33 recipes to help you kick off the official start of BBQ season

Solstice be dammed — summer starts now!

Image | grilling

Caption: (Credit: iStock/Getty Images)

This article was originally published May 17, 2017 and was updated May 15, 2020.
Even if the weather in your neck of the woods is a little more showers than flowers, it's hard to resist the pull of juicy burgers and fresh grilled veggies this time of year. To help you kick off BBQ season in the tastiest way possible, we've rounded up some of our favourite warm weather recipes that are perfect for an outdoor (or indoor!) affair. From flavourful marinades to saucy ribs, there's something here to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So, what are you waiting for? Fire up that grill and get cookin' this weekend!
Drool-worthy mains
Middle Eastern Marinade(external link)

Image | Marinade

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Mediterranean Marinade(external link)

Image | Marinade

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BBQ Chimichurri Chicken

Image | chimichurri chicken

Caption: (Photo credit: Adrian Harris and Jeremy Inglett)

Lamb Rib Burger with Pineapple Salsa

Image | Lamb Burger

Caption: (Credit: David Loftus)

Greenhouse Juice Co.'s Juice Pulp Burger

Image | the good burger

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Smoky Stone Fruit and Bourbon BBQ Ribs

Image | Smoky Stone Fruit and Bourbon BBQ Ribs

Caption: (Photography by Michael Gozum)

Fancy Franks' Coney Island (Chili-Topped Hotdog!)

Image | hotdog

Caption: (Source: Instagram/@fancy_franks)

Grilled Ginger, Honey and Lime Shrimp Skewers

Image | shrimp skewers

Caption: (Photography by Marcella DiLonardo)

Jean Yoon's Kalbi Beef Short Ribs(external link)

Image | kalbi short ribs

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Fresh from the farmer's market sides
Citrus Salad

Image | citrus salad

Caption: (CBC Life)

Charred Whole Romaine w/ Hard-Boiled Egg, Anchovy Vinaigrette, and Garlic Bread Crumbs

Image | grilled romaine

Caption: (Photography by EE Berger)

Joy McCarthy's Superfood Salad

Image | JoySuperfoodSalad6.jpg

Caption: (Credit, photography: Jack Roy; Prop styling: Nikole Rutherford; Food styling: Carol Dano)

Avocado Elotes

Image | Avocado Elotes street corn

Caption: (Photography by Marcella DiLonardo)

Romanesco Broccoli Salad

Image | roasted romanesco salad

Caption: (Photo: David Bagosy, Styling: Melissa Direnzo)

Grilled Radicchio Salad with Tahini & Chive Dressing

Image | radicchio salad

Caption: (CBC Life)

Grilled Potato Salad

Image | grilled veg

Caption: (CBC Life)

Potato Salad Prima Vera(external link)

Image | PotatoSalad

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Asparagus, Prosciutto and Parmesan Turnovers

Image | asparagus

Caption: (Photography by Marcella DiLonardo)

Summery sweet treats
Chocolate-Tahini Fudge Sundae with Grilled Peaches

Image | chocolate-tahini fudge sundaes

Caption: (Photography by Michael Gozum)

Shikanji Granita with Lemon Crème Fraîche

Image | shikanji granita

Caption: (Photography by Martin Poole)

Pink Margarita Popsicles(external link)

Image | popsicles

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Joy McCarthy's Key Lime Pops

Image | key lime pops

Caption: (CBC Life)

Pineapple Whip(external link)

Image | pineapple whip

Caption: (CBC Life)

The Easiest Mango Vanilla Mousse

Image | MangoMousse

Caption: (Credit: Nassima Rothacker)

Strawberry "Shortcake" Drop Scones

Image | strawberry drop scones

Caption: (CBC Life)

Lidia Bastianich's Berry Tiramisu

Image | berry tiramisu

Caption: (Photography by Steve Giralt)

Chevron Rhubarb Almond Cake

Image | rhubarb chevron cake

Caption: (Photography by Marcella DiLonardo)

Fruit-spiked drinks
A Floral Summer Spritz

Image | Floral Summer Spritz

Caption: (All photography by Lady Hayes)

Pink Grapefruit and Chamomile Palomas

Image | palomas

Caption: (Photography by Doan Ly)

Pineapple Slushy Mojito(external link)

Image | PineappleSlushy

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Low-Cal Watermelon Margarita(external link)

Image | watermelon cocktail

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Red Wine Sangria(external link)

Image | red wine sangria

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Rosé Passion Fruit Spritzer

Image | rose spritzer

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