé, Cold Beer

When it comes to drinks, we like to keep things simple. Keep pitchers of still water or sparkling water handy so everyone stays hydrated, then offer one sweet and one savory bevvie. Sparkling lemonade is a crowd-pleaser, and a celebratory option for kids or anyone laying off the booze. Rosé goes great with grilled favorites. For the savory option, try a kickin’ michelada, a low-ABV sipper that combines a light Mexican beer with a spicy tomato mix.

Sides:

It’s widely understood that cookouts are just as much about the sides as the main dishes. While you’ve got the coals burning or the flames going, chop up some gems from your last farmers market haul and thread them on these colorful Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce. Remember: always soak wooden skewers for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

Pasta salad is a barbecue hero because it’s a snap to make ahead, adds a fresh touch to the spread, and, in the case of the ZENB Greek Pasta Salad Board, is easily customizable to lots of peoples’ preferences. Bonus: You can do 100% of the prep for this ahead of time and keep it all chilling in the fridge until go-time. 

Or make your sides game even easier with NEW! ZENB Pasta sides. No need to turn on the oven — ready in 5 minutes on the stove, and you’ll take your backyard BBQ from ordinary to extraordinary!

Mains:

Want to elevate your cookout beyond the standard burgers and hot dogs? Nicely seasoned, beautifully grilled proteins and vegetables are just as quick and easy to prepare, and make for an impressive presentation. If that’s your style, try out one of these mains:

Get ready to wow your BBQ crowd with ZENB Elbows with BBQ Chicken! This dish takes your leftover grilled chicken and jazzes it up with a tangy BBQ sauce, colorful mini peppers, and gooey cheddar cheese. It's takes just 20 minutes to whip up, so you can spend more time with your guests. Plus, it’s a protein and fiber powerhouse because it is made using ZENB Elbows Pasta, made from 100% whole yellow peas, making it as satisfying as it is delicious. Perfect for adding a fun twist to your BBQ lineup, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

In the mood for a steak? Our Grilled Citrus Steak with ZENB Rotini & Gremolata is a foolproof recipe that sings with summer flavors. The citrus marinade brings a brightness to the beef, and the gremolata (a loose parsley, garlic, and citrus zest sauce) will be your new go-to condiment that you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

For a gorgeous vegan dish, Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Asparagus & Harissa is just the thing. Both veggies get brushed with avocado oil and grilled to caramelized perfection, then hit with a powerful dose of spicy, savory flavor, thanks to harissa, a Middle Eastern pepper sauce and a squeeze of lime.

When tomatoes are in season, buy the smallest, sweetest cherry tomatoes you can find, and use them in this Grilled Chicken Chimichurri Agile. Along with sweet bell peppers, tender grilled chicken, and a loose herb-y sauce, this is a seasonal dish that harmonizes pure flavors in a glorious way.