Putting on a successful BBQ could be considered an art form. It’s an amazing, time-tested way to get loved ones gathered around food, even at the peak of summer.

However, getting folks excited to spend dinnertime (or lunch – there are no rules here!) outside in the summer heat requires a delicious menu in addition to great company. Although common American BBQ staples are okay to enjoy as a treat, there are so many ways to incorporate heritage diet staples into your BBQ so you don’t have to sacrifice on flavor or nutrition.

Lots of summer staples can be improved upon with the signature charred flavor from the grill, and for purists who believe a grill is of paramount importance to a successful BBQ, there are many creative ways to use it beyond the typical hamburgers and hot dogs.

In fact, there’s no need to sacrifice on the burgers at all: try swapping these lamb sliders in for beef to satisfy the meat lovers in the group. The sliders get a boost of Mediterranean flavor from roasted red tomatoes and onions, which can be thrown on the grill alongside the patties. Cheese – specifically halloumi – is also an excellent burger alternative to beef because, due to its high melting point, it can be grilled or fried to perfection. For a Mediterranean-inspired meze board, serve grilled halloumi on a large platter alongside grilled peppers, onions, and eggplant, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, and some tzatziki sauce for dipping.

However, there’s so much room to think outside of the box when it comes to heritage diets. Why not swap the burgers out entirely for entrees that are just as easy to throw on the grill?

For instance, these Cedar Plank Salmon Gyros are so easy to make with a bit of meal prep and are sure to delight a group. Grilled fish also tastes wonderful with African Heritage inspired seasoning blends, such as berbere, especially when served alongside grilled corn and grilled okra.

Additionally, no BBQ is complete without a variety of salads! When it comes to putting together a salad, the sky is the limit. However, this Greek Summer Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser in the summer heat. If you want something quick to whip up, greens and legumes are always a hearty, time-saving combination, like in this Beans and Greens Bowl.

Ultimately, salads are most delicious when prepared with seasonal vegetables (and don’t be afraid to incorporate pasta or whole grains into your selection, too!). But seasonal veggies can hold their own at a BBQ in ways that go beyond salad – like as the star of the show in this versatile Cucumber Sambal – or as the vessel for delicious summer cheese – like in these Halloumi Stuffed Peppers with Bulgur, Chickpeas, and Olives.

And if the oven was already preheated and the halloumi already out to make those stuffed peppers, why not make a couple more crowd-pleasing dishes while you’re back inside? Although pizza may not be the most intuitive BBQ item, we believe it is an appropriate entrée for just about any occasion! Try this delicious, veggie-laden Spinach Lamejun – which is essentially a thin-crust pizza.

Finally, no BBQ is complete without dessert! Fresh fruit is the best sweet treat to enjoy on a hot summer day, but you can do even more to bump up the refreshment factor. Freeze your fruit beforehand to make this delicious Passion Fruit and Guava Sorbet, or prep a batch of these Watermelon Granitas ahead of time. Grilled peaches are also a treat, and can be garnished with any number of toppings, from granola, to blue cheese, to herbs, to nuts, to frozen yogurt or whipped cream.

The beauty of a summer BBQ is that, beyond ensuring good food and good company, there are no rules! Check out our entire database of recipes for even more inspiration, and remember to truly live by our heritage diet principles by taking the opportunity to slow down, step away from the grill, and enjoy your meal with loved ones.