Vibrant slices of zucchini and yellow squash, plus Greek olives, are arranged over flaky store-bought phyllo dough for an easy seasonal tart. Tangy-sweet kebabs, made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and red onion, can be grilled or baked.

Spicy chicken just off the grill is served with roughly mashed red potatoes, made for summer with bitter greens and sweet onions.

In this menu, the chicken is so sweet and sticky you have to eat it right off the bone. A layered salad has just the right proportion of crunchy celery to creamy Maytag blue cheese. Two picnic staples, macaroni salad and potato salad, are updated, combined, and tossed with peas and mint; they really are natural together.

Spicy chicken paillard, corn on the cob, and pepper quesadillas are cooked on the grill. They are accompanied by a salad of yellow pear and red cherry tomatoes flavored with basil and cilantro.

This summer menu takes advantage of fresh produce. Start with a simple avocado salad, followed by chicken with a citrus salsa paired with moist cheddar biscuits. A summer berry gratin finishes the meal.

This grilling menu has all the essential ingredients: meat, vegetables, and a delicious chocolate dessert. Make the salad and dessert a day or two ahead, and grill the rest on the day of the barbecue!