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The weather is getting nicer and that means cookouts and barbecues! But if you’re trying to eat healthy, it can be hard to find recipes that fit that bill.
Most people think of unhealthy foods when they think of grilling out. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken wings are staples at a typical barbecue, but they’re not exactly the healthiest options.
We’ve got you covered with some of our favorite healthy grill recipes and ideas for summer. From chicken skewers to portobello burgers, we’ve got something for everyone. And best of all, these recipes are easy to follow and only take a few minutes to cook up on the grill.
Fire up the grill and get cooking!
1. Best Grilled Salmon Dinner
Salmon recipes are healthy, delicious, and perfect for a summertime dinner. This salmon will be a hit at your next outdoor gathering, whether you choose to keep it simple with lemon, salt, and pepper or add a little spice with our Cajun seasoning.
To make your life easier, it’s best to shop for salmon that has skin on it. The skin will help prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill and falling apart. Plus, it’s an easy way to get that perfect grilled flavor.
2. Greek Grilled Chicken Kabobs
You have to have kabobs at least once before summer ends. And these Greek chicken kabobs are the perfect way to do it. Tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a flavorful Mediterranean sauce and then grilled to perfection.
Prepping the chicken the night before will make your life a lot easier when it’s time to fire up the grill. Not only will the chicken soak up the flavors of the marinade, but you can also just pop the chicken kabobs on the skewers and you’re ready to go.
Serve with some rice or quinoa and a side of vegetables, and you’ve got a wonderful meal.
Make a batch of these and you’ll have dinner (and lunch the next day) sorted. Healthy meal prep doesn’t get easier than this.
3. Healthy Grilled Portobello Burgers
Give yourself a break from the meat this summer and try grilling portobello mushrooms. They make a great vegetarian burger option and are so easy to prepare. Sticking to meatless meals is simple when you have something delicious in a flash. Trust me, you won’t miss the meat in these filling burgers.
For an extra boost of flavor, try grilling the portobellos with your favorite sauces and peppers. The vegetables will add some sweetness and depth of flavor to the mushrooms. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, top your portobello burger with some grilled pineapple.
4. Grilled Buffalo Corn on the Cob
Move over, plain old corn on the cob. There’s a new player in town and it’s grilled buffalo corn on the cob.
This recipe is so simple, yet so delicious. All you need is some fresh corn, buffalo sauce, and your DIY dairy-free ranch dressing. After grilling the corn for about 15 minutes (rotating it a couple of times) or until it’s tender, simply brush on the buffalo sauce and ranch. The combination of flavors is truly irresistible.
5. Juiciest Grilled Chicken Breast
Look at those beautiful charred lines on that grilled chicken! Doesn’t it look juicy and delicious? And it is! This chicken breast recipe is easy to follow and yields perfectly cooked chicken every time.
The key to juicy, grilled chicken is to use a meat thermometer. We recommend cooking the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in your favorite sauce or rub for 4-6 hours before grilling.
6. Grilled BBQ Watermelon Skewers
You read that right, BBQ watermelon skewers! It sounds strange, but trust us, it’s delicious. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs extremely well with the smoky flavor from the grill.
To make these skewers, simply cut the watermelon into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto the skewers. You can brush on your favorite BBQ sauce or drizzle a mix of olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic cloves, and paprika.
If you don’t want to grill your watermelon, another way to enjoy this summer fruit is by making watermelon-mint water. Super refreshing!
7. Grilled Turkey Burgers
Making your own turkey burgers is so much healthier than buying them pre-made at the store. And they taste a million times better! These grilled turkey burgers are lean, juicy, and full of flavor.
To keep the turkey burgers moist, it’s important to not overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers before taking them off the grill. They should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Your family and friends will be amazed at how delicious a healthy burger can be. Be sure to make extra because these turkey burgers will go fast!
8. Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables
Are you having a hard time getting the kids to eat their vegetables? Try grilling them! The smoky flavor of the grill will make even the pickiest of eaters want to try vegetables.
Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes are all great vegetables to grill. You don’t have to do much to them, just slice them up and season with some salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
Vegetables cook quickly on the grill, so keep a close eye on them. You don’t want them to get too charred. Once they’re finished, top with some feta cheese and serve.
9. Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Everything with garlic is better, and these shrimp skewers are no exception. Juicy, tender shrimp are marinated in a garlic-infused olive oil and then grilled to perfection.
Shrimps are full of protein and are a healthy, low-calorie option for dinner. You can serve it with a side of rice or quinoa and a salad to make a healthy meal.
If you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
10. Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn
People that complain that salads aren’t filling have clearly never had this salad. This steak gorgonzola salad is hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity to the rich gorgonzola cheese, while the grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness to the dish.
Want to give the red meat a break? Easily swap the steak with your favorite protein, such as chicken, salmon, fish, or even falafel.
11. Grilled Mexican Zucchini Boats
One of our favorite vegetables to grill is zucchini. It’s healthy, low in calories, and so versatile. You can really put anything you want inside of a grilled zucchini boat and it will taste great.
Although this recipe calls for cheese and yogurt, you can simply add in some diced tomatoes, grilled chicken, or even ground beef. The possibilities are endless. And if you’re looking for a little bit of a kick, try adding some hot sauce or jalapeños to the mix.
We’re big fans of Mexican food, so we like to fill our zucchini boats with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and shredded cheese. You can really add any of your favorite Mexican toppings, though. And don’t forget the sour cream and salsa!
12. Grilled Fish Tacos
Everyone loves tacos, and these fish tacos are a great way to change things up. Beef and pork tacos are delicious, but they can be a little heavy. Lighten things up with these fish tacos made with tilapia, mahi-mahi, or cod.
In terms of marinating the fish, be sure to give it at least 20 minutes before you place them on the grill. This will help the fish absorb all of the flavors and prevent them from drying out.
As for the toppings, feel free to get creative. We love using fresh salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, but you can also add in some shredded cabbage or carrots for a crunchy texture.
13. Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Running out of ideas for what to make for dinner? Pork tenderloin is always a good option. It’s lean, flavorful, and easy to cook on the grill. Plus, it goes well with a variety of side dishes.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it all summer long. The key to making a tender and juicy pork tenderloin is to not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork (should be at least 145° F) before taking it off the grill.
Prepare some rice and vegetables as sides, and you’ve got a complete and healthy meal.
14. Grilled Pizza
Ordering pizza delivery is always an option, but have you ever tried making your own pizza on the grill? It’s easier than you think and it’s a great way to impress your guests.
You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, and then top it with your favorite toppings. It’s highly recommended that you put 2-3 toppings on your pizza so that it doesn’t get too soggy.
Cooking the pizza on the grill will give it a crispy, charred crust that you can’t get from a traditional oven.
15. Real Easy Grilled Pineapple Chicken
Ah, pineapple, the taste of summer. This grilled pineapple chicken is a perfect example of how fruit can take a simple dish and make it extraordinary. We don’t need to argue that chicken can be boring on its own, but when you add in the sweetness of grilled pineapple, it takes on a whole new flavor.
This amazing dish will be a hit at your next potluck or barbecue. And it’s so easy to make! Just leave the chicken in this special pineapple marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
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