A Mid Century Summer Menu

Mid century summers were filled with days of playing croquet in the backyard under hot, sun-kissed skies. Kids raced by on their bikes, laughing and jingling their bike bells. Dad was at the grill, barbecuing ribs with his special sauce while mom prepared cookout favorites like homemade potato salad, lemonade, and cherry pie. Take a day to enjoy that era again this summer with this vintage backyard barbecue menu:

Grilled Barbecued Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are an excellent choice for barbecuing due to their rich flavor, tender texture and succulent marbling. The smoky, charred exterior in contrast to the tender, fall-of-the-bone interior are meat lover’s delight. Basted with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with a hint of spice, grilled barbecued beef short ribs make the perfect centerpiece to any summer cookout. See the full recipe here for a great entree for your mid century summer barbecue.

This classic potato salad recipe is a dish that has graced the table of many family gatherings and picnics over the years. It features a comforting blend of red potatoes, smoky bacon, and old-fashioned seasonings that make for the perfect side dish at a backyard barbecue or potluck gathering. Get the recipe for this classic mid century summer side here.

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Also Read: Vintage 1950s Recipes To Try At Home

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These fast and easy homemade barbecued beans have a sweet and smokey summertime flavor that perfectly complements any outdoor gathering. See the full recipe here.

This grilled corn on the cob has a smoky and slightly charred flavor that enhances its natural sweetness. The tender, juicy kernels are rich and flavorful with a delicious crunch. It’s easy to see why this is on the menu of virtually every backyard barbecue! Find the recipe here.

Sliced watermelon wedges, bursting with sweet and juicy flavor, go hand-in-hand with summer picnics and backyard barbecues. Find tips on selecting the best watermelon and slicing techniques here.

Old fashioned homemade lemonade is a refreshing drink that captures the essence of summertime in a glass! This thirst-quenching classic beverage is made using a simple 3-ingredient recipe that has been passed down through generations.

Juicy, tart cherries encased in a flaky, buttery crust makes very cherry pie an irresistible classic American dessert often enjoyed at holidays like Independence Day! Find the recipe here for a sweet finishing touch to your mid century summer menu.

Looking for drinks to add to your mid century summer menu? Don’t miss Spice up Your Summer Cocktails. Or plan a mid century summer menu for a backyard picnic. Now that your menu is planned, shop retro serveware and tableware for the 4th of July!

For more mid century holiday menus from Flour Child, don’t miss A Mid Century Easter Dinner Menu. Find more vintage inspired recipes from Flour Child at their site.

For more mid century inspired ideas for the outdoors, check out our latest Exterior and Landscape special issue! And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!