Potato salad, fruit trays, and baked beans are common barbecue additions. Are you tired of the same old things? It’s time to spice the festivities up with special menu items! If you need ideas, check out this list of unique things to bring to a summer barbecue.
Cowboy Caviar
A popular Tik Tok recipe that has everyone rushing to the store is Cowboy Caviar. Despite the name, the recipe doesn’t contain fish eggs. This Texas-style dish is a mix of black beans, black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, sweet corn, jalapeno peppers, and onions. The dressing consists of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, and a few seasonings. After combining everything, serve with tortilla chips and prepare for a flavor explosion! This is a definite crowd-pleaser.
Southwest Tortellini Pasta
Tortellini is a versatile pasta because you can enjoy it hot or cold! In this case, cold pastas are the way to go for summer. Another unique thing to bring to a summer barbecue is Southwest Tortellini Pasta. Cook your tortellini, drain it, and set it in a large bowl.
Chop a variety of vegetables! In the pasta bowl, add corn, black beans, avocado, onions, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and a red bell pepper. Lastly, pour half a bottle of your favorite Italian dressing over the ingredients. Place the bowl inside the fridge until it’s time for the barbecue.
Cheesecake in a Jar
If you’re looking for a refreshing dessert that’s easy to transport, then cheesecake in a jar is the right recipe for you! Follow your favorite no-bake cheesecake recipe, but instead of laying everything in a pie tin, layer it in a mason jar. Start with a graham cracker crumb base, then scoop in the filling, and top it off with fresh berries or jam! Don’t forget to bring spoons so everyone can eat the yummy dessert.
Homemade Soda
What’s better than making your own soda with your favorite flavors? If you want to bring a unique beverage to the festivities, consider homemade soda! Start with a seltzer water (or club soda) base and incorporate fruit with different sweeteners. Don’t be afraid to try various combinations to create a lovely fizzy drink! Perhaps you add grapefruit slices, strawberries, and cane sugar to the seltzer. Maybe you infuse simple syrup with mango and add tropical fruits to a club soda base. The possibilities are endless!