21 Summer Dinners That Taste Like a Night Out

Olive Garden Green Apple Sangria

Olive Garden Green Apple Sangria
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Skip the restaurant wait and create this refreshing fan favorite at home. Our copycat recipe perfectly balances crisp green apple notes with delicate Moscato sweetness for an easy crowd-pleasing punch that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings.

Get the recipe -> Olive Garden Green Apple Sangria

Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Banish dry, bland grilled chicken forever with our foolproof technique that delivers juicy, flavor-packed thighs every time. Learn the counterintuitive timing trick that professional pitmasters use to achieve that perfect glazed exterior while keeping all the succulent juices locked inside.

Get the recipe ->Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Zesty Grilled Buffalo Chicken Bites

Zesty Grilled Buffalo Chicken Bites
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

These addictive two-bite wonders pack all the bold Buffalo flavor without the mess. Our homemade Frank ‘s-style sauce delivers that signature tangy heat, while the grilling method creates caramelized edges that take the flavor intensity to new heights.

Get the recipe -> Zesty Grilled Buffalo Chicken Bites

Foil-Packet Grilled Sweet Onions

Foil-Packet Grilled Sweet Onions
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Unlock the secret to perfectly caramelized sweet onions that elevate everything they touch. This simple foil-packet method transforms ordinary onions into golden, melt-in-your-mouth flavor bombs that will become your signature topping for burgers, steaks, and more.

Get the recipe -> Foil-Packet Grilled Sweet Onions

Classic Three Bean Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes)

Classic Three Bean Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes)
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This timeless pantry-to-table miracle combines everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. The sweet-tangy dressing transforms three humble beans into a colorful side that improves overnight – making it the perfect make-ahead solution for busy hosts.

Get the recipe -> Classic Three Bean Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes)

Make-Ahead 24-Hour Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Make-Ahead 24-Hour Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This nostalgic creamy fruit salad has a cult following for good reason. The magic happens overnight as the marshmallows transform the simple sour cream into something altogether different – a lusciously sweet cloud-like dressing that’ll transport you straight to summer memories.

Get the recipe -> Make-Ahead 24-Hour Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Grilled Corn Ribs

Grilled Corn Ribs
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Meet the viral corn sensation revolutionizing summer sides. These curling, charred corn “ribs” create more surface area for caramelization and seasoning, intensifying sweet corn flavor in a fun-to-eat finger food format that disappears in minutes.

Get the recipe -> Grilled Corn Ribs

Grilled Frozen Burgers

Grilled Frozen Burgers
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Master the counterintuitive technique that turns forgotten freezer patties into juicy, perfectly charred burgers without thawing. This game-changing method saves dinner when you’ve forgotten to plan, delivering restaurant-quality results in record time.

Get the recipe -> Grilled Frozen Burgers

Grilled Flat Iron Steak

Grilled Flat Iron Steak
Image Credit: Or Whatever You Do

Unlock the butcher’s best-kept secret with this mouthwatering flat iron steak guide. Learn the precise timing that transforms this affordable cut into a butter-knife-tender masterpiece, plus the three-ingredient marinade that professional chefs swear by for steakhouse-worthy results at home.

Get the recipe -> Grilled Flat Iron Steak

Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Greek Chicken
Image Credit: Or Whatever You Do

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant Greek chicken that’s causing a sensation. The secret lies in our overnight lemon-herb marinade, which infuses every bite with sunshine flavors. It’s versatile enough for everything from power-packed lunch bowls to impressive dinner spreads.

Get the recipe -> Grilled Greek Chicken

Pellet Grill Slot Dog

Pellet Grill Slot Dog
Image Credit: Or Whatever You Do

Forget everything you thought you knew about hot dogs. These game-changing “slot dogs” capture smoky wood-fired flavor in every bite thanks to our signature scoring technique that creates perfect caramelized edges and pockets for bold toppings to nestle into.

Get the recipe -> Pellet Grill Slot Dog

Grilled Zucchini Stack

Grilled Zucchini Stack
Image Credit: Running To The Kitchen

Elevate garden-fresh zucchini into an Instagram-worthy centerpiece with these stunning vegetable stacks. Layers of char-kissed zucchini embrace cloud-like ricotta and heirloom green tomatoes for a summer appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Get the recipe -> Grilled Zucchini Stack

Grilled Corn Avocado Salad

Grilled Corn Avocado Salad
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

Summer’s perfect pair unite in this crowd-pleasing salad that disappears at every gathering. Sweet charred corn kernels and buttery avocado chunks create an irresistible contrast of textures, while our secret lime-honey dressing ties everything together with bright, zesty notes.

Get the recipe -> Grilled Corn Avocado Salad

Thai Peanut Chicken Crunch Slaw Salad

Thai Peanut Chicken Crunch Slaw Salad
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

This addictive Thai-inspired creation balances every forkful’s sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Tender chicken meets rainbow veggies and crunchy elements, all coated in an umami-rich peanut sauce that’ll have you scraping the bowl clean.

Get the recipe -> Thai Peanut Chicken Crunch Slaw Salad

Poppy Seed, Grape & Chicken Pasta Salad

Poppy Seed, Grape & Chicken Pasta Salad
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

This conversation-starting pasta salad combines unexpected elements that create flavor magic. Juicy grape bursts provide sweet counterpoints to savory chicken, while the creamy poppy seed dressing brings everything together in a potluck-winning package that guests will beg you to recreate.

Get the recipe -> Poppy Seed, Grape & Chicken Pasta Salad

The BEST Steak Rub (Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill)

The BEST Steak Rub (Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill)
Image Credit: Foodie and Wine

Discover why this legendary 5-minute rub has home cooks abandoning store-bought seasoning forever. Bobby Flay’s signature blend creates a crust so flavorful you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed steak without it. Master this mix and transform even ordinary cuts into steakhouse masterpieces.

Get the recipe -> The BEST Steak Rub (Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill)

Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos

Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Master the three game-changing techniques that separate mediocre home tacos from authentic taqueria perfection. Our foolproof method delivers the perfect charred exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior, making your taco night the hottest invitation in town.

Get the recipe -> Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad 

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad 
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

This is the salad that converts salad skeptics into believers. Smoky char-grilled chicken transforms the classic Cobb into something extraordinary, adding depth that makes every colorful component shine. Your fork won’t stop moving until the plate is clean.

Get the recipe -> Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad 

Chargrilled Kansas City Cut Steak

Chargrilled Kansas City Cut Steak
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Those impressive restaurant-quality crosshatch marks aren’t just for show—they’re flavor multipliers that create the ultimate caramelized crust. Our temperature guide ensures the perfect pink center hidden beneath that impressive exterior, delivering steakhouse results from your own backyard.

Get the recipe -> Chargrilled Kansas City Cut Steak

Grilled Scallop Skewers

Grilled Scallop Skewers
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Tender, sweet sea scallops meet smoky flames in this impressive yet surprisingly simple dish. The real showstopper is our citrus-garlic smoked butter sauce – a velvety concoction so good you’ll want to bottle it for everything you grill.

Get the recipe -> Grilled Scallop Skewers

Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Elevate your New York strip with this game-changing fresh herb topping, converting steak purists everywhere. The sizzling herbed scallion mixture creates an aromatic finish that cuts through the meat’s richness for the perfect bite every time.

Get the recipe -> Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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