Backyard barbecues can be one of summer’s most fun and flavorful ways to celebrate the season with family and friends. Unfortunately, entertaining can be costly. But, with a little planning, you don’t have to skip out on good times even when sticking to a budget. In the latest issue of The Whole Deal, we’ve turned up the heat on money-saving ideas so you can entertain with ease without getting burned. Here’s our game plan for a BBQ Bash for 8 that makes it easy to plan a grill-side bash at less than $10 per person. Download the menu, shopping list and step-by-step plan here.

THE MENU:

• Alfresco Dip with Crostini
• Grilled Chicken Kabobs
• Grilled Summer Vegetables
• Southwestern Couscous Salad
• Simple Green Salad
• 365 Everyday Value® Frozen Fruit Bars (A Sure Deal!)
• Fresh Seasonal Watermelon

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

Be sure to check your pantry and fridge before you shop!

Produce

• 1 whole watermelon
• 2 ears corn
• 5 ripe tomatoes
• 2 yellow squash
• 3 zucchini
• 2 eggplants
• 2 green bell peppers
• 3 red bell peppers
• 1 head red leaf lettuce
• 1 cucumber
• 1 red onion
• 1 lemon
• 4 limes
• 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley
• 1 bunch tarragon, thyme and/or basil
• 1 bunch cilantro

Dry Goods

• 1 (16 oz) bottle 365 Everyday Value® Organic Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
• 1 (15 oz) can no-salt-added black beans
• 1 cup whole wheat couscous
• 1 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 1 (6 oz) bag Whole Foods Market™ Crostini (A Sure Deal!)
• 1 cup pitted green olives (from 1 can or about 30 at olive bar)
• extra-virgin olive oil
• red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
• chili powder
• crushed red chile pepper
• fine sea salt
• ground black pepper

Refrigerated/ Frozen

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tub 365 Everyday Value® Organic Sour Cream (A Sure Deal!)
• 2 packages 365 Everyday Value® Frozen Fruit Bars

HERE’S HOW TO DO IT:

Several hours ahead:

1. Make the Southwestern Couscous Salad and refrigerate.
2. Prepare the vegetables for Grilled Summer Vegetables and refrigerate.
3. Cut each chicken thigh into 3 or 4 pieces, toss with half the balsamic vinaigrette, skewer and refrigerate.
4. Chill the watermelon, whole or cut into serving pieces.

Shortly ahead:

1. Make Alfresco Dip
2. Make the salad by tossing torn lettuce, sliced cucumber and red onion with some of the balsamic vinaigrette remaining in the bottle.

Show time:

1. Heat the grill.
2. Cook the Grilled Summer Vegetables recipe.
3. Grill the chicken kabobs; remove chicken from skewers.
4. Transfer the Southwestern Couscous Salad to one or two large platters.
5. Arrange the grilled vegetables and chicken over the couscous.
6. Gather your food and your peeps and chow down!

See, it is possible to enjoy summer entertaining without breaking the bank! Download coupons, enjoy more fresh food ideas and get additional budget-friendly grilling tips online or pick up the summer issue of The Whole Deal! Now let’s hear from you! What are your best ideas for summer entertaining on a budget?