17 Cookout Recipes That Aren't Burgers or Dogs

Give your next cookout a fresh twist with grilling recipes that go beyond the usual burgers and hot dogs. Juicy steaks, smoky chicken, grilled seafood, pork kebabs, colorful salads, and an easy outdoor dessert bring plenty of variety to the summer menu. Keep scrolling to discover your next cookout centerpiece.

Juicy Marinated Bone-In Grilled Pork Chops

A plate of skillet pork chops garnished with fresh rosemary and orange slices, served alongside mashed potatoes and green beans—a perfect school night dinner. — Juicy Marinated Bone-In Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

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These bone-in pork chops stay juicy and flavorful thanks to a bright homemade marinade featuring citrus and herbs. They are an easy centerpiece for a relaxed summer cookout or family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Marinated Bone-In Grilled Pork Chops

Tangy Grilled Alabama BBQ Chicken

A metal tong holds a piece of fried chicken covered in white pepper gravy above a plate. — Tangy Grilled Alabama BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This juicy grilled chicken gets its signature character from a tangy white barbecue sauce. It is an easy cookout favorite with plenty of smoky flavor and a refreshing contrast from the creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Grilled Alabama BBQ Chicken

Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Chimichurri

Sliced steak topped with chimichurri sauce, served with a side of arugula and cherry tomatoes, and extra chimichurri in a small bowl. — Juicy Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Chimichurri. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This grilled flank steak brings together tender, smoky beef and a bright, herb-filled chimichurri for a lively summer meal. A flavorful marinade helps make this an easy centerpiece for backyard gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Chimichurri

Smoky Cedar-Plank Rockfish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Three tacos filled with fish, red cabbage, corn, and a green sauce. — Smoky Cedar-Plank Rockfish Tacos with Mango Salsa. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

These grilled fish tacos turn a backyard meal into something extra special with smoky rockfish and colorful toppings. Sweet mango salsa, crisp pickled slaw, and creamy avocado dressing bring plenty of texture and bright summer flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Cedar-Plank Rockfish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Easy Smoked Shrimp with Bold Smoky Flavor

These succulent shrimp take on irresistible smoky flavor while staying quick and simple enough for an outdoor gathering. They make a fantastic appetizer or light main dish when you want something different from the usual grill fare.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Shrimp with Bold Smoky Flavor

Tender Smoked Leg of Lamb

This smoked leg of lamb delivers tender meat with deep, complex flavor that feels impressive without being overly complicated. It is a memorable choice when you want to serve something beyond the usual barbecue favorites.
Get the Recipe: Tender Smoked Leg of Lamb

Grilled Steak with Sweet Peaches and Caramelized Onions

A wooden board with sliced steak, grilled onions, sauce, and chimichurri sits beside a plate with a portion of the same meal; utensils and a napkin are nearby. — Grilled Steak with Sweet Peaches and Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Renee Niocle's Kitchen.

Smoky grilled steak gets a summery upgrade with sweet peaches, savory onions, fresh basil pesto, and balsamic richness. Cooking everything outdoors keeps the kitchen cool while giving you a centerpiece worthy of a long afternoon cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Sweet Peaches and Caramelized Onions

Hot Smoked Salmon with Brown Sugar Spice Rub

This tender smoked salmon gets a flavorful crust from a simple sweet-and-savory spice rub. It is a great option when you want impressive fish on the grill without committing to a lengthy preparation process.
Get the Recipe: Hot Smoked Salmon with Brown Sugar Spice Rub

Cheesy Grilled Chicken Foil Packets with Vegetables

These foil packets turn marinated chicken, vegetables, rice, and cheese into a complete outdoor-friendly meal. Grilling everything together keeps the flavors mingling while making cleanup wonderfully simple.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Chicken Foil Packets with Vegetables

Moroccan-Style Salmon with Peppers

This flavorful salmon pairs tender fish with a warmly spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Garlic and Moroccan-inspired seasonings give it a comforting depth that makes it an exciting alternative to traditional cookout dishes.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan-Style Salmon with Peppers

Grandpa's Recipe for Perfectly Tender Grilled Flank Steak

Sliced seasoned steak arranged on a white oval plate, with a portion of unsliced steak in the background. — Bold Dry-Rubbed Grilled Flank Steak. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This flank steak is coated in a flavorful dry rub before hitting the grill, creating a juicy and boldly seasoned centerpiece. It is a straightforward summer dinner that works especially well when you are feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Bold Dry-Rubbed Grilled Flank Steak

Zesty Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs

These colorful chicken kebabs bring bright lemon flavor and tender grilled chicken to the cookout table. They are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making them a convenient option for gatherings with different dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs

Sweet and Saucy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

These tender pulled pork sliders are packed with sweet and tangy barbecue flavor and tucked into soft Hawaiian buns. Melty cheese makes them even more irresistible, creating an easy crowd-pleaser for parties and casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Saucy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Smoky Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilling corn brings out its natural sweetness while adding deliciously charred edges and a subtle smoky flavor. It is a simple summer side that can steal the spotlight from the main course.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Corn on the Cob

Juicy Grilled Pork Kabobs with Fresh Peaches

Tender marinated pork and colorful vegetables come together with sweet peaches for a fun, shareable grilled meal. The combination of savory, smoky, and fruity flavors makes these kabobs especially fitting for summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Grilled Pork Kabobs with Fresh Peaches

Grilled Game Hens with Asian BBQ Sauce

Grilled chicken pieces garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, served on a white plate. — Grilled Game Hens with Asian BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

These grilled game hens offer a fun change of pace with succulent meat and a glossy Asian-inspired barbecue sauce. They are an impressive choice for an outdoor meal while still keeping the preparation approachable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Game Hens with Asian BBQ Sauce

Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken

A plate with grilled chicken breast topped with yellow sauce and chopped herbs, served alongside steamed green beans. — Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This grilled chicken captures the signature sweet and tangy character of Carolina-style barbecue. It is a simple, flavorful main dish that fits right in at a cookout, picnic, or relaxed summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken