3 summer meals that can be cooked completely outdoors

When it gets this hot, we do everything we can to keep our homes cool and comfortable—and that means leaving the oven and stove top off as much as possible. Nobody needs extra heat on days like this! Grab an ice cold drink, fire up the BBQ and keep those high temps outside.

Here are three delicious summer meals that can be cooked completely outdoors (and prepared indoors without heat). If you’ve got additional suggestions, please let us know in the comments on Facebook—we’re always glad to hear from you! Thanks for reading, stay cool and enjoy these tasty hot weather dishes.

1. Sausages with grilled peppers, zucchini and salad

Start by grilling your favourite pork sausages from VG Meats—mild Italian, hot Italian, honey garlic or sweet fennel). You could also grill up some delicious chicken sausages, if you prefer—we’ve got salt and pepper, spinach and feta, jalapeno, tomato and basil, honey garlic or leek and feta—or our smoked beef sausages. While those are cooking, add some sliced bell peppers and zucchini to the grill. We like preparing these veggies with olive oil and a great seasoning blend, but you can get creative (garlic and onion powder, a spicy chipotle mix, or simple salt and pepper—whatever works). Serve the sausages and grilled vegetables with a salad of your choice—anything from a homemade coleslaw to a store-bought potato salad or pasta salad, or some simple dressed greens. Yum!

2. Steak with garlic mushrooms and salad

A classic meal without a frying pan in sight! Start by preparing your favourite steaks—let them come to room temperature on your counter, then season them to your liking. Next, prep your mushrooms—make sure they’re clean and take off any rough stems. If they’re large, consider slicing each mushroom in half. Throw them into a bowl with some olive oil and chopped garlic (or garlic powder). Season your mushrooms with salt and pepper, place them into tin foil packets and set them aside. Finally, prepare a fresh green salad—whatever greens you like plus some great local produce (cucumbers, sliced radishes, tomatoes, etc) and a tasty vinaigrette. Once that’s ready, put your mushroom packets and steaks on the grill. Cook everything to perfection, serve with your salad and enjoy! If you wanted to add ice cream for dessert with this meal, it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

3. Pork chops with grilled peaches and asparagus

We love this fresh, delicious, sweet-and-salty flavour combination for summer! Start by getting some of our delicious pork rib chops or smoked pork chops ready for the grill. Slice some fresh, ripe peaches in half (remove the pit) and grill according to these instructions. Serve your peaches and pork chops alongside tender-crisp grilled asparagus for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a hot summer’s day. You’ll want to make this dinner on a regular basis, especially when local peaches are at their peak later in the season!

Thanks for reading and stay cool, friends. We hope to see you in Simcoe or Stoney Creek this weekend! Remember, you can also place an order online and choose from store pick up or home delivery options (available to over 50 nearby locations). If you have any questions or would like assistance placing your order, please contact us. A VG Meats team member would be happy to help.