For some reason, things just taste better with grill lines. So go dust off the grill, gussy up the backyard, and pick out all your favorite fruits, veggies, meats, meat alternatives and try these recipes for an epic backyard barbecue. And since drinks and sides deserve their chance to shine too, we’ll be sharing a few of our favorites.
On the Grill
![Grilled peaches with ice cream and honey](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/grilled-peaches12_lo-1024x1024.jpg)
![Grilled peaches with ice cream and honey](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/grilled-peaches12_lo-1024x1024.jpg)
Simple Grilled Peaches with Honey and Thyme
The weather is ripe for grilling, and so are these peaches! Drizzled with honey and thyme, these grilled peaches are nature’s candy. If nature had a grill, that is.
![vegetarian skewers with grilled pineapple and Tofu](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/042921_IG_FB_pineappletofuskewers_1-edited.jpg)
![vegetarian skewers with grilled pineapple and Tofu](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/042921_IG_FB_pineappletofuskewers_1-edited.jpg)
Grilled Pineapple & Tofu Skewers with Tangy Ginger Sauce
With a tangy ginger sauce and a rich sweetness released from the grill, these skewers are summer on a stick.
![pineapple sausage skewers from True Story](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/truestory_pineapple_skewer_recipephoto-edited.jpg)
![pineapple sausage skewers from True Story](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/truestory_pineapple_skewer_recipephoto-edited.jpg)
Pineapple Sausage Skewers
When it comes to skewers, your options don’t have to be super meaty or bland zucchini. We teamed up with our friends at True Story to assemble a better kebab that’s somewhere in between.
![easy grilled fennel](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/easygrilledfennel-1-edited.jpg)
![easy grilled fennel](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/easygrilledfennel-1-edited.jpg)
Easy Grilled Fennel
Did we lose you at “fennel?” Trust us, once grilled, this tough bulb transforms into something tender and sweet.
![Grilled eggplant with tahini sauce](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/GrilledEggplant-TahiniSauce-sq-1024x1024.jpg)
![Grilled eggplant with tahini sauce](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/GrilledEggplant-TahiniSauce-sq-1024x1024.jpg)
Grilled Eggplant with Tahini Sauce
The key to cooking with eggplant is to season it so much that it seems excessive. In this recipe, eggplant is grilled to perfection with lemon, paprika, and sea salt and then drizzled with tahini in a baba ghanoush-like dish that’s perfect for an easy dinner.
![Adda Veggie Broccoli Burgers with Secret Sauce](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Sliders-wide-edited-1024x1024.jpg)
![Adda Veggie Broccoli Burgers with Secret Sauce](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Sliders-wide-edited-1024x1024.jpg)
Adda Veggie Broccoli Burgers with Secret Sauce
Sun’s out, burger buns out! This recipe for Broccoli Burgers from Down to Cook Foods is the perfect way to make a healthy, fresh veggie burger at a barbecue.
Next to the grill
![Mexican corn salad](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/StreetCornSalad_6-lo-edited-1021x1024.jpg)
![Mexican corn salad](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/StreetCornSalad_6-lo-edited-1021x1024.jpg)
Mexican Corn Salad
Summery and delicious– Mexican corn salad is reminiscent of esquites, a popular street snack or a cob-free version of elotes. And in case you have lots of leftover corn cobs, learn how to turn them into a delicious corn stock.
![cucumber fennel pickles](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/low_res_471-1-edited.jpg)
![cucumber fennel pickles](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/low_res_471-1-edited.jpg)
Cucumber Fennel Pickles
This easy recipe is a great way to preserve extra cucumbers and adds an unexpected but definitely necessary flavor and crunch to burgers.
![fruit and veggie rainbow snack board](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RainbowSnackBoard_1_lo-edited.jpg)
![fruit and veggie rainbow snack board](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RainbowSnackBoard_1_lo-edited.jpg)
Rainbow Snack Board
It’s as healthy as it is beautiful and will convince even the pickiest of eaters to eat a vegetable.
![Classic guacamole recipe perfect for a barbecue or gameday](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Guacamole_33-lo-edited-1024x1024.jpg)
![Classic guacamole recipe perfect for a barbecue or gameday](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Guacamole_33-lo-edited-1024x1024.jpg)
Gameday Guacamole
Did it even happen if there wasn’t guacamole there?
![Citrus and Beet Salad](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WinterCitrusBeetSalad-1-edited-2.jpeg)
![Citrus and Beet Salad](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WinterCitrusBeetSalad-1-edited-2.jpeg)
Citrus and Beet Salad
No one goes to a barbecue for the salad, until now. This bright and tangy salad is refreshing and a nice contrast to accompany a big cheesy burger.
While you grill
![refreshing mango iced tea in glasses and a pitcher](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/042921_IG_FB_mangoicedtea_lo_2-edited.jpg)
![refreshing mango iced tea in glasses and a pitcher](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/042921_IG_FB_mangoicedtea_lo_2-edited.jpg)
Refreshing Mango Iced Tea
This Mango Iced Tea is only five ingredients and delightful to sip on while you wait for all the delicious food to be ready.
![strawberry basil lemonade](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/StawberryBasilLemonade_3_lo-edited-1024x1024.jpg)
![strawberry basil lemonade](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/StawberryBasilLemonade_3_lo-edited-1024x1024.jpg)
Refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade
With the hot sun shining and no clear indication when the burgers and brats will be ready, this lemonade helps keep the “hangries” at bay.
![citrus cocktail](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/OlamaiesWildHarvest_1-edited-scaled.jpg)
![citrus cocktail](https://blog.imperfectfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/OlamaiesWildHarvest_1-edited-scaled.jpg)
Wild Harvest Cocktail
From Erin Ashford of Olamaie in Austin, Texas– this citrus cocktail is a fun and easygoing drink that’s sure to help spark up a lively evening.