(NC) With summer barbecue season here, hot dogs are a must at every cookout. And, while ketchup and mustard are typically crowd-pleasers, you can keep your meals feeling fresh by getting creative with what you already have in the fridge and “upcooking” your ingredients. If you have leftover veggies from earlier meals, reduce waste by using them as fun, new toppings. Try these tasty, planet-friendly topping ideas at your next barbecue bash:

Homemade Hot Dog Toppings

Prep Time (per topping): 10-20 minutes
Serves: 6 hot dogs

1. Summer Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Maple Leaf Top Dogs
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) finely diced cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) finely diced cucumber
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) finely diced red onion
• 1 tsp (5 ml) flat-leaf parsley, minced 

2. Hawaiian Pineapple Topper

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 ml) diced small pineapple
• 2 tsp (10 ml) finely chopped green onion
• 6 slices Maple Leaf Ready Crisp Bacon, prepared per package direction and chopped
• Lime, optional

3. Grilled Corn Relish

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (235 ml) grilled corn
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) finely diced red pepper
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) finely diced green pepper
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions for each:

1. Mix ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
3. Grill hot dogs per package directions.
4. Place each hot dog onto a bun and add your favourite topping.