This long weekend, embrace the flavours of summer with a variety of delicious dishes perfect for outdoor gatherings. From sizzling grilled meats to refreshing cocktails and decadent desserts, these recipes will bring the taste of the season to your table. Whether you’re serving up snacks, salads, or sweet treats, these crowd-pleasers are sure to make your weekend celebrations unforgettable.
Starters
Cedar Planked Nachos
This Cedar Planked Nachos recipe adds a unique twist to your nacho game. The cedar plank infuses the chips with a subtle woodsy flavour, which is great for your next BBQ or long weekend get-together. At the same time, layers of melted cheese, fresh toppings, and your favourite fixings bring everything together.
Savoury Watermelon Pizza
It’s a spin on pizza with an exciting way to enjoy summer fruit! This dish combines the natural sweetness of watermelon with savoury toppings like feta, prosciutto, and fresh herbs, creating a light and flavourful treat. Fresh and vibrant, it’s a striking dish that will impress your guests!
Grilled Sriracha Chicken Wings
Spice up your next backyard BBQ with these Grilled Sriracha Chicken Wings, an outstanding balance of heat and flavour. The smoky, charred wings are coated in a tangy, spicy sriracha glaze that brings a bold taste to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a long weekend feast, these wings add a fiery kick.
Main Event
Spicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Mango Slaw
Add a burst of flavour to your summer spread with these Spicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs, paired with a refreshing mango slaw. Taking s’wicy (sweet and spicy) to the next level, it is a delicious addition to a feast filled with other sunny main dishes and sides.
Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Pork Side Ribs with Grilled Sweet Potatoes
These Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Pork Side Ribs with Grilled Sweet Potatoes are delicious and easy to make. The tender ribs are cooked on the BBQ, while the sweet potatoes are seasoned and grilled until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing and garnished with green onions, these ribs and potatoes are ideal for up to four people.
Italian-Inspired Loaded Hot Dog
Elevate your hot dog game with an Italian-inspired twist featuring a mix of sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic. Finished with tangy Giardiniera, provolone cheese, and a dollop of mayonnaise, these grilled hot dogs make for a crowd-pleasing lunch or dinner.
Grilled Shrimp & Mango Slaw
Throw some shrimp on the barbecue for your next long weekend gathering. This recipe pairs grilled shrimp seasoned with cumin, paprika, and turmeric with mango slaw for a flavour combination ideal for any backyard BBQ.
Hawaiian-Inspired Burger
Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this Hawaiian-Inspired Burger. This burger combines sweet and savoury flavours for the ultimate summer bite topped with grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce, and a juicy beef patty.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans & Halloumi Cheese
Tender, herb-infused pork pairs perfectly with crispy halloumi cheese and fresh green beans in this flavourful summer dish. Simple to prepare and full of delicious textures, it’s the perfect addition to your next BBQ or family meal.
BBQ Rubbed Grilled Top Sirloin with BBQ Butter
What’s better than a perfectly grilled top sirloin steak? BBQ Rubbed Grilled Top Sirloin with BBQ Butter, that’s what! The homemade rub adds smokiness and heat, while the decedent BBQ butter melts over the steak, taking each bite to the next level of deliciousness.
East Coast Lobster Seafood Boil
There’s nothing quite like an East Coast boil packed with succulent lobster, prawns, corn, and potatoes. It’s an easy and fun way to serve fresh seafood and in-season vegetables all in a hot broth.
Cool Down Drinks
Slushy Shirley Cocktail
Cool off with a refreshing, icy drink that’s sweet and tangy with every sip. Perfect for hot summer days, this simple and delicious treat is sure to be a hit at any outdoor gathering.
Cherry Miami Vice Cocktail
The Cherry Miami Vice Cocktail is a tropical, layered drink featuring a refreshing cherry daiquiri base topped with a creamy coconut colada. It’s a deliciously fun twist on a classic drink with grilled pineapple spears and cocktail cherries as garnish.
Watermelon Rum Punch
Delight in a cool Watermelon Rum Punch, ideal for larger crowds (this recipe serves eight people). The sweet, juicy watermelon pairs beautifully with rum to create a vibrant cocktail that will impress at any long weekend celebration.
Tropical Fruit Granita
Treat yourself to a Tropical Fruit Granita, a light and icy dessert with sweet flavours. This easy-to-make treat is great for warmer temperatures and offers a refreshing way to beat the heat.
Family-Favourite Desserts
Mexican-Inspired Chocolate Ice Pops
Add a little excitement to your long weekend with these deliciously rich and spicy frozen treats. The perfect balance of chocolate and a hint of heat makes them a truly unique dessert.
Ice Cream Pie with Summer Berries
You’ve heard of pie served with ice cream, but what about an ice cream pie? This Ice Cream Pie with Summer Berries features a graham cracker crust filled with creamy vanilla ice cream, topped with sweetened berries for a cooling, straightforward dessert.
Stone Fruit Galettes
These Stone Fruit Galettes have a buttery, flaky crust and juicy fruit filling, showcasing seasonal stone fruits. Simple to make and full of flavour, each bite is a delightful way to end any outdoor get-together.
