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11 Cookout Recipes That Keep Coming Back to Your Grill

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Grilling season calls for recipes that are easy, reliable, and worth repeating. These dishes bring solid flavor without overcomplicating things. They fit smoothly into any cookout lineup, whether it’s a quick weeknight or a weekend gathering. Each recipe is built to deliver on taste and simplicity. It’s about sticking to the dishes that keep earning their spot on the grill.

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Chipotle turgey burgers with lime crema.
Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter.
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter pairs smoky, charred beef with a rich, spicy butter that melts into every bite. The steak grills quickly and benefits from a simple seasoning before the finishing touch of chile butter adds depth. This recipe brings a bold, approachable flavor that fits perfectly with any cookout lineup. It’s a reliable choice when you want to impress without complicating the process.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Chickpea Burgers

Low angle shot of 2 chickpea burgers on seeded buns with all the fixings.
Chickpea Burgers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chickpea Burgers offer a vegetarian alternative that’s hearty and flavorful enough to hold its own on the grill. The recipe blends chickpeas with spices and binders to create patties that crisp on the outside and stay tender inside. It’s a solid way to change up the usual burger routine without losing satisfaction. This dish works well for cookouts where you want a crowd-pleasing option that’s simple and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Burgers

Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Grilled chicken skewers with sauce and garnished with chopped herbs, served on a rectangular white plate.
Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce combine grilled chicken with a creamy, nutty sauce that adds a punch without overwhelming the meat. The recipe keeps things straightforward, letting the peanut sauce bring flavor without extra fuss. This dish is a good fit when you want a fresh twist on grilled chicken that feels special but stays simple. It’s perfect for adding variety to your cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono

A black bowl of Japanese cucumber salad garnished with sesame seeds.
Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Japanese Cucumber Salad offers a crisp, tangy side that cuts through richer grilled dishes. The recipe uses thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in a light, balanced vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing addition that’s quick to assemble and easy to bring along. This salad works well when you want something bright and simple to offset heavier cookout fare.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Low angle shot of a bowl of watermelon salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Watermelon and Feta Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Watermelon and Feta Salad balances sweet, juicy melon with salty, crumbly cheese for a side that’s both light and flavorful. The recipe includes fresh herbs and a touch of acidity to round out the flavors. It’s an easy dish that adds a fresh note to your cookout lineup. This salad is a reliable pick when you want something simple that still makes an impression.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad

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Kachumber Salad

Kachumber salad in a white bowl with fancy silver spoons on the side.
Kachumber Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kachumber Salad is a fresh mix of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs dressed lightly with lemon juice. This recipe is straightforward and bright, perfect for pairing with grilled meats. It’s a practical way to bring crisp texture and fresh flavor to the cookout table. The salad keeps things light and easy without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad

Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema

Chipotle turgey burgers with lime crema.
Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema combine smoky, spiced turkey patties with a cool, tangy sauce that balances heat. The recipe keeps prep manageable and offers a burger that feels a little different from the usual. It’s a dependable choice when you want to shift your grill game without making things complicated. This dish stands out for those who want bold flavors without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema

Elote

Metal baking pan with elote, Mexican grilled corn cobs with mayonnaise, spices, and cheese.
Elote. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Elote brings grilled corn slathered in a creamy, spiced sauce topped with cheese and lime. The recipe is simple to make and adds a recognizable, satisfying element to any cookout. It’s a dependable side that complements a wide range of grilled dishes. This recipe keeps things easy while delivering classic flavor that keeps people coming back.
Get the Recipe: Elote

Deviled Egg Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad with egg garnished with paprika and chopped herbs.
Deviled Egg Potato Salad. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Deviled Egg Potato Salad combines creamy potatoes with tangy deviled eggs to create a twist on classic picnic fare. The recipe is straightforward, balancing richness with bright seasoning. It’s a great way to add depth and interest to a familiar side. This dish fits well when you want something comforting but a bit different on your cookout table.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Bacon and Egg Salad

Egg salad on a piece of white bread.
Bacon and Egg Salad. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Bacon and Egg Salad layers crispy bacon and hard-boiled eggs in a simple, well-seasoned mix that’s easy to throw together. The recipe offers a hearty, protein-packed side that feels a step above typical salads. It’s practical for cookouts where you want something filling without a lot of prep. This salad works when you want to keep things classic but interesting.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Egg Salad

Best Cookout Coleslaw

Low angled shot of coleslaw in a black bowl.
Best Cookout Coleslaw. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Best Cookout Coleslaw is a crunchy, tangy side that balances creamy dressing with crisp cabbage and carrots. The recipe uses straightforward ingredients and easy mixing to deliver consistent results. It’s a classic accompaniment that keeps cookout meals balanced. This coleslaw offers a no-fuss way to add texture and brightness without drawing too much attention from the main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Best Cookout Coleslaw

By on June 29th, 2025
Photo of Robin Donovan

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind All Ways Delicious. She’s an Associated Press syndicated food and travel writer and the bestselling author of more than 40 cookbooks, including Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications including Chicago Sun-Times, Huffington Post, MSN, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle Times, Food & Wine, Cooking Light, PopSugar, Fitness, Mercury News, and many others. More about Robin

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