Summer is the best time for in-season fruits and vegetables to give your picnics and cookouts that extra burst of fresh flavor. We know you’re going to grill up some ribs, chicken kabobs, and hot dogs this month, but here are some in-season sides and extras that will really make your barbecue pop!

Sliced Watermelon

Watermelon is cool, light, and refreshingly crisp to eat on its own. Plus, it will rehydrate you! For some added fun, host a watermelon seed spitting contest to see who can spit them the farthest!

Peach Iced Tea

You’re going to need something to quench your thirst. While peaches are perfect in desserts or by themselves, fresh peach iced tea is a sweet way to cool down.

Jazzy July Salad

Take advantage of fresh in-season lettuce to make a variety of fun summer salads. Salad doesn’t need to be boring; liven it up with other in-season fruits and veggies like cucumbers, kiwi, and raspberries!

Gazpacho

Use your fresh tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers to blend up a batch of gazpacho. No one wants hot soup on a hot summer day, but this cold soup offers a refreshing twist on your favorite veggies, with olive oil and vinegar for added flavor.

Strawberry Daiquiris

You’ll probably want a cold drink by the end of your cookout, so make your own frozen strawberry daiquiri, with or without alcohol, for a truly tropical way to beat the heat!

Don’t forget to finish off your meal with a classic summer dessert, like ice cream, blueberry cobbler, or s’mores! Whatever you’re planning this month, these drinks and sides are sure to add some much-needed “cool” to your summer fun.