15 Summer Foods That Just Taste Better When Eaten Outside

Depending on where you live, warm weather only hangs around for a few months. Whether you prefer beach parties, barbecues in the backyard, or picnics in the park, make the most of the long, hot days with tasty (and often deliciously messy) outdoor dining.

Sloppy Joe

Sneak in extra vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers to sloppy Joes and incorporate more nutrition into this classic American sandwich that the whole family will love.

Grilled Steak Tacos

If you're already outdoors and grilling up some steaks, why not slice them up and eat them in a tortilla with lots of fresh and delicious toppings? Shredded cabbage and thinly sliced radishes bring amazing crunch to soft-shell tacos, and pickled red onions and a squeeze of fresh lime juice add a bright, tart flavor to the meat.

The Italian Sausage Burger

The mashup of the classic Italian sandwich, sausage and peppers, and cheeseburgers that your backyard BBQ has been missing.

Crock-Pot Pork in Blackberry BBQ Sauce

The best way to make time for a mid-week outdoor dinner is to slow cook pork in a ridiculously good blackberry sauce.

Vegan Tacos

Rice and Brussels sprouts make for a satisfying vegan filling, while the pomegranate seeds add a crunchy, sweet flavor that tacos sometimes need.

Strawberry Riesling Popsicles

You'll eat this adults-only strawberry Riesling ice pop too quickly for it to start melting down your hands. Win-win.

Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)

Elotes are a Mexican street food that's hard to beat. Top grilled corn with mayo, chili powder, lime, cilantro, and crumbled cheese.

Cool Cucumber Salsa

Serve this cooling cucumber salsa with thinly sliced zucchini instead of tortilla chips for a healthy snack you won't regret binging on.

Matcha Avocado Ice Cream

Matcha green tea and avocados seem like a strange pair for ice cream, but the result is a bright, refreshing treat.

Berry Pops

Made with berries, orange juice, a bit of crushed candied ginger, and some simple syrup, you won't feel bad about giving these easy ice pops to your kids.

Smoked Baby Back Ribs

It doesn't matter how many napkins you might need to eat these ribs, as long as you keep the delicious mess outside.

Oven-Barbecue Pulled Pork

Roast an entire pork shoulder for delicious pulled pork that you don't need a smoker for. Best eaten outside with a cold one.

Crock-Pot Baked Beans

No outdoor meal is complete without baked beans. Making them in a slow cooker means you won't heat up the house while they cook.

Tangy Peach Mustard Wings

You may want to wear a bib when digging into a pile of these tangy peach wings.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Bratwurst

Bacon makes everything, including bratwurst, better. Serve it on a bun or with a salad — either way you'll be a happy camper.