The official kickoff to Summer begins with Memorial Day weekend, and a long weekend spent outdoors, beside the pool and grilling out with the ones you love. Whether you’re planning to ring in summer at a backyard barbecue, family picnic or potluck dinner, you’re probably just as excited about the delicious food as you are about the exciting weekend ahead.

This year, plan to create delicious, new dishes to bring to your gathering with recipes that will surprise and delight your entire crowd. Barbecue Chicken, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Green Beans, Sangria and a decadent Chocolate Brownie recipe are just a few ideas we’ve discovered that will keep you satisfied while you celebrate the beginning of Summer.

These recipes are easy to prepare and are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters in your group. Choose one or a few, and get ready to savor delicious new flavors at your annual kickoff to Summer celebration!

BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs
Believe it or not, you can prepare some of the best ribs of your life without a lot of fuss, and even without a grill. While we prefer grilling them, this recipe works just as well in an oven, and the juciy flavor and texture will come through no matter what.

Grilled Green Beans
Balance out all the burgers, hot dogs and heavy side dishes with this simple and flavorful recipe, bursting with flavor. Easy to prep and even easier to grill, you can’t go wrong with this healthy alternative to traditional pasta or potato salads.

Classic Barbecue Chicken
Not everyone wants to eat red meat at a barbecue, and this classic bbq chicken recipe is the perfect solution. Tangy, juicy and dripping in delicious sauce, your crowd will rave about this recipe, and you may find yourself serving it for dinner throughout the summer months. 

Sour Cream Cucumbers
Make use of ripe, sweet cucumbers and prepare this simple, light and flavorful side dish to compliment your outdoor barbeque or family picnic. Made with only 6 ingredients that you likely already have on hand, this recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious to taste! 

BLT Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This hearty and delicious pasta salad dish can be served with chicken or without, depending on whether you plan to use it as a main dish or side dish at your celebration or picnic. Easy to make and a perfect dish for satisfying guests of all ages (what child doesn’t love pasta), it may become on of your staple recipes throughout the summer!

Grilled Greek Potato Salad
You know your crowd loves potato salad, but they probably don’t love it drowning in mayonaisse and sitting outside for hours in the hot sun. This year, mix up your potato salad routine by preparing this delicious greek style recipe. You won’t use any mayo, making it safe and healthy to eat if you’re celebrating outdoors. Perfect served warm, cold or room temperature, you may want to double your recipe if you’re serving a crowd (they’ll gobble it up). 

Sangria
Those who love a fruity cocktail to help them celebrate the coming of summer will welcome this refreshing Sangria recipe. It manages to merge your favorite fruit flavors without being too syrupy and sweet, and will go down nicely in the warm, late may sunshine!

Watermelon Caprese Salad
Get ready to wow your mouth with this delicious and unexpected “fruit salad” recipe. A delightful twist on a traditional caprese salad, this recipe will surprise and delight you with juicy, crisp watermelon and salty, fresh mozzarella. 

Slow Cooker Triple Chocolate Brownies
Consider your Memorial Day weekend made when you easily prepare and then bite into this decadent, triple chocolate brownie recipe. Just when you thought brownies couldn’t get any easier to make or any more satisfying to eat, we’re sharing this slow cooker recipe from Martha Stewart to prove to you that Brownies always just get better.