The Best Grilling Recipes for Summer: Mandy Tanner’s Backyard Menu
Best Grilling Recipes for Summer: Mandy Tanner’s Backyard Menu
There’s nothing better than summer evenings spent outdoors with the people you love, surrounded by incredible food, cold drinks and good vibes. Whether you're hosting a casual backyard get-together or planning a more polished patio dinner, Snake River Farms makes it easy to serve a delicious and unforgettable grilled meal.
Below, I’ve curated three of the best grilling recipes for summer—a colorful heirloom tomato salad with bacon vinaigrette, a show-stopping reverse-seared tomahawk steak and juicy grilled Gulf shrimp skewers with chili-lime butter. Everything can be prepped ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy the party right alongside your guests.
How to Plan the Ultimate Summer Grill Menu
Summer entertaining should feel effortless. Here’s my go-to strategy:
- Choose three recipes: something fresh (salad), something hearty (steak), and something light (seafood).
- Prep ahead: Make vinaigrettes, compound butters and salads in advance.
- Grill to order: Time the steak and shrimp so they’re hot and ready when your guests are hungry.
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Keep it simple: Add a seasonal side, chill a few bottles of wine or beer and decorate with herbs or flowers from your garden.
This menu gives you balance, flavor and flexibility—and it’s anchored by premium ingredients from Snake River Farms.
Heirloom Caprese Salad with Bacon-Basil Vinaigrette
Caprese salad is a summer staple, but we’re giving it an upgrade with SRF Apple Brined Uncured Bacon. The bacon drippings go straight into a smoky-sweet vinaigrette made with honey and fresh basil. Layered with vibrant heirloom tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make-Ahead Tip:
Arrange the salad on a platter and refrigerate until ready to serve. Cook the bacon and make the vinaigrette with the drippings just before guests arrive.
Reverse-Seared SRF Gold® Tomahawk with Lemon-Herb
Butter
This is the centerpiece of your summer grilling menu. The SRF Gold® Tomahawk Steak is deeply marbled, rich and guaranteed to impress. Reverse-searing involves slowly cooking the steak at 225°F until the internal temp reaches 110°F, then searing over high heat (450°–500°F) to create a crust.
Finish it with a lemon-herb compound butter that complements the richness of the beef. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving family-style.
Why Reverse Searing Works:
- Even doneness from edge to edge
- Delicious crust without overcooking
- Precise temperature control on the grill
Want to see this technique in action? Watch our step-by-step Reverse Sear Cook Guide
Grilled Gulf Shrimp Skewers with Chili-Lime Butter
These skewers bring just the right amount of heat. Wild-caught Gulf shrimp are brushed with Fresno chili butter infused with garlic and lime, then grilled until just cooked through. Skewering helps prevent them from falling through the grates and makes flipping easier.
They hold well at room temperature, so you can serve them hot off the grill or as a warm appetizer alongside drinks.
Serving Suggestion:
Pair with fresh lime wedges, a citrusy cocktail, or a crisp glass of white wine.
Make It a Summer Meal to Remember
The best summer meals are about more than just the food—they’re about the full experience. With Snake River Farms ingredients and a few simple prep tricks, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying every moment.
Whether you're grilling for a crowd or hosting a cozy evening for two, these best grilling recipes for summer will set the table for unforgettable memories
Ready to Elevate Your Summer Grilling?
Now that you’ve got the recipes and game plan, it’s time to fire up the grill. Stock up on American Wagyu steaks, Kurobuta pork, and sustainably caught seafood from Snake River Farms, and let your summer menu shine—from the first sizzle to the final bite.
Here’s what to do next:
- Shop Snake River Farms steaks, bacon and seafood.
- Try one—or all three—of these summer grilling favorites.
- Bookmark this menu and come back to it for your next cookout.
Explore How to Level Up Your Grill Game — Grilling Essentials for Serious Flavor.
Author Bio
Chef Mandy Tanner is a trained chef and influencer, known for her vibrant food photography and passion for high-quality ingredients. A graduate of the French Culinary Institute, she blends culinary expertise with a love for food styling. Mandy shares her recipes and cooking tips on her blog, helping home cooks master everything from holiday hams to backyard barbecue.
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