4 Easy Recipes to Steal the Show at Your Backyard BBQ

Backyard BBQs are basically the official sport of summer. And while you could show up with the usual chips and store-bought dip (we’re not judging… much), why not be the one who brings the food everyone actually talks about?

Whether you’re drying off from a swim, wrangling kids out of the pool, or just using the grill as an excuse to sip cocktails in flip-flops, these four easy recipes are your ticket to bold flavors, easy prep, and guaranteed grill-side glory.

Let’s fire it up!

1. Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad

AKA the “Oh wow, who made this?!” salad

Here’s the deal: grilled fruit is your cheat code to sounding fancy without trying hard. Toss a few halved peaches on the grill until they get those caramelized stripes, then layer them over peppery arugula with torn burrata. Drizzle on olive oil and a balsamic glaze (don’t be shy), and sprinkle with sea salt.

Serve with: A smug smile and maybe some crusty bread.
Why it slaps: It’s sweet, smoky, creamy, and looks like you know your way around a farmer’s market.

2. Sticky Honey-Garlic Chicken Skewers

So good, people will “accidentally” eat four.

Marinate chunks of boneless chicken thighs in a mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Thread them on skewers and grill until golden and caramelized. Want to feel fancy? Sprinkle on some sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime.

Prep tip: Make a double batch. You’ll thank us later.
Goes great with: Sunshine, good company, and zero leftovers.

3. Corn Ribs with Chili-Lime Butter

The side dish that actually steals the spotlight.

Corn on the cob? Cute. Corn ribs? Iconic. Slice corn lengthwise into quarters (carefully…those suckers are tough), toss in olive oil, and grill until the edges curl and char. Then brush with chili-lime butter and top with crumbled cotija or feta.

Bonus points for: A sprinkle of Tajín or a squeeze of fresh lime.
Kid-friendly: 100%. Also adult-friendly. Basically, it’s the friendliest corn you’ll ever meet.

4. Boozy Watermelon Slush (Adults Only!)

Cooler than your latest Ray-bans. 

Freeze watermelon cubes ahead of time, then blend with a splash of tequila (or vodka), a squeeze of lime, and a few mint leaves. That’s it. You’re basically a mixologist now.

Want a mocktail version? Sub in coconut water and a splash of lemonade.
Serve in: Whatever cup you won’t cry about dropping near the pool.

Pool Days + BBQ Vibes = Summer Goals

Here’s the thing about summer: it’s not just about the food (okay, maybe it is a little). It’s also about lazy poolside hangs, cannonballs gone slightly wrong, and those after-swim appetites that hit harder than expected.

If you’re spending your weekends chasing sunshine and swimming lessons in Long Island, these recipes are the perfect post-dip reward. Whether you’re wrangling little swimmers or sneaking in your own laps, nothing says we crushed it today like sticky chicken skewers and a watermelon slush.

Oh, and if your summer plans involve learning to swim without the chaos of crowded pools and awkward scheduling? urSwim’s got you. They offer private swim lessons in Long Island and Connecticut because swim goals and grill goals can (and should) go hand in hand.

Now You’re Cookin’ (Literally)

You don’t need to be a grill master, a trained chef, or even fully dressed to bring your A-game to a summer BBQ. Just show up with one of these recipes, a sunny attitude, and maybe an extra towel (for sweat or splashes, we don’t judge!).

Whether you’re coming straight from the pool or planning your next round of swimming lessons in Long Island or Connecticut, these dishes are your post-swim victory lap. Because let’s be honest, nothing tastes better than food earned after a solid splash session.

Now go forth and BBQ like the backyard legend (and swim star) you are.