Fresh and colourful menu for the first day of summer

Summer is officially here this weekend, and we've planned a summer kickoff menu with everything fresh, grilled and colourful. So, hit the produce department for local veg, fire up the barbecue and raise a glass to all the warm and balmy weather on the horizon. Cheers!

Cocktails
Lager and lime slush Barbecues and hot summer afternoons call for icy-cold patio drinks, and we’ve got a new favourite! This lovely take on lager is chilled perfection.

Watermelon limeade A refreshing mocktail (or cocktail – just add limoncello), this rosy limeade is perfect for any and all party-goers.

Salads
Grilled potato salad A great barbecue demands unforgettable sides – starting with a classic.

Grilled zucchini-pear salad Peppery arugula and warm grilled fruit are topped with creamy cheese and a zesty vinaigrette.

Main
Lemon-garlic grilled chicken This recipe originally ran in Chatelaine more than 10 years ago. We’ve subbed fresh rosemary for dried, but otherwise it’s still our all-time favourite grilled chicken recipe.

Dessert
Strawberry galette This free-form pie is a rustic dessert you can fill with a variety of berries – but if you go with strawberries, you can enter a photo into this month's cooking club challenge! The prize? A DLSR camera.

Related:
12 recipes for a Father's Day BBQ
5 best ways to grill chicken
10 vegetarian BBQ recipes