Getty ImagesMemorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, as well as the beginning of grilling season. Since no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen when there's a great party going on in the backyard, we've put together an easy, mix-and-match way to assemble a menu: Just choose a main dish option, then pair it with our go-to sides, beverages and desserts.


Main Dishes

Poultry
Chicken Satay
These simple skewers are huge crowd-pleasers, and since they don't require utensils to eat, they're perfect when people are standing and mingling.

Asian Turkey Burgers
These turkey burgers pack in so much flavor they satisfy beef eaters as well as the poultry-only set. We suggest making the patties a day before, and skipping the rice since you'll be serving lots of other sides.

Beef
Inside Out Cheeseburgers
Surprise guests with burgers that have a hidden surprise -- cheese inside the patty, rather than melting off the top of the burger. Worcestershire sauce and paprika add an extra kick.

Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
White, black and green peppercorns give beef tenderloin with a spicy bite -- and the simple rub makes the meat look like it's been given the gourmet treatment.

Pork
Buffalo Baby Back Ribs
Add some heat to the party with these spicy baby back ribs. Save time by applying the rub and soaking the wood chips the night before.

Southern BBQ Pork Burgers
Pork burgers get a Southern twang when served with a coleslaw that incorporates mayo, cider vinegar and sour cream.

Fish
Grilled Lobster Rolls
If you crave lobster rolls as much as we do, you won't mind the extra legwork these summertime favorites involve. Hey, you only eat them one season a year!

Herbed Scallop Kebabs
A simple marinade of lemon zest, olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper lends just the right amount of delicate flavor to these tender seafood kebabs.

Vegetarian Entrees
Asian Style Grilled Tofu with Greens
Asian ingredients give tofu a serious flavor boost, and will keep the vegetarian in your bunch very satisfied.

Stuffed Portobello Burgers
Portobello mushrooms are so convincingly meaty when grilled, even the carnivores will want to partake.

Salads & Sides

Tomato & Black Eyed Pea Salad
You won't have any leftovers of this simple, hearty salad.

Grilled Broccolini
Curtis Stone proves that a little bit of thyme, garlic and chile go a long way.

Grilled Artichokes
Never thought about grilling artichokes? This recipe will make you wish it had occurred to you sooner!

Backyard Coleslaw
Don't worry about this slaw being out in the heat -- the dressing doesn't have a milk or cream base.

Summer Sweet Corn Pasta Salad
This light salad gets a kick from a surprise ingredient -- mint -- which should be added at the last minute after you've chilled the salad overnight.

Emeril's Warm-Weather Potato Salad
Like the backyard coleslaw, Emeril's salad withstands the summer heat, and is lush with tons of fresh herbs like chervil, chives, parsley and cilantro.

Drinks

Lemonade
No muss, no fuss -- just lemon juice, sugar and water. You can't go wrong.

Tropical Rum Punch
Nothing feels like summer like the combined flavors of passion fruit, mango, guava and pineapple. Turn your backyard into a tropical oasis with this fruity mixed drink.

Dessert

Key Lime Tarts
These individual tarts will satisfy the after-dinner sweet craving, without overwhelming already full stomachs.

Grilled Peaches & Angel Food Cake with Red-Wine Sauce
Guests will be wowed by these peaches, which take on a completely different taste when caramelized and grilled.

More on Grilling

New to grilling? Learn how to light up the grill using a chimney starter.

While you're at it, be sure to heed these grilling safety tips.

Grilling up the perfect burgers is easier than you think -- just follow these 16 steps.

Does your food taste like lighter fluid, or did your burgers turn out like hockey pucks? Relax -- we have fixes for the most common grilling disasters.

Want more barbecue side dish ideas? We've got tons, including a few from grilling guru Steven Raichlen.

Made too much food? Turn that leftover barbecue food into delicious meals for the rest of the week!