The Ultimate Summer Kickoff

Summer doesn’t really start until the grill is going, there’s a drink in your hand, and the table is full — and that’s exactly what this post is all about. Over the past several weeks I’ve been sharing recipe after recipe to help you build the ultimate backyard cookout, and this is where it all comes together: six full collections, more than 90 recipes, everything you need for an entire season of summer entertaining. Whether you’re hosting your first big gathering of the year or just looking for new ideas to add to the rotation, you’ll find it here — drinks to start things off, sides to round out the table, mains for the grill, and desserts for every kind of sweet tooth, baked and no-bake alike.

SECTION: DRINKS

Every great gathering starts with something to sip on. This collection covers classic cocktails like Margarita and Citrus Rosé Sangria, frozen favorites like Watermelon Slushie and Frozen Peach Bellini, and refreshing non-alcoholic options including, a lemonade and two fruit smoothies for the kids — or anyone craving something lighter.

See all 11 Summer Drinks

SECTION: SUMMER SIDES

The sides are what people remember — the potato salad that disappears before the burgers are off the grill, the dip that’s gone before guests even arrive. This collection covers pasta and quinoa salads, potato and bean salads, fresh seasonal salads, and a full lineup of appetizers and dips.

See all 35 Summer Side Dishes

SECTION: GREEK SIDES

For a taste of the Mediterranean at your next cookout — fresh classic salads, mezze-style dips and spreads, hearty orzo and grain salads, and a few Greek-inspired twists on familiar favorites.

See all 22 Greek Side Dishes

SECTION: GRILLING GUIDE

The main event. This guide is anchored by Greek-inspired grilling — souvlaki, lamb chops, a showstopping lobster and steak platter — alongside classic burgers, seafood, and the low-and-slow favorites everyone asks for.

See all 17 Grilling Recipes

SECTION: BERRY DESSERTS

When berries hit their peak, these are the recipes I reach for — classic pies and easier pie bars, comforting cobblers, and a few more elevated cheesecake bars and cakes.

Standouts: Fresh Strawberry Pie, Mixed Berry Cobbler, Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars

See all 14 Berry Desserts

SECTION: NO BAKE DESSERTS

For the days when turning on the oven feels impossible — no-bake cheesecakes, ice box cakes, no-churn ice creams, and showstopping trifles, all made without a single minute of baking.

See all 20 No Bake Desserts

OUTRO

Thank you for following along with this series — it’s been so much fun putting it together, and I hope it becomes your go-to guide for summer entertaining all season long. This is a living collection, so I’ll keep adding to it as the summer goes on.

Save this post, share it with whoever is hosting next, and let me know in the comments — what are you making first?