Hosting a summer cookout is a delightful way to gather friends and family for good food and great times. However, knowing how to cook for a large number of people is crucial to ensure your event runs smoothly. From selecting the menu to setting up the grill, every detail matters.

Are you wondering what to feed a crowd in summer? Try these ideas at your next cookout to impress your guests with healthy and delicious options. Plus, you’ll feel great knowing you’ve provided nutritious choices.

1.   Grilled Veggie Platters

Grilling zucchini, bell peppers and asparagus add vibrant flavors and colors to your cookout. Fresh, organic produce tastes better and ensures you serve nutrient-rich, pesticide-free food. Season your veggies with rosemary, thyme or oregano, and add a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked pepper to enhance their flavors.

Moreover, marinating them in an oil-based salad dressing or marinade before grilling helps prevent sticking and makes them easier to handle. For an appealing presentation, arrange the grilled vegetables on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs or squeeze lemon juice for added zest.

2.   Fresh Fruits Kabobs

Knowing how to cook for a large number of people can take time and effort. Fortunately, fruit kabobs can be a hit due to their simplicity and refreshing taste. They are easy to prepare, visually appealing and offer a burst of natural sweetness everyone enjoys. Popular fruits for kabobs include pineapple, strawberries and melons, which provide a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Consider offering complementary dips like creamy yogurt, drizzled honey or a tangy lime-mint dip to elevate your fruit kabobs. These additions enhance the fruit’s natural flavors and give your guests a fun, interactive element.

3.   Lean Protein Options

For a health-conscious cookout, lean meat choices like chicken breasts, turkey burgers and fish are excellent options. They are low in fat and high in protein, making them nutritious and delicious. For vegetarian guests, consider protein-rich options like tofu, tempeh and legumes, which can be just as satisfying.

These ingredients also work wonderfully on pizzas because they offer unique and tasty combinations. Marinate your meats and vegetarian proteins with herbs, spices and a splash of citrus or vinegar for at least 30 minutes before grilling to enhance their flavor. This boosts taste and helps tenderize the proteins to ensure a juicy and flavorful result.

4.   DIY Taco Bar

Setting up a taco bar is a fun and healthy way to feed a crowd in summer. Start with various lean meats — like grilled chicken, turkey or fish — and an array of grilled veggies such as bell peppers, onions and zucchini. Opt for whole-grain tortillas to boost fiber and nutrients.

For toppings, offer fresh salsa made from tomatoes, mangoes or pineapples, and creamy guacamole packed with healthy fats. You can include low-fat cheeses — like mozzarella or feta — for added flavor without the extra calories. With these delicious and nutritious options, your guests can customize their tacos to their taste while enjoying a balanced meal.

5.   Whole Grain Salads

Incorporating whole grains like quinoa, farro and bulgur into your cookout menu is a great way to offer nutritious and delicious options. These grains help lower bad cholesterol, insulin and blood pressure, making them heart-healthy. Enhance their flavor and texture by mixing fresh herbs like parsley and mint, crunchy nuts like almonds or walnuts and seasonal fruits like berries or pomegranate seeds.

For a simple yet popular whole-grain salad, cook one cup of quinoa and let it cool. Toss it with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta cheese and a handful of chopped parsley. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. This refreshing salad is sure to be a hit with your health-conscious guests.

6.   Creative Skewers and Kebabs

Skewers are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for your cookout, with endless possibilities like shrimp, chicken and vegetable combinations. They offer the benefit of portion control, making it easy for guests to enjoy a balanced meal without overindulging. You can marinate shrimp skewers in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a zesty flavor.

For chicken, try a marinade of yogurt, cumin, paprika and a splash of lime juice to keep the meat tender and flavorful. You can season vegetable skewers featuring bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and zucchini with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Italian herbs for a savory bite. These skewers are delicious and convenient to serve and enjoy.

7.   Hydrating Beverage Stations

Staying hydrated during summer cookouts is essential to keeping everyone feeling their best in the heat. Setting up infused water stations is a refreshing and flavorful way to encourage hydration. Add fruits like pineapples, which provide anti-inflammatory benefits, or oranges and lemons, which are rich in Vitamin C.

Enhance the water with cucumber slices and mint or basil for an extra cooling effect. Alongside infused water, consider offering healthy beverage options such as herbal iced teas and sparkling water, which can be just as hydrating and enjoyable. These choices ensure your guests stay refreshed and healthy throughout the event.

8.   Light and Fresh Appetizers

Light starters like bruschetta, hummus with veggies and caprese skewers are perfect for your summer cookout. These appetizers highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients, which add vibrant flavors to your spread.

For bruschetta, top toasted baguette slices with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Meanwhile, hummus with veggies is easy and nutritious. Serve your favorite hummus with colorful veggies like carrots, bell peppers and cucumbers.

Caprese skewers are another simple yet elegant option — thread cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and mozzarella balls onto skewers, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction. These starters are delicious and quick to prepare, making your cookout tasty and hassle-free.

9.   Healthy Desserts

For dessert options that satisfy sweet cravings without excess calories, consider fruit-based delights like sorbet, grilled peaches and berry parfaits. These sweet and refreshing treats are ideal to feed a crowd in summer.

Sorbet offers a light, icy finish to the meal, while grilled peaches bring out the fruit’s natural sugars and a touch of smokiness. On the other hand, berry parfaits — layered with fresh berries and Greek yogurt — are delicious and nutritious, as Greek yogurt helps increase bacterial diversity in your digestive system.

10.       Interactive Cooking Stations

Interactive stations where guests can customize their meals add a fun and engaging element to your cookout. These stations — like build-your-own salad, burger or wrap bars — allow everyone to personalize their dishes to their liking.

Set up a salad station with various greens, toppings like nuts, seeds and seasonal fruits and dressings. A burger bar could feature different types of patties, buns, cheeses and a wide array of fresh veggies and condiments.

Meanwhile, offer whole-grain tortillas, assorted proteins and a selection of veggies and spreads for wraps. This setup caters to different dietary preferences and encourages social interaction as guests share and compare their creative combinations.

Make Your Next Cookout a Hit

For health-conscious and lifestyle-oriented enthusiasts, focusing on nutritious, delicious options can make your cookout enjoyable and guilt-free. Considering your guests’ dietary preferences and incorporating fresh, wholesome ingredients will create a memorable and satisfying experience for everyone.