Summer is quickly approaching, and I’m sure you’ve already been tasked by your friends and family to host a cookout or barbecue, or they’ve requested that you bring a dish to their next gathering.
If you’re tired of the run-of-the-mill hot dog, hamburger and baked beans, here are 11 recipes to reinvigorate the menus at your function!
1. Grilled potato salad with bacon vineagrette
![recipes to spice up your summer functions](http://clv.h-cdn.co/assets/15/27/980x490/landscape-1435846357-farm-fresh-potato-salad-0615.jpg)
A zesty twist on a summer cookout staple.
2. Parmesean-coated grilled corn on the cob
![recipes to spice up your summer functions](http://assets.kraftfoods.com/recipe_images/opendeploy/92080_640x428.jpg)
We guarantee that you won’t boil corn ever again for the function.
3. Arugula and strawberry salad
![recipes to spice up your summer functions](http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2013/4/17/0/FN_Arugula-and-Strawberry-Salad-Alex-Guarnaschelli_s4x3.jpg.rend.sni12col.landscape.jpeg)
A refreshing bite for after you hit the pool.
4. Chicken and rice salad with pine nuts and lemon
![](http://cdn-image.foodandwine.com/sites/default/files/styles/550x550/public/original-201204-HD-chicken-and-rice-salad-with-pine-nuts-and-lemon.jpg?itok=r1YZr-VO)
To bring a Mediterranean flair to your cookout.
5. Green beans with lemon garlic
![](http://img1.cookinglight.timeinc.net/sites/default/files/styles/500xvariable/public/image/2005/07/0507p180-greenbeans-x.jpg?itok=p8JaVNKb)
Add a little zest to your typical beans.
6. Spicy sweet potato wedges
![](http://cdn-img.health.com/sites/default/files/styles/400x400/public/styles/400x400/public/styles/main/public/potato-wedges-ck-701068-l-400x400.jpg?itok=cgOJy8zz)
An unconventional addition to this cookout staple.
7. Tropical tomato salsa
![](http://images.midwestliving.mdpcdn.com/sites/midwestliving.com/files/styles/slide/public/550_RU204598.jpg?itok=CKJkiF6a)
Give your chips a tropical flair with this topping.
8. Frito corn salad
![](http://img.sndimg.com/food/image/upload/h_488,w_651,fl_progressive,c_fit,q_92/v1/img/recipes/88/25/1/picGh2Rk2.jpg)
I’m sure you didn’t know that corn chips could work in a salad, but trust me. It’s delicious.
9. Captain Palmer
![](http://lovelace-media.imgix.net/uploads/1081/943a55d0-f1a7-0132-f0d2-0ed54733f8f5.jpg?w=700&fit=max&auto=format&q=70)
Because you need drinks, of course!
10. Caramelized baked chicken legs
![](http://img.sndimg.com/food/image/upload/w_555,h_416,c_fit,fl_progressive,q_95/v1/img/recipes/14/50/38/narIiRSK1QtMnGNiGvg1_017%20caramelized%20chicken%20legs.jpg)
A simple twist on a cookout staple.
11. Cheesecake cups
![](http://img.sndimg.com/food/image/upload/w_555,h_416,c_fit,fl_progressive,q_95/v1/img/recipes/30/08/2/8htmBXKrTySPVQsx0VNA_Cheesecake-Cups-10.png)
Don’t forget about dessert!
Is your mouth drooling after reading this list? Share it with your friends on Facebook or Twitter below so they can prepare their own menus!
![recipes to spice up your summer functions](https://media.giphy.com/media/3o6EhW7vH7Pk0eQww0/giphy.gif)