There are a few summer traditions that you really can’t get tired of: going to the beach, catching fireflies, watching fireworks, and of course, grilling out with friends and family. Lucky for us, barbecues also provide one of the best opportunities to throw an amazing party for practically no money. I mean, when you add sun, friends, and often water too, you don’t really have to provide much more in order to create a memorable experience!

Here’s a quick and easy run-down of what to serve at your summer cook-out to make sure everyone has a good time – and you don’t break the bank in the process.

What to grill

Burgers and chicken. Can’t go wrong. And they’re both usually really cheap. A good idea is to buy a few more pieces than you have guests (someone is going to want seconds or drop theirs in the pool!) Try this chicken recipe:

Rinse in cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and sprinkle on salt and pepper. Rub with a little olive oil. Heat your grill to medium high and put the chicken on, skin side down. Cook for a half hour, turning a few times, until the skin is golden and the meat is cooked. Check that your meat is cooked by cutting into a thick piece and making sure that the juices run clear. Wait about 20 minutes before brushing on barbecue sauce. For a vegetarian option, grill veggies like portabella mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and zucchini. Coat with a little olive oil and spices, and then toss onto the grill.

Cost: About $15

Drink and be merry

When it comes to what to drink at a barbecue, keep it simply and summery, or in a word: lemonade. You don’t get any more seasonal than that! You can make your own lemony concoction pretty easily: Make simple syrup by heating two cups of water and two cups of sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved completely. While the sugar is dissolving, use a juicer to extract two cups of lemon juice. Add the juice and sugar water to a pitcher. Add eight cups of cold water to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving over ice.

Or you can cheat and just buy the cartons.

Cost: About $7

A little side action: Macaroni Salad

Cook, rinse, and drain four cups of macaroni pasta. Mince and soak ½ cup red onion in cold water for five minutes before use. In a large bowl, combine pasta, 2/3 cup celery, onion, and one cup diced tomato. In a small bowl, whisk one cup mayonnaise, 1 ½ teaspoons mustard, three teaspoons sugar, three tablespoons vinegar, six tablespoons sour cream, and one teaspoon salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir. Salt and pepper to taste.

Cost: About $12

More to munch!

The more you can put out for people to eat, the better. Fortunately, a lot of tasty side items come cheap and will be a big hit. At barbecues, guests like to see old comfort foods – they aren’t looking for the newest, hottest thing. Old comfort? Corn muffins? Tomato salad? Sounds about right to me!

Slice remaining tomatoes and sprinkle with minced parsley, salt, and pepper to serve.

Cost: About $3

Prepare corn muffin mix according to box directions. Serve drizzled with honey.

Cost: About $5

Dessert…obviously.

Why serve anything other than watermelon as the food finale at your cook-out? One big melon should be enough to serve everyone, but even if you need two, at least they’re inexpensive. Ripeness can be determined by looking for a hollow sound when you knock on it, and light rather stark stripes. The bottom should be yellow, not green, which would indicate that it’s probably not ripe.

Cost: About $6

(If you want to go for the old college insta-drunk stand-by, have a regular watermelon and then a “grown up” melon – just pour a bottle of vodka into the watermelon for a refeshing, intoxicating treat. Just make sure to keep the kids away!)

How do you like to cook-out?

What are some of your summer grilling traditions and recipes? How do you entertain guests on a budget?