Skip to main content

Barbecue and picnic recipes

Fire up that barbecue and start cooking these sizzlingly simple recipes in the sunshine – or switch on the grill for a taste of summer whatever the weather.

Threading kebabs, making burger patties and shaping koftas can be a really great way for children to get involved with cooking… and for you to get a little help in the kitchen of course!

Barbecue recipes

These easy barbecue dishes are simple, fun to make and perfect for a weekend afternoon.

That's not all though – because they they're so quick and easy, and can be cooked under the grill, they make a great mid-week dinner too!

And if you want to add something else to the table, these go brilliantly with some of our picnic and side recipe ideas.

Chargrilled pineapple

These little slices of sunshine are a simple and delicious way to finish any meal – but especially a barbecue!

Prep: 5 mins; Cook: 5 mins

Chilli beef and bean burgers

Inspired by chilli con carne – swapping some of the meat for beans saves money too.

Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 15 mins

Jerk-style chicken skewers

These spicy skewers are quick to prepare and cook – and a great way to brighten up any barbecue!

Prep: 20 mins; Cook: 10 mins

Turkey burgers

These tasty homemade burgers are cheap and easy to make.

Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 15 mins

Turkey koftas

These kebabs, with turkey instead of lamb, are great served with a minty yoghurt dip and simple tomato and onion salad.

Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 15 mins

Picnic and side recipes

Great to make ahead and perfect to pack for travel, these sides, sarnies and snacks are ideal for a picnic in the park or to round out a barbecue.

Apple, apricot and sultana squares

Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 20 mins

Banana and apricot bagels

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 2 mins

Blueberry and banana muffins

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 25 mins

Beefed-up sarnies

Prep: 15 mins

Breakfast burritos

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 10 mins

Carrot and courgette muffins

Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 30 mins

Carrot and sultana mini pancakes

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 10 mins

Cheesy veggie wedges

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 10 mins

Choc cherry popcorn cakes

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 8 mins

Coconut rice salad

Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 30 mins

Corn frizzlers

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 10 mins

Falafels

Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 25 mins

Greek salad

Prep: 15 mins

Ham and fresh coleslaw pittas

Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 3 mins

Mac and veg slices

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 30 mins

Mediterranean medleys

Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 25 mins

No-pastry mini mushroom quiches

Prep: 20 mins; Cook: 15 mins

Pasta salad on lettuce

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 12 mins

Piri-piri pomegranate popcorn

Prep: 5 mins; Cook: 5 mins

Salmon and courgette bagels

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 10 mins

Traffic light omelettes

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 15 mins

Tuna and potato salad

Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 20 mins

Vegetable frittata

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 12 mins

Help us improve this page!

Was this content helpful? Answer a few quick questions to help us make it better.

Answer our short survey.