Summer is in full swing in the UK and whilst the sun doesn’t always shine, many of us like to make the most of the warmer weather with a good, old-fashioned barbecue. However, finding exciting, healthy and fun food and drink to serve up for al fresco dining can be a challenge in itself, as not everyone wants the bog standard burgers and sausages. 

Luckily, we have plenty of ideas for barbecue food and drink that will make them healthy, fun and a little more interesting too. 

Kebabs

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

A fantastic barbecue food to serve up to family and friends are kebab skewers. They offer a whole host of options that will satisfy both meat eaters and vegetarians, and can be a very colourful addition to dinner plates too. 

This recipe is based on making 8 kebabs, but can be increased or reduced depending on the number of guests. Plus, you can vary the types of vegetables and meat you use, depending on personal tastes. 

8 metal or wooden kebab skewers
Bite sized pieces of lean chicken, meat or halloumi cheese (enough for 3-4 pieces per kebab)
8 cherry tomatoes
1 onion chopped into 8 chunks
1 large red pepper
8 button mushrooms

In an order of your choice, skewer the ingredients onto the kebab sticks, we suggest alternating veg with meat/cheese. Brush with a little olive oil on all sides (or you can add your own marinade), then pop them on the barbecue; regularly turn to cook for 10-15 minutes or until meat is cooked through. 

Barbecued corn

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes

Something always popular with kids, as well as adults. Corn on the cob is brilliant fun to sink your teeth into and it’s nice and simple too. 
The recipe below is for four servings, with our suggestion of allowing one whole corn on the cob per person. To prep and cook your corn is easy and will provide a tasty treat for everyone. 

You’ll need:
4 corn on the cobs, halved (with outer leaves removed and ends chopped off)
25g butter, melted
Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and black pepper for seasoning

Once prepped, parboil the corns in a saucepan for 5-10 minutes. You can do this ahead of time and allow to cool if you like. When the barbecue is fired up and ready, simply place the corns on and turn until slightly blackened on all sides. You can then give a light drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkling of fresh parsley and seasoning, then they’re ready to eat. 

Homemade burgers

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes 

Ditch the shop bought burgers and make much healthier and tastier ones at home that include plenty of vegetables too. 

400g extra lean beef mince
1 red pepper, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely grated
1 egg
50g stale breadcrumbs

Tip all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and combine, adding a little salt and pepper for extra flavour. Once well mixed, use wet hands to shape into six equal sized burgers, then place in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. You can then cook them on the barbecue for 5-10 minutes each side then serve up in a burger bun with chunky tomatoes and lettuce, or serve simply with a fresh green salad.

Fruit Punch

Prep time: 10 minutes

To complement your culinary delights, you can give your barbecue an exotic feel with some refreshing fruit punch that’s bursting with flavour and nutrients. As a non-alcoholic drink, it can be sipped by the whole family, but you can spice it up with a splash of rum for the adults if you like.  
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
100g pineapple chunks
100g strawberries, halved 
300ml orange juice
100 ml pineapple juice
Soda water (optional)
Ice cubes

Combine all the ingredients, except the ice cubes in a large jug or punch bowl and stir well. Leave it to chill in the fridge until ready to serve. To serve, add the ice cubes and soda water to dilute if you don’t want it too strong, then pour into glasses. For added flair, you can garnish it with a slice of lime, sprigs of mint or anything pretty that takes your fancy. 

These recipes should give you plenty of inspiration to make your next summer barbecue healthy and fun for everyone. 
 

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