BBQ Party Food Ideas To Kick Off Summer

The summer sun is here (and hopefully to stay!), which can only mean one thing: it's time for a barbecue! If you're anything like us, you're probably already dreaming of sizzling sausages and banging burgers. But hosting a good party spread takes a bit of planning, so we're here to lend a helping hand. We’ve rounded up our top BBQ food ideas to make your outdoor feast a triumph, from colourful, fresh salads to the all-important picky bits that'll go down a treat. So, grab all your BBQ essentials and let's start this summer party!

Summer BBQ Salads

No BBQ spread is complete without some fresh, vibrant sides, right? And we get that sometimes you want to balance out all those delicious grilled goodies with something a bit lighter and brighter. Our top BBQ salad ideas are here to help you do just that! Think beyond the usual suspects and explore a world of colourful creations. We’re big fans of using fresh, seasonal ingredients to really make those flavours sing – maybe a lovely fruity twist or a dressing that packs a punch. Explore our salad recipe collection for even more summer BBQ salad ideas.

Strawberry Salad with Wensleydale Cheese

Our sweet & tangy strawberry salad offers a lovely savoury bite with a fruity twist that’s surprisingly good.

Warm Salad of Jersey Royals & Crispy Pancetta

This warm and hearty potato and pancetta salad with broad beans is a comforting side, perfect for the cooler evenings. 

Sweet & Spicy Melon Salad

If you fancy a bit of a zingy and exciting kick, try the sweet and spicy melon salad – it’s a flavour adventure!

Crab, Avocado & Asparagus Salad

Looking for something extra special? Try this fresh crab, avocado and asparagus salad with Radish and Baby Potatoes for a delicious and elegant addition to any spread.

Delicious BBQ Picky Bits

Ready for some pre-BBQ delights? These recipes are easy to share, packed with flavour, and faff-free to keep everyone happy while the main event cooks. We've got stacks of crowd-pleasing recipe ideas, from yummy skewers to finger-licking chicken and bite-sized snacks that'll disappear in a flash. And if you're looking for even more finger-food inspiration, our party food recipe collection is bursting with ideas.

Marinated BBQ Halloumi Kebabs

For the halloumi lovers our marinated BBQ halloumi kebabs are properly delicious and so simple to grill.

Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wings

You can't go wrong with our sweet and sticky honey chipotle BBQ chicken wings – they’re a finger-licking hit every time.

Spicy Mexican Potato Wedges

For a side with a bit of a kick, these spicy spuds are spot on for dipping.

Brazilian Style Prawn Skewers

Add a bit of zing with our Brazilian style prawn skewers, simple, colourful, and oh-so-tasty.

Vegetarian and Vegan BBQ Food

Hosting a BBQ when you've got guests with different dietary needs can feel like a bit of a head-scratcher. No one wants to turn up to a party and just be offered a limp salad. That's why we've picked some cracking vegetarian and vegan BBQ party food ideas that are so good everyone will want a bite! From tasty bean burgers to surprising sweet treats, these options prove that meat-free and plant-based BBQ food is anything but boring. For even more inspiration explore our vegan recipe collection and vegetarian recipe collection to discover more dishes that everyone can enjoy.

Sweet Potato Bean Burger & Dressing

Our sweet potato bean burger with vegan lime yoghurt dressing is a flavour-packed patty that makes a great vegan alternative.

Watermelon Sashimi

Looking for something light and refreshing? This watermelon sashimi is a clever and vibrant veggie bite that will surely impress guests.

Cinnamon and Pecan Fridge Cake

For an easy no-bake sweet treat our cinnamon and pecan fridge cake is a delicious vegan option that's a bit different.

Crispy Halloumi Tacos with Spicy Slaw

Try this crispy fried halloumi and courgettes with a crunchy cabbage slaw for an easy veggie taco that's bursting with flavour.

The Main Event

You can't host a proper BBQ get-together without some seriously good cuts and meaty delights, can you? Firing up the grill with quality meat is what it's all about. That's why we've picked out some of our favourite products that make for brilliantly easy barbecuing, so you can spend less time faffing and more time enjoying the good stuff.

BBQ Maple Pork Loin Steaks

The Best Steak Burgers

BBQ Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Marinated Chicken Selection

Sweet BBQ Desserts

The main event's done, but there's always room for something sweet! We've got some wonderfully simple yet utterly indulgent BBQ desserts to put that perfect finishing touch on your al fresco feast. How about those amazing caramelised flavours you can only get straight from the grill? Maybe a refreshing, no-bake treat that's a breeze to whip up? Or celebrate with seasonal summer fruits, like juicy and ripe strawberries. For even more delicious puds, explore our full dessert recipe collection.

Peaches and Cream Brioche Tiramisu

A real crowd-pleaser, our peaches and cream brioche tiramisu is a decadent summer twist on a classic that’s super easy to make.

Pineapple Skewers with Mint Sugar

Get that wonderful charred sweetness right from the coals with these super simple pineapple skewers with mint sugar.

Strawberry Choc Ripple Semifreddo

This strawberry choc ripple semifreddo is a gorgeous, refreshing no-bake option, perfect for a warm summer's day.

BBQ Fruit Skewers and Chocolate Dip

Fancy some grilling magic? These fruit skewers with a chocolate dip get wonderfully caramelised on the BBQ. Dee-lish!

Refreshing Drinks to Complete Your BBQ Spread

So, the food's sorted, the sun's out... what about the drinks? We’ve got plenty of interesting drink recipe ideas for all, whether they're after a cheeky cocktail or a refreshing non-alcoholic cooler. It's all about those vibrant, summery flavours to keep everyone happy and hydrated while the good times roll. Looking for more sips? Our full drink recipe collection is packed with ideas for every taste.

Sparkling Iced Tea

Our sparkling iced tea offers a crisp, clean refreshment that’s always a winner.

Rubicon Summer Cup

For a fruity, family-friendly punch, the Rubicon summer cup is a brilliant non-alcoholic choice that tastes like pure sunshine.

Melon Sangria

Our melon sangria offers a lovely fruity kick – ideal for sharing a jug (or two!) with friends.

Peach Mojito

Sweet, minty, and wonderfully refreshing, this peach mojito is a classic summer cocktail with a peachy twist.

More Inspiration for Your BBQ Party

So there you have it – plenty of ideas to kick off your summer with a fantastic BBQ spread! From vibrant salads and tempting picky bits to indulgent desserts and those all-important refreshing drinks, we've covered everything you need for a proper summer get-together. Hungry for more? Don't forget to explore even more BBQ recipe ideas from Morrisons to make your summer sizzle.

Grab all your BBQ feast ingredients in-store or online and get cooking! Don't forget to share your masterpieces with us on social media using the #MakeitwithMorrisons – we love to see what you've whipped up.