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    Cooking Gorgeous » MSN Posts

    11 BBQ and Al Fresco Dinners to Make the Most of Summer

    Published: Jul 15, 2026 by Ayla Clulee

    Get the grill going and set up a lovely outdoor table — these simple skewers, fresh salads, and seafood dishes are perfect for relaxing summer evenings. Whether it's smoky Turkish kebabs or a quick and crisp cucumber salad, there's something to delight everyone at your summer gathering. Finish it all off with a sweet fig cake for a sweet ending.

    BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Seven butterflied shrimp cooked on the BBQ and served with a piece of bazlama.
    Ayla Clulee

    Juicy, plump tiger prawns grilled and coated in a garlicky lemon butter sauce — ready in just 20 minutes and perfect served with a simple salad and crusty bread.

    To learn more: BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Chicken Shish Kebab (Turkish Tavuk ÅžiÅŸ)

    chicken Shish Kebabs served with yogurt, onion salad, and red cabbage on the side
    Ayla Clulee

    Tender marinated chicken threaded onto skewers, flavoured with milk, tomato and red pepper paste for that authentic Turkish char-grilled taste. Marinate ahead and it's on the table in 15 minutes.

    To learn more: Chicken Shish Kebab (Turkish Tavuk ÅžiÅŸ)

    Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

    Ayla Clulee

    No BBQ? No problem. These chicken skewers come out beautifully charred and juicy from the air fryer, with veg cooked right alongside for an easy one-basket dinner.

    To learn more: Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

    Mediterranean Baked Salmon

    salmon fillet is cooked until it is flaky
    Ayla Clulee

    Flaky salmon marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, thyme and paprika, baked until perfectly tender in just 25 minutes — a fuss-free summer favourite.

    To learn more: Mediterranean Baked Salmon

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites

    Ayla Cluee

    Bite-sized salmon pieces soaked in a sticky teriyaki marinade and air-fried until caramelised at the edges — brilliant as a quick dinner or a starter to share.

    To learn more: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites

    Chicken Kofta

    4 pieces of chicken kofta served with Lebanese rice and salad on the side.
    Ayla Clulee

    Ground chicken mixed with onion, garlic and warm spices, shaped onto skewers and grilled, baked or air-fried — a light, protein-packed dinner ready in well under 30 minutes.

    To learn more: Chicken Kofta

    Chorizo and Prawn Pasta

    spicy chorizo and prawn pasta dish
    Ayla Clulee

    Smoky, crispy chorizo and juicy king prawns tossed through pasta in a quick, punchy sauce — on the table in just 15 minutes for those busy weeknights.

    To learn more: Chorizo and Prawn Pasta

    Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

    a bowl of creamy cucumber dill red onion salad
    Ayla Clulee

    Cool, crisp and creamy, this five-minute salad is the perfect refreshing side for anything off the grill.

    To learn more: Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

    Healthy Mediterranean Salad Dressing

    Ayla Clulee

    A bright, herby dressing that turns any bowl of leaves into something special — whisk it up in minutes and keep it on hand all summer.

    To learn more: Healthy Mediterranean Salad Dressing

    Air Fryer Roasted Courgettes

    Ayla Clulee

    A simple, healthy side that turns out tender and lightly caramelised — ready in minutes with barely any washing up.

    To learn more: Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini with Red Onions

    Fresh Fig Cake with Yogurt

    a slice of fresh fig cake served with sliced fresh figs
    Ayla Clulee

    A moist, lightly spiced cake studded with fresh figs — the perfect make-ahead sweet finish to a summer dinner outdoors.

    To learn more: Fresh Fig Cake

    More MSN Posts

    • 10 Easy Family Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights
    • Easy Chicken Breast Dinner Recipes
    • Mediterranean flavoured orzo salad in a bowl
      Summer Salad Recipes for Dinner
    • No-Oven Dinners for Hot Evenings

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    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration await you! My name is Ayla Clulee, a passionate and professional Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and food content creator with decades of experience. I am based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here.

    The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy.

    More about me →

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    Free Turkish Dinner Ideas Guide

    Need ideas for what to serve with Turkish meals? Get my free guide with 7 easy Turkish dinner ideas, including mains, sides, serving tips, and make-ahead notes.

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