Summer is here, which means it’s time to fire up the barbecue and cook something delicious. Looking for BBQ ideas with a twist? Whether you’re hosting a garden party, family get-together or you’re finally having your neighbours round, these three tasty recipes are sure to become firm favourites. Forget overcooked sausages and burnt burgers, think Greek-style grilled chicken, vegetarian-friendly paneer kebabs and pizza twists for the kids!
Recipe 1: Herby grilled chicken pittas with whipped feta
These Greek-inspired pittas are packed with lemony herby flavours for the perfect summer barbecue dish.
Ingredients
For the chicken pittas:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic (or garlic powder if you’re in a rush)
- Fresh oregano
- Shredded lettuce
- Pitta bread
For the whipped feta dip:
- A block of feta
- Plain Greek yoghurt
- Lemon zest
- A splash of extra virgin olive oil
Method
- Mix together some olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and oregano to make a marinade.
- Rub it into the chicken breasts until coated evenly.
- Grill the marinaded chicken on the barbecue until cooked all the way through.
- While the chicken is grilling, prep the whipped feta. Just add all the ingredients to a food processor and whizz until it gets to that perfect creamy, fluffy texture.
- Then just slice up the chicken and pile into the pitta breads along with some shredded lettuce and a dollop of the whipped feta.
Whipped feta inspired by: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/creamy-whipped-feta-dip/
Recipe 2: Paneer kebabs with cucumber salad
Paneer makes an incredible vegetarian option for any barbecue. It’s easy to grill, high in protein, and usually comes unsalted (unlike halloumi) so you can season it to your liking.
These spicy, tandoori-inspired kebabs are a great way to add some heat to your BBQ buffet. Serve it with a traditional Indian Kachumber salad, with cucumber and lemon to balance out the spice.
Ingredients
For the kebabs:
- 2 blocks of paneer cheese, cut into bite-size pieces
- Plain Greek yoghurt
- Tandoori curry paste
- Kebab skewers
For the salad:
- Red onion (peeled with top and bottom sliced off)
- Cucumber (top removed)
- Salad tomatoes
- Fresh coriander (cilantro)
- Lemon and salt to serve
Method
- Mix the curry paste into the yoghurt to create a creamy marinade.
- Coat each piece of paneer in the marinade and thread onto a skewer.
- Grill the kebabs on the barbecue until golden and lightly charred, turning regularly to ensure all sides are cooked evenly.
- For the kachumber salad: Simply take your prepped ingredients, chop them all into small chunks and combine. To save time, put them in a salad chopper and serve straight in that same glass bowl. If you have a cordless one, you can even use it outside.
Kachumber salad recipe: https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/kachumber/
Recipe 3: Pizza twists
Now, while the adults at your barbecue will appreciate the herby kebabs and spicy pittas, kids usually want something simpler. And what child doesn’t love pizza?
These quick pizza twists are far easier to serve to multiple guests than slicing up whole pizzas – think of it like serving cupcakes instead of one big birthday cake.
Ingredients:
- A roll of pizza dough or pre-made puff pastry
- Marinara sauce
- Grated mozzarella
- Grated parmesan
- Mixed Italian herbs
Method:
- Use a sharp knife to slice the dough/pastry into strips – about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long.
- Gentle twist each strip of dough.
- Use a small spatula or pastry brush to spread the sauce over the twists.
- Sprinkle with the mozzarella, parmesan and herbs.
- Bake in a pizza oven until golden, or pop them in an air fryer at 200°C for 10-15 minutes.
Enjoy them on their own or dip in melted garlic butter!
No matter what you’re cooking this summer, our range of kitchen appliances has got you covered for every step – from ingredient prep, to grilling, to cleaning up afterwards.
