Throw a Rockstar BBQ

I'm taking it upon myself to encourage all of you potluckers to change things up a bit if you find yourselves stuck in a BBQ rut. (Frozen burger patties + jello salad = BORING) Below you'll find some mouth-watering burgers, salads, and even a dessert to top it off!

If you're hosting (or attending) a BBQ this weekend, you'll knock everyone's socks off if you serve up some of these babies. May I present to you, my divinely awesome burger trinity (in no particular order).

1. The Bobby Flay Cheyenne Burger

Bacon (turkey, even), BBQ sauce, smoked gouda, and (gasp) AN ONION RING. What more do you NEED in life!?

2. The Chimichurri Burger

This innocent-looking burger is filled with a spicy chimichurri sauce. Chimichurri is like, the South American version of pesto, only made with parsley or, in this case, cilantro.

3. The Thai Peanut Turkey Burger

I know, not a typical American 4th of July burger, but c'mon. . . isn't this country just a blend of every other country? I had to throw an oddball in there in case there's someone out there who's an adventurous eater like me. This Thai burger is absolutely delicious, by the way. Especially with those roasted sweet potato fries.

Next on my list are salads. There's nothing that gives me the willies more than seeing flies buzzing around a bowl of potato salad that's been sitting in the sun too long. Yikes. Here are a few salad options that are sun-friendly and mayo-free.




This Asian Noodle Salad is packed with fresh, colorful veggies and a spicy-sweet sesame-ginger-garlic dressing.





Panzanella or Italian Bread Salad is another great choice for an outdoor BBQ. Chunks of rustic bread, fresh basil, sweet cherry tomatoes, and salty mozzarella are tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette.

This simple Roasted Corn Salad is made from just a handful of ingredients and drizzled with oil and lemon juice. I love roasted corn. A lot. (Pictured with Mexicali Chicken.)



Since you've already got the grill out, you might as well throw some dessert on, right?

How about some Grilled Pineapple Sundaes with Rum Sauce? If the 4th is a scorcher, the last thing you'll want to do is turn on your oven.

FYI - All of the recipe titles and photos link back to their respective recipes. I didn't want this post to be 5 miles long and push everyone below me into no-man's land. (You're welcome!)

Have a great and tasty 4th of July weekend!