The Best Thing to Bring to a BBQ This Summer 

Summertime is filled with backyard parties, picnics, and outdoor social gatherings. If you are the guest and have been asked to bring a dish or simply do not want to show up empty handed, you may be looking for a few ideas. What is the best thing to bring to a BBQ this summer? I would say the best thing to bring is something that you love but that other guests will still enjoy. If you have been trying to eat healthier and have shown up as a guest at a backyard party, chances are you found some diet sabotaging choices. I like to show up with something that I know that I can eat but that others will still enjoy.

Here are a few easy ideas: 

Fruit kabobs 

• Cut a variety of fresh fruit and pierce with a skewer
• Alternate pieces of fruit and add fresh mint leaves in between for color and a nice presentation 

Caprese on a Stick

• With a small skewer, alternate fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil
• You can find small, clear plastic skewers at most dollar stores that are perfect for this as well as small plastic plates. 
• You can use the classic red cherry tomatoes or the colorful Heirloom blend
• Lightly drizzle balsamic vinegar on just before serving

Chopped Mediterranean salad  

This really is a simple salad to put together and one that will make everyone happy. Serve the feta on the side to make it vegan. 

• ¼ cup chopped red onion
• 1 ½ cup chopped cucumber 
• 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes 
• 1 can (15 oz) organic chickpeas, rinsed 
• 1 avocado – cut up in bite size pieces
• ½ cup feta crumbles (serve on the side for vegan guests)
• ¼ cup halved Kalamata olives (I am not an olive fan, so I serve these on the side)
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

Dressing: 

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar 

¼ teaspoon salt 

¼ teaspoon pepper 

¼ onion powder 

¼ garlic powder 

Wisk together and toss into salad mixture just before serving. 

So, what do you bring if your assignment is dessert?

I have several simple and delicious healthy recipes that truly are good. But (in my humble opinion) if you want the best thing to bring to a BBQ this summer that will really have people talking (and asking for the recipe) then you want to bring S’more Bars! 

Full disclosure…if were searching for a vegan, gluten-free dessert that I would typically share, you need to stop right here because this is not it.

This recipe comes from Paula Dean so you guessed it. There is butter involved. (don’t panic, it’s not really that much butter) These S’more bars are everything a s’more should be and more all baked together in one yummy pan. My advice is to double the recipe because most folks ask for a second piece.

I have been making this recipe year round for over 15 years and it is always a hit.