Summer BBQ Recipes to Beat the Heat (and Impress Your Mates)
With the heatwave arriving just in time for the weekend, it’s BBQ season in full swing at SPC. Whether you’re firing up the grill in your garden or heading to the beach, we’ve put together a selection of healthy-ish, mouth-watering mains, summer-ready desserts, and refreshing drinks perfect for hot weather.
Here’s your weekend BBQ menu—simple, impressive, and flavour-packed.
MAINS
1. Sticky Harissa Chicken Thighs
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving (2 thighs)
Why it works: Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of heat. Chicken thighs stay juicy on the grill and pair beautifully with salads.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 8 skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp rose harissa paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Mix harissa, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight).
- Grill on medium-high for 6–7 mins per side, until crisp and cooked through.
2. Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Skewers (Veggie Option)
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving (2 skewers)
Why it works: Sweet watermelon balances the saltiness of halloumi. Great as a main or side.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 250g halloumi, cubed
- ½ watermelon, cubed
- Fresh mint
- Olive oil + lime juice for drizzling
- Skewers
Instructions:
- Thread alternating cubes of halloumi and watermelon onto skewers.
- Lightly brush with olive oil.
- Grill for 1–2 minutes each side.
3. BBQ Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps
Calories: ~280 kcal per 3 wraps
Why it works: A lighter, fresher BBQ option that packs a punch in flavour.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 500g minced pork
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 red chilli
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- Little Gem lettuce leaves
- Shredded carrot, mint, coriander, lime wedges
Instructions:
- Sauté pork in sesame oil, garlic, and chilli.
- Add sauces and sugar; cook until thickened.
- Spoon into lettuce cups and top with fresh herbs and carrot.
DESSERTS
1. Grilled Peaches with Greek Yogurt & Honey
Calories: ~180 kcal per serving (1 peach + 50g yogurt + toppings)
Why it works: Caramelised peaches meet cool, creamy yogurt. It’s refined-sugar free but tastes indulgent.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 4 ripe peaches
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 200g full-fat Greek yogurt
- Honey to drizzle
- Crushed pistachios or granola
Instructions:
- Brush peaches with coconut oil.
- Grill flesh-side down for 3–4 mins.
- Serve with yogurt, honey, and toppings.
2. Frozen Banana & Dark Chocolate Bites
Calories: ~70 kcal per bite
Why it works: Easy to prep in advance, no baking required, and a nice post-BBQ cool-down.
Ingredients (makes 20 bites):
- 2 bananas
- 100g dark chocolate (min 70%)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (optional)
- Sea salt
Instructions:
- Sandwich peanut butter between banana slices.
- Freeze for 30 mins.
- Dip in chocolate, sprinkle with sea salt.
- Freeze until set.
Summer BBQ Drink Pairings
Whether you’re the designated driver or in the mood for a few cold ones, these drinks will keep you cool and complement your BBQ flavours perfectly.
ALCOHOLIC OPTIONS
1. Cucumber & Mint Gin Spritz
Calories: ~110 kcal per glass
Ingredients:
- 25ml gin
- Sparkling water
- Cucumber slices
- Mint leaves
- Squeeze of lime
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice, cucumber, and mint.
- Add gin, top with sparkling water, and a dash of lime.
- Stir gently and enjoy.
2. Skinny Margarita
Calories: ~130 kcal per glass
Ingredients:
- 35ml tequila
- 20ml fresh lime juice
- 10ml orange juice or triple sec
- Dash of agave or honey
- Ice and salt rim (optional)
Instructions:
- Shake ingredients with ice, strain into a salted glass.
- Serve over ice with lime wedge.
3. Citrus White Wine Spritzer
Calories: ~90 kcal per glass
Ingredients:
- 75ml dry white wine
- 75ml soda water
- Orange or lemon slice
- Ice
Instructions:
- Mix chilled wine and soda water over ice.
- Garnish with citrus slice.
NON-ALCOHOLIC OPTIONS
1. Watermelon & Basil Cooler
Calories: ~40 kcal per glass
Ingredients:
- 2 cups watermelon chunks
- Fresh basil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions:
- Blend watermelon, basil, and lime juice.
- Strain and serve over ice with sparkling water.
2. Coconut Pineapple Fizz
Calories: ~60 kcal per glass
Ingredients:
- 100ml pineapple juice
- 100ml coconut water
- Squeeze of lime
- Ice
Instructions:
- Shake well with ice and pour into chilled glass.
- Garnish with lime wedge or mint.
3. Iced Green Tea with Citrus & Honey
Calories: ~30 kcal per glass
Ingredients:
- 2 green tea bags
- 500ml water
- 1 tbsp honey
- Juice of ½ orange
- Lemon slices, mint, ice
Instructions:
- Brew tea, stir in honey while warm.
- Chill, then add citrus and serve over ice.
Final Toast
Pairing the right food and drink doesn’t need to mean heavy calories or sugar overload. With these light, flavourful recipes, you can make your grill the centrepiece of a fresh, satisfying, and delicious summer weekend.
Try one (or all) of these recipes, and if you do—tag us @spc_training on instagram!
