I’ve written often about my love of summer and especially the options it provides to eat outdoors. Sitting on a patio at a little café, dining at an ocean- or lake-side restaurant, or especially a cook-out in your own back yard! There are three components that I think make for a great barbecue, whether it’s just you and your family, or whether you invite the whole neighborhood.

You want to start with something for the grill; and while that typically means meats, such as beef, pork or chicken, I also love to grill fish and veggies too. In addition to this main course, a salad (or two) is a great way to create volume and flavor to your meal. Lastly, a sweet treat. You want to consider desserts that travel well outside and don’t melt easily in the warm weather.

Here are some great ideas from all three categories:

For the Grill:

Grilled Chili-Lime Flank Steak  (from The Food Network)

Grilled Salmon with Thyme and Lemon  (from The Spruce Eats)

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms  (from Our Salty Kitchen)

Tasty Salads:

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad  (from The Pioneer Woman)

Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad  (from Delish)

BLT Potato Salad  (from Country Living)

Portable Desserts:

Peanut Butter Cookies  (from Epicurious)

Fruit Pizza  (from The Pioneer Woman)

Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake  (from All The Healthy Things)