Our Favorite Berry Recipes for Summer Cookouts
There’s something about summer at the farm. The sun warming your shoulders, the sound of the grill sizzling in the background, and the sweet smell of berries freshly picked from the field. At Lee Farms, berries have always been part of our summer gatherings, whether it’s Grandma’s berry cobbler on the 4th of July or strawberry salsa showing up at every potluck.
This season, we’re sharing a few of our favorite berry-packed recipes that are perfect for backyard cookouts, family reunions, or casual porch dinners. These dishes are simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to make your summer table shine. And the best part? You can grab the freshest berries for them right here at the farm!
Strawberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Skewers
Sweet, tangy, and savory, these skewers are a hit at any backyard cookout. The chicken is marinated in a blend of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and olive oil (and we like to add some crushed strawberries in the marinade for extra fruity sweetness!) We then recommend threading the chicken on skewers with fresh red onions and halved strawberries.
Serve with grilled sweet corn or a crisp green salad. See the full recipe here.
Blackberry BBQ Sauce for Ribs or Burgers
Who wants plain, boring BBQ sauce when you could have blackberry BBQ sauce?! This smoky, slightly sweet sauce takes any grilled meat to the next level. Simmer blackberries with ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a few seasonings until thick and glossy.
Brush onto ribs, burgers, or even grilled chicken thighs!
Bonus! Bottle some up and bring it to the next barbecue you’re invited to! See the full recipe here.
Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa
This bright, spicy-sweet salsa is a total crowd-pleaser. It mixes juicy strawberries with diced jalapeños, avocado, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro for a colorful side dish or taco topper. It looks beautiful on a summer meal spread, and it tastes even better!
Spoon it over grilled fish, serve with tortilla chips, or add it to your next taco night. Get the recipe here.
Summer Memories Are Made Better with Berries
Whether you’re grilling with friends or having a quiet family dinner on the back deck, summer just tastes better with fresh, local berries. From savory sauces to sweet deserts, there are so many ways to bring fresh-picked flavor to your table.
👉 Ready to stock up? Stop by Lee Farms to pick your own or grab a pre-picked flat of the season’s best berries — strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and more!
Berry picking season won’t last forever, but the memories sure will.