Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious outdoor cooking. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, these 10 grilled recipes are sure to please everyone at your table.
A Quick Look at All Recipes
| Recipe | Description |
|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade | Juicy chicken with zesty lemon and herbs. |
| Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa | Tender shrimp in fresh, creamy avocado salsa. |
| Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze | Colorful veggies with a tangy balsamic glaze. |
| Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce | Perfectly grilled steak with herby chimichurri. |
| Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter | Sweet corn smothered in garlicky butter. |
| Grilled Salmon with Dill Pesto | Fresh salmon topped with aromatic dill pesto. |
| Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Pesto | Hearty mushrooms with a burst of pesto flavor. |
| Grilled Chicken Wings with Spicy BBQ Sauce | Spicy wings with a kick of BBQ sauce. |
| Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad | Sweet peaches and savory prosciutto in a salad. |
| Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon and Feta Salad | Creamy halloumi with refreshing watermelon and feta. |
Grilled Chicken Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade
These skewers are packed with flavor from a zesty lemon and herb marinade.
Why you’ll like it:
- Quick and easy to prepare.
- Perfect for a family dinner or a party.
- Zesty and refreshing flavors.
Main ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- Garlic
Quick method:
- Marinate chicken in lemon, herbs, and olive oil.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Baste with extra marinade while grilling.
- Serve hot with a side of your choice.
Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
These tacos feature succulent grilled shrimp and a creamy, fresh avocado salsa.
Why you’ll like it:
- Light and refreshing for summer.
- Easy to make and full of flavor.
- Versatile and can be customized.
Main ingredients:
- Shrimp
- Avocados
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Tortillas
Quick method:
- Grill shrimp until pink and cooked through.
- Mix diced avocados, tomatoes, and red onion for salsa.
- Warm tortillas on the grill.
- Assemble tacos with shrimp and salsa.
- Garnish with lime wedges and serve.
Tip: Add a squeeze of lime to the salsa for extra freshness.
Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze
This colorful platter features a variety of grilled vegetables drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Why you’ll like it:
- Healthy and packed with nutrients.
- Great for vegetarians and vegans.
- Perfect as a side or main dish.
Main ingredients:
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Eggplant
- Onion
- Balsamic vinegar
Quick method:
- Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill until tender and slightly charred.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Arrange on a platter and enjoy.
Tip: Use a variety of colorful vegetables for a visually appealing dish.
Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
This perfectly grilled steak is complemented by a vibrant, herby chimichurri sauce.
Why you’ll like it:
- Rich and satisfying flavor.
- Simple to prepare but impressive.
- The chimichurri adds a fresh, zesty touch.
Main ingredients:
- Steak (ribeye or sirloin)
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Garlic
- Red wine vinegar
Quick method:
- Season steak with salt and pepper.
- Grill to desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Blend parsley, cilantro, garlic, and vinegar for chimichurri.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes.
- Slice and serve with chimichurri sauce.
Tip: Let the steak rest to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter
Enjoy sweet, juicy corn on the cob smothered in a rich, garlicky butter.
Why you’ll like it:
- Simple and quick to make.
- Kids and adults both love it.
- The garlic butter adds a delicious twist.
Main ingredients:
- Corn on the cob
- Butter
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Quick method:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Melt butter and mix with minced garlic.
- Grill corn, turning frequently, until lightly charred.
- Brush with garlic butter while grilling.
- Serve hot with extra butter if desired.
Tip: Wrap the corn in foil for easier cleanup.
Grilled Salmon with Dill Pesto
This grilled salmon is topped with a fragrant dill pesto, making it a standout dish.
Why you’ll like it:
- Full of omega-3s and healthy fats.
- The dill pesto adds a unique, fresh flavor.
- Quick and easy to prepare.
Main ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Dill
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Lemon zest
Quick method:
- Season salmon with salt and pepper.
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Blend dill, garlic, olive oil, and lemon zest for pesto.
- Top the salmon with dill pesto before serving.
- Enjoy with a side of your choice.
Tip: Serve with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Pesto
These hearty portobello mushrooms are filled with a burst of pesto flavor.
Why you’ll like it:
- Perfect for a meatless option.
- Rich and satisfying taste.
- Quick and easy to make.
Main ingredients:
- Portobello mushrooms
- Pesto
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Balsamic vinegar
Quick method:
- Remove mushroom gills and brush with olive oil.
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Top with a generous spoonful of pesto.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tip: Marinate the mushrooms in balsamic vinegar for added depth.
Grilled Chicken Wings with Spicy BBQ Sauce
These wings are a crowd-pleaser with their spicy BBQ sauce and crispy, grilled texture.
Why you’ll like it:
- Perfect for game day or parties.
- Spicy and flavorful.
- Easy to make in large batches.
Main ingredients:
- Chicken wings
- BBQ sauce
- Hot sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
Quick method:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Season wings with salt and pepper.
- Grill for about 10-12 minutes per side.
- Mix BBQ sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder.
- Coat wings with the sauce and serve.
Tip: Serve with a cooling blue cheese dip to balance the heat.
Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad
This sweet and savory salad combines grilled peaches and salty prosciutto for a delightful mix of flavors.
Why you’ll like it:
- Unique combination of sweet and savory.
- Light and refreshing for summer.
- Perfect as a starter or side.
Main ingredients:
- Peaches
- Prosciutto
- Arugula
- Balsamic glaze
- Goat cheese
Quick method:
- Halve and pit the peaches.
- Grill peaches cut-side down until caramelized.
- Arrange arugula on a plate.
- Add grilled peaches and torn prosciutto.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and top with goat cheese.
Tip: Use ripe but firm peaches for the best results.
Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon and Feta Salad
This refreshing salad features grilled halloumi cheese, crisp watermelon, and tangy feta.
Why you’ll like it:
- Perfect for a light summer meal.
- Combines sweet and salty flavors.
- Easy to prepare and very refreshing.
Main ingredients:
- Halloumi cheese
- Watermelon
- Feta cheese
- Arugula
- Balsamic glaze
Quick method:
- Grill halloumi slices until golden and slightly crispy.
- Cut watermelon into cubes.
- Arrange arugula on a plate.
- Add grilled halloumi, watermelon, and crumbled feta.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of mint for a fresh, herbal note.
Summing Up Your Summer Grilling Options
These 10 grilled recipes offer a variety of flavors and options for your summer cookouts. From savory steaks to sweet peaches, there’s something for everyone. Happy grilling!
Common Questions
How do I clean my grill?
Use a wire brush to scrub the grates after they cool down. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
What’s the best way to marinate chicken?
Combine your marinade ingredients in a bowl, add the chicken, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
Can I use a gas grill for these recipes?
Absolutely! Gas grills work well and are easy to control. Just preheat and adjust the temperature as needed.
How do I know when my steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C). Adjust for your preferred doneness.
What’s a good side dish for grilled salmon?
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli go well with grilled salmon.
For more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, check out our BBQ and grilling section. Enjoy your summer cookouts!