When the sun comes out, it's natural that we all want to get outside and enjoy the good weather! And that opens up lots of exciting opportunities with food, from picnics to garden tea parties, eating outdoors at our favourite restaurants and of course, barbecues. Who can resist the delicious flavours of smoked meats served with all the trimmings? But while you have the barbecue lit and the coals sizzling, why not give some fresh new recipes a go. These might seem a bit surprising at first but are all super delicious and a great way to mix things up.
Grilled Watermelon Salad
Barbecues dont need to be all heavy meats. If you want something lighter or perhaps want a fresh side dish, or want to serve something different to your vegan or vegetarian guests then this is a great one to consider. You might be raising an eyebrow at the thought of grilling watermelon, but the heat from the grill caramelises the natural sugars, giving the watermelon a smoky and slightly charred flavor. Cut it into thick slices, brush them with a touch of olive oil, and grill for a couple of minutes on each side. Sprinkle some mint leaves on top (and some feta if you or your guest isn't vegan) and you have a refreshing and sweet-savoury salad thats surprising and delicious.
Barbecue Avocado With Salsa
Another type of food that you might not have considered barbecuing but it works great! Cut ripe avocados in half, remove the pits, and lightly brush them with olive oil. Grill them flesh side down for a couple of minutes until they develop grill marks. Once they're ready, fill the center with a zesty salsa made of diced tomatoes, red onions, coriander, lime juice and a pinch of salt. The creamy avocado and tangy salsa create an explosion of flavours.
Pineapple & King Prawn Skewers
Take a break from standard chicken and go with a tropical detour with these skewers that combine succulent prawns with juicy pineapple chunks. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savoury flavour of the prawns, creating a mouthwatering combo. Thread them alternately onto skewers, brush with a zesty glaze made of honey, lime juice, and a hint of chili, then grill until the prawns turns pink.
Halloumi Chilli Cheese Skewers
Vegetarians and cheese lovers rejoice! Grilling halloumi cheese not only brings out its natural saltiness but also gives it an irresistible smoky taste. Slice the halloumi into thick pieces and grill them for a few minutes on each side until they develop those beautiful grill marks. Serve them with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a delightful and unique BBQ treat
Grilled Dessert Bananas
It's not all for savoury dishes, you can satisfy your sweet tooth at your barbecue with this simple yet indulgent grilled dessert. Leave the bananas in their skin, slice them lengthwise, and place them on the grill for a few minutes on each side until they soften. The heat enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas and adds a delightful caramelised touch. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for the ultimate barbeque finale!
