Summer cookouts are the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious, smoky flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, these 10 best grilled recipes will make your summer sizzle.
A Quick Look at All Recipes
| Recipe | Description |
|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Skewers with Lemon and Herbs | Juicy chicken with zesty lemon and fresh herbs. |
| Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa | Spicy shrimp tacos topped with creamy avocado salsa. |
| Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter | Sweet corn with a kick of chili and lime butter. |
| Grilled Veggie and Halloumi Skewers | Colorful veggies and savory halloumi cheese. |
| Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze | Tender pork chops with a sweet apple cider glaze. |
| Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa | Fresh salmon with a fruity and tangy mango salsa. |
| Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers | Hearty portobello mushrooms in a burger form. |
| Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad | Sweet peaches and salty prosciutto in a light salad. |
| Grilled Sausage and Pepper Kabobs | Smoky sausages and bell peppers on skewers. |
Grilled Chicken Skewers with Lemon and Herbs
These juicy chicken skewers are marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mix, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Why you’ll like it:
- Perfectly tender and flavorful chicken.
- Zesty lemon adds a refreshing twist.
- Herbs give a fresh, aromatic touch.
Main ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
Quick method:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill until golden and cooked through.
Tip: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Spice up your summer with these grilled shrimp tacos, topped with a cool and creamy avocado salsa.
Why you’ll like it:
- Spicy, smoky shrimp flavor.
- Creamy, refreshing avocado salsa.
- Easy to prepare and serve.
Main ingredients:
- Shrimp
- Avocados
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Lime juice
Quick method:
- Season shrimp with spices and oil.
- Grill shrimp until pink and slightly charred.
- Mix avocados, tomatoes, and red onion for salsa.
- Warm tortillas on the grill.
- Assemble tacos with shrimp and salsa.
Tip: Add a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter
This simple yet flavorful grilled corn is a hit with its chili lime butter topping.
Why you’ll like it:
- Sweet, smoky grilled corn.
- Zesty chili lime butter adds a kick.
- Perfect as a side or snack.
Main ingredients:
- Corn on the cob
- Butter
- Chili powder
- Lime zest
- Salt
Quick method:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush corn with melted butter.
- Grill corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred.
- Mix butter, chili powder, and lime zest.
- Spread the mixture over the grilled corn.
Tip: Sprinkle with cotija cheese for an extra treat.
Grilled Veggie and Halloumi Skewers
These colorful veggie and halloumi skewers are a delightful vegetarian option for your summer grilling.
Why you’ll like it:
- Variety of colorful, fresh vegetables.
- Savory, grilled halloumi cheese.
- Healthy and satisfying.
Main ingredients:
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Red onion
- Halloumi cheese
- Olive oil
Quick method:
- Cut veggies and halloumi into chunks.
- Thread them onto skewers.
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill until veggies are tender and halloumi is golden.
- Turn skewers occasionally for even cooking.
Tip: Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze
Tender and juicy pork chops with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze make for a mouthwatering main course.
Why you’ll like it:
- Perfectly grilled, tender pork chops.
- Sweet and tangy apple cider glaze.
- Great for a special dinner.
Main ingredients:
- Pork chops
- Apple cider
- Brown sugar
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
Quick method:
- Prepare the apple cider glaze by simmering cider, sugar, and mustard.
- Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Grill pork chops until they reach desired doneness.
- Brush with the apple cider glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tip: Serve with a side of roasted potatoes and green beans.
Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa
Enjoy the fresh, rich flavors of grilled salmon paired with a zesty and sweet mango salsa.
Why you’ll like it:
- Flaky, perfectly grilled salmon.
- Fruity and tangy mango salsa.
- Light and refreshing.
Main ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Mangoes
- Red bell pepper
- Red onion
- Lime juice
Quick method:
- Season salmon with salt and pepper.
- Grill salmon until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Combine diced mango, bell pepper, and red onion for the salsa.
- Add lime juice and mix well.
- Top the grilled salmon with the mango salsa.
Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
These hearty portobello mushroom burgers are a satisfying and delicious vegetarian option for any cookout.
Why you’ll like it:
- Meaty, flavorful portobello mushrooms.
- Perfect for a meatless alternative.
- Easy to customize with toppings.
Main ingredients:
- Portobello mushrooms
- Burger buns
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onions
Quick method:
- Remove the gills from the portobello caps.
- Brush mushrooms with olive oil and season with garlic and salt.
- Grill mushrooms until tender and slightly charred.
- Toast buns on the grill.
- Assemble burgers with your favorite toppings.
Tip: Add a slice of cheese and some avocado for extra creaminess.
Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad
This light and refreshing grilled peach and prosciutto salad is a perfect summer side dish or appetizer.
Why you’ll like it:
- Sweet, caramelized peaches.
- Salty, crispy prosciutto.
- Simple and elegant.
Main ingredients:
- Peaches
- Prosciutto
- Arugula
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
Quick method:
- Halve and pit the peaches.
- Grill peaches until they have nice grill marks.
- Arrange arugula on a plate.
- Top with grilled peaches and slices of prosciutto.
- Drizzle with balsamic and olive oil.
Tip: Add crumbled goat cheese for a creamy texture.
Grilled Sausage and Pepper Kabobs
These smoky sausage and pepper kabobs are a fun and flavorful addition to any summer cookout.
Why you’ll like it:
- Smoky, savory sausages.
- Colorful, sweet bell peppers.
- Easy to make and share.
Main ingredients:
- Sausages
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
- Cherry tomatoes
- Skewers
Quick method:
- Cut sausages and bell peppers into chunks.
- Thread them onto skewers along with cherry tomatoes and red onion.
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill until sausages are cooked through and veggies are tender.
- Turn skewers occasionally for even cooking.
Tip: Serve with a side of grilled corn for a complete meal.
Get Ready for Your Summer Cookout
With these 10 best grilled recipes, your summer cookouts will be a hit. From juicy chicken skewers to sweet and savory grilled peaches, there’s something for everyone. For more delicious grilling ideas, check out our BBQ and Grilling recipes.
Common Questions
What is the best way to clean a grill?
Scrape the grill grates with a wire brush while the grill is still warm. Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
How do I keep my food from sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill is well-oiled before adding food. Use a brush or paper towel dipped in oil to coat the grates.
Can I use different types of wood chips for smoking?
Yes, different wood chips add unique flavors. Try hickory for a strong, smoky flavor or apple for a milder, sweeter taste.
How long should I marinate chicken before grilling?
For best results, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. Longer marinating can make the chicken more tender.
What is the ideal temperature for grilling vegetables?
Grill vegetables at medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (204-232°C), for a good char and crisp texture.
Happy grilling and enjoy your summer cookouts!