Backyard Dinner Party Menu for Summer Nights

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As the season draws to an end, we are trying our best to cling to the warmth, fun, and laughter – whether it’s planning more and more outdoor activities with our loved ones or indulging in seasonal food any chance we get. One fail-safe way to get all of this accomplished is to invite your friends and family over for a nice, casual dinner. It’s time to take out your grill, set up your backyard with tables and chairs, and host the best backyard summer party that everyone will talk about – until the next summer finally arrives. To indulge in the best summer flavors, you must have these 10 items in your menu, ranging from sides to mains.

Grilled Peach Salad

Ripe, juicy peaches and a grill – I never thought this would work. Boy, was I wrong! A few minutes on the grill, and these peaches give off a sweet texture with a smoky undertone, which pairs magically with peppery arugula for a light, tangy summer salad. Full Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad

Grilled Balsamic Chicken

There are only so many ways you can have grilled chicken – as a whole fillet, in a sandwich, in a salad, with a simple side – the possibilities are endless. For a little extra magic, marinade the chicken breast pieces in balsamic vinegar before grilling them – the tangy balsamic taste will instantly transport this simple dish to the next level. Full Recipe: Grilled Balsamic Chicken

Strawberry Salsa

Salsa to grilled meat is like sunshine to a summer day – absolutely essential. We follow this rule in the best of summer spirits by using fresh strawberries with traditional salsa ingredients, Tajin, and Jalapenos. While it pairs wonderfully well with grilled meat, I serve extra tortilla chips alongside this salsa. Full Recipe: Strawberry Salsa

Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Barbecue and skewers go hand in hand! There is nothing like some juicy, smoky chicken pieces that are lightly charred and fully delicious. The Indian-flavored yogurt makes your barbecue infinitely better. The hot, Indian flavors and aroma set the right vibe for your backyard dinner. Full Recipe: Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers 

While we are on the subject of skewers, another recipe that comes to my mind is chicken teriyaki. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is my personal favorite when it comes to barbecue marinade. The lightly charred, smoky undertones bring out the teriyaki flavors to perfection, and the aroma that it gives out is just – heavenly! Full Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin With Chimichurri

Want to add a little something fancy to the dinner spread? This pork tenderloin is the perfect option, since it grills easily and soaks up the tangy, flavorful chimichurri so thoroughly that it easily becomes the star of any summer party it is a part of. Any remainder chimichurri can easily serve as a dressing and a side. Full Recipe:.Grilled Pork Tenderloin With Chimichurri

Honey Roasted Carrots And Parsnips

Add some vibrant color to your dinner spread with carrots and parsnips as your perfect side dish. These root vegetables roast perfectly with a honey glaze, concentrating their natural flavor along with the rich sweetness of honey. The only problem is that you won’t be able to resist picking these off the baking tray and munching on them before the dinner even starts. Full Recipe: Honey Roasted Carrots And Parsnips

Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash

I know what you’re thinking! Vegetables? At a party? Well, trust me – when the vegetables in question are zucchini and summer squash, you don’t want to miss out. Marinated in balsamic vinegar and lightly charred and smoky from the grill, these summer vegetables represent the best part of summer – light, juicy, tender, and versatile. Full Recipe: Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash 

Peach Mango Salsa

Another addition to my fruity-salsa series is this peach mango salsa, featuring the rich, juicy flavors of the  King of Fruits, paired with the ripe, sweet goodness of peaches. Jalapenos and vinegar add a spicy, tangy flavor to the mix that goes perfectly with juicy, flavorful grilled meat. For a pure, rich flavor of this salsa, grab some tortilla chips, use the salsa as a dip, and start snacking! Full Recipe: Peach Mango Salsa 

Chili Lime Shrimp

Coming back to skewers. If you have some shrimp on hand, marinate for a few minutes in this hot and spicy Thai sweet chilli sauce, arrange them on skewers, and give them a few minutes on the grill. This adds a lovely, vibrant, and delicious addition to your backyard dinner menu, and adds to the versatility. Full Recipe: Chili Lime Shrimp