5 Summer BBQ Recipes Worth Firing Up the Grill

Salty halloumi and sweet peppers threaded onto skewers, grilled until charred and finished with a luscious honey glaze - this is summer barbecuing at its best. The contrast of squeaky cheese and caramelised veg is irresistible.

At around 320 calories, these Mediterranean-inspired skewers work as a light main or a moreish starter while the rest of the food cooks. They're vegetarian, quick to assemble and always popular, so make extra. The honey glaze catches beautifully over the coals, giving you those sticky, golden edges that make grilled food so good. A brilliant opener to any cookout. They cook in minutes, so they're perfect for keeping hungry guests happy while the mains sizzle away.

Juicy sausages lacquered in a spicy-sweet harissa glaze and served over a heap of caramelised onions - this is a simple way to lift the humble banger to something special. The heat and sweetness together are seriously good.

Around 450 calories, it's a satisfying, crowd-friendly choice that's easy to scale up for a group. The harissa glaze chars and caramelises over the grill, deepening the flavour with every turn. Pile everything into a roll or serve on a platter to share. It's proof that a few clever touches can transform a barbecue staple. Tuck a few wholegrain mustard pots on the side for anyone who likes an extra tang.

Succulent pork chops in a rich coffee-spice rub, grilled until beautifully crusted and served with creamy sweetcorn mash - this is a bold, satisfying centrepiece for the grill. The coffee rub adds smoky depth that suits cooking over fire perfectly.

At about 550 calories, it's a proper main event for a summer cookout. The dark, aromatic crust contrasts wonderfully with the sweet, comforting mash beneath. Let the chops rest before serving so they stay juicy. When you want your barbecue to feel a little more grown-up and considered, these coffee-spiced chops deliver real wow factor. A crisp green salad or some charred corn on the cob rounds the plate out nicely.

Crispy tofu patties coated in sesame seeds, tucked into soft rolls with a creamy avocado spread, a kick of sriracha and fresh coriander - a barbecue burger that vegetarians and everyone else will love. The texture is brilliant: crunchy outside, tender within.

Around 550 calories, these burgers hold their own next to anything off the grill. The sesame crust crisps up beautifully, while the cool avocado balances the heat. They're a genuinely satisfying meat-free option that doesn't feel like a compromise - the kind of recipe that wins over even committed carnivores at a summer cookout. Add a slice of tomato and some crunchy lettuce, and you've got a burger nobody will want to swap.

No barbecue is complete without a great side, and this grilled potato salad is a smoky upgrade on the classic. Tender potatoes pick up char from the grill, then get tossed with aromatic garlic and a zesty chilli dressing.

At roughly 280 calories, it brings all the comfort of traditional potato salad with a barbecue-season edge. Skipping the heavy mayo keeps it bright and summery, and it's just as good warm or at room temperature. It pairs effortlessly with everything else on the grill, soaking up all those smoky flavours. A reliable, satisfying finish to your summer BBQ recipes. Make it earlier in the day and let the flavours deepen while everything else gets going on the grill.