Summer Backyard BBQ

Nothing says summer quite like the smoky-sweet flavor of a backyard BBQ. Here are some cool ways to beat the heat and fuel summer fun. It's time to grab your tongs, fire up the grill, and get cooking!

By Lauren Wilson from Parents Magazine

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Frances Janisch
Grilled Chicken Sliders

These pint-sized sandwiches are perfect for tiny hands. Kiwi and apple provide a sweet and crunchy nutritional boost.
- Get the recipe for Grilled Chicken Sliders
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BBQ Brisket on Buns

You'll love this delicious BBQ classic. Bonus: Leftover brisket freezes well for future dinner in a flash!
- Get the recipe for BBQ Brisket on Buns
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BBQ Bacon Burgers

Swapping chicken for beef in this burger and using leaner turkey bacon in place of the traditional, higher calorie variety, means you can feel good about enjoying this treat during swimsuit season.
- Get the recipe for BBQ Bacon Burgers
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Tina Rupp
Country Style BBQ Ribs

The secret to these mouthwatering ribs? They are prepared in a slow cooker, which makes for extra tender meat (and plenty of saved time).
- Get the recipe for Country Style BBQ Ribs
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Rick Lew
BBQ Pork Tacos

When you combine BBQ and tacos, you get the best of both worlds. Store-bought shredded pork is a tasty time-saver, so you'll have dinner on the table fast.
- Get the recipe for BBQ Pork Tacos
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Bayou BBQ Chop Salad

This salad has it all: smoky BBQ flavor, a Cajun kick, and crisp cool veggies to balance it all out.
- Get the recipe for Bayou BBQ Chop Salad
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Asian BBQ Chicken Thighs & Broccoli Slaw

The Asian inspired flavors in this dish provide an unexpected twist on traditional BBQ. The crunchy Broccoli Slaw is a tasty way to pump vitamin-C and fiber into your family's diet.
- Get the recipe for Asian BBQ Chicken Thighs & Broccoli Slaw
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David Prince
Grilled Vegetable Fajitas

Try this simple and delicious vitamin-packed meal for dinner tonight! The smoky grilled veggies are sure to please the whole family.
- Get the recipe for Grilled Vegetable Fajitas
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Lucy Schaeffer
Veggie Burgers

Making sensible swaps in your family's favorite recipes is a great way to incorporate more nutrition in a fun way. Your kids won't even miss the meat with these tasty Veggie Burgers.
- Get the recipe for Veggie Burgers
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James Baigrie
Grilled Corn with Lime Butter

Fresh corn is at its sweetest in the summer, and grilling it adds another layer of great flavor. The mild yet tangy lime butter adds a brightness to complement it perfectly.
- Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Lime Butter
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Tangy Red Slaw

A delicious twist on a BBQ classic. The bright red cabbage used in the slaw means two things: loads of vitamin-C, and an exciting color kids will love.
- Get the recipe for Tangy Red Slaw
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Mark Lund
Warm Sweet Potato Salad

Traditional potato salad gets a healthy makeover in this Warm Sweet Potato version. Replacing white potatoes with their sweet orange counterpart means an extra dose of vitamin-A.
- Get the recipe for Warm Sweet Potato Salad
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Rita Maas
Crunchy Bean Salad

The fun crunchy texture of this salad will have your kids asking for seconds.
- Get the recipe for Crunchy Bean Salad
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Alan Richardson
Gazpacho Pasta Salad

Enjoy the cool and refreshing summer flavors of gazpacho in a delicious (and healthy!) pasta salad your kids will love.
- Get the recipe for Gazpacho Pasta Salad
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Tina Rupp
Summer Fruit Compote

This compote captures the essence of summer and its delicious produce. Using your slow cooker makes for a hassle-free dessert that won't heat up your kitchen on a hot summer night. Pile it on top of fresh ice cream for a cool treat.
- Get the recipe for Summer Fruit Compote
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Tina Rupp
Grilled Pineapple Shortcake

Grilled fruit always makes for a sensible dessert choice. The tropical flavor of pineapple will make you feel like you are on an island vacation without leaving your backyard.
- Get the recipe for Grilled Pineapple Shortcake
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Sweet Strawberry Lemonade

Flavoring this zesty lemonade with fresh strawberries provides an extra punch of natural flavor that you can feel good about serving your family. This is the perfect refreshing treat for a hot summer's day.
- Get the recipe for Sweet Strawberry Lemonade
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