Summer is synonymous with sunshine, good company, and the irresistible aroma of a backyard barbecue. But often, BBQs can be loaded with heavy sauces, fatty meats, and unhealthy sides. What if you could enjoy all the smoky, charred goodness of grilling without compromising your health goals?
You absolutely can! We’ve curated a list of 15 mouth-watering, healthy, and easy-to-make grilling recipes that are packed with flavor, not calories. Get ready to impress your guests and nourish your body at your next summer cookout.
Click for our article on delicious summer drink recipes: 10 Refreshing & Healthy Summer Mocktail Recipes
1. Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
A timeless classic that’s light, juicy, and incredibly flavorful. The simple marinade tenderizes the chicken and gives it a fresh, vibrant taste.
- Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1/4 cup olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. Garlic & Paprika Shrimp Skewers
These shrimp skewers are quick to cook and bursting with flavor. They make a perfect light main course or a stunning appetizer.
- Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined), 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp paprika, pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Toss shrimp with ingredients. Thread onto skewers. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. Lean Turkey Burgers on Lettuce Wraps
Skip the heavy bun and enjoy a protein-packed burger that’s both satisfying and light.
- Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground turkey, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves for wrapping.
- Instructions: Mix ingredients (except lettuce) and form into patties. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side. Serve wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves with your favorite toppings.
4. Grilled Salmon with Dill and Lemon
Rich in Omega-3s, salmon is a fantastic choice for a healthy grill. The dill and lemon pairing is simply classic.
- Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 2 tbsp olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped), salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Brush salmon with oil and season. Grill skin-side down for 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes until flaky. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over before serving.
5. Cilantro-Lime Flank Steak
A lean cut of beef that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful with this zesty marinade.
- Ingredients: 1.5 lb flank steak, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup olive oil, juice of 2 limes, 2 cloves garlic.
- Instructions: Marinate steak for at least 1 hour. Grill on high heat for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
6. Rainbow Vegetable Skewers
Eat the rainbow! These skewers are as beautiful as they are delicious and packed with antioxidants.
- Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), zucchini, red onion, button mushrooms. Marinade: 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs.
- Instructions: Chop veggies into 1-inch pieces. Marinate for 20 minutes, thread onto skewers, and grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
7. Balsamic-Glazed Portobello Mushrooms
These “veggie steaks” are meaty, savory, and a perfect main course for vegetarians.
- Ingredients: 4 large portobello mushrooms, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic (minced), salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Whisk together marinade ingredients. Brush onto both sides of the mushrooms. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side until tender.
8. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili-Lime Seasoning
A BBQ staple, but elevated. The chili-lime seasoning adds a smoky, tangy kick.
- Ingredients: 4 ears of corn, 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, zest of 1 lime, salt.
- Instructions: Brush corn with butter or oil. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning often, until lightly charred. Sprinkle with chili powder, lime zest, and salt.
9. Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan
A simple, elegant side dish that cooks in minutes.
- Ingredients: 1 bunch asparagus, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese.
- Instructions: Toss asparagus with oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Sprinkle with Parmesan immediately after removing from the grill.
10. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
A healthier alternative to french fries, with a delicious smoky flavor.
- Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt.
- Instructions: Cut sweet potatoes into wedges. Par-boil for 5 minutes to soften. Toss with oil and spices. Grill for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until grill marks appear.
11. Grilled Halloumi with Mint
This salty, firm cheese holds up perfectly on the grill and develops a wonderful creamy texture.
- Ingredients: 1 block of halloumi cheese, 1 tbsp olive oil, fresh mint leaves, squeeze of lemon juice.
- Instructions: Slice halloumi into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Brush with oil. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Serve topped with fresh mint and a squeeze of lemon.
12. Grilled Pineapple Slices with Cinnamon
Grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in pineapple, creating a warm, decadent, and healthy dessert.
- Ingredients: 1 fresh pineapple (cut into rings), 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Instructions: Sprinkle cinnamon over pineapple rings. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and grill marks appear.
13. Chicken & Pineapple Skewers
A perfect blend of sweet and savory that kids and adults will love.
- Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast (cubed), 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1 red bell pepper (cubed). Marinade: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp ginger.
- Instructions: Marinate chicken for 30 minutes. Thread chicken, pineapple, and pepper onto skewers. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
14. Grilled Zucchini Boats
Hollowed-out zucchini filled with fresh ingredients is a fun and low-carb grilling option.
- Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/4 cup feta cheese, 1 tbsp olive oil, fresh basil.
- Instructions: Halve zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the center. Brush with olive oil. Grill cut-side down for 3-4 minutes. Flip, fill with tomatoes and feta, and grill for another 5-7 minutes until tender. Top with fresh basil.
15. Grilled Peaches with a Drizzle of Honey
A simple yet sophisticated dessert. The heat brings out the sweetness of the peaches, making them incredibly juicy.
- Ingredients: 3 ripe peaches (halved and pitted), 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup.
- Instructions: Brush the cut side of the peaches with oil. Grill cut-side down for 3-4 minutes until soft and caramelized. Drizzle with honey before serving. A dollop of Greek yogurt on top is also delicious!
