The weather is warming up and that means it’s officially the start of grilling season! I thought it would be helpful to round up my favorite healthy grilling recipes from the blog over the years.
As you guys know, I love eating dinner outside when it’s warm. Thankfully, Matt loves to grill, so we’re planning to grill out as often as possible this summer. Here’s some recipe inspiration for healthy summer dinners that you can cook on the grill any night of the week – not just for weekend cookouts!
Click here to pin this image to save for later!
Easy BBQ Dinner Ideas
I love how easy and hands-off grilling is. Just toss your food on the grill, check on it occasionally, and you are ready to eat!
Plus, who wants to stay inside and cook on a nice, warm summer evening? Not me! I’d rather spend time with my family outside – maybe even with a refreshing drink in hand. 🙂
If that sounds like your kind of situation, here are some healthy, easy dinner recipes you can make on the grill!
Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp
Chimichurri sauce does double duty as a marinade and sauce for these skewers, packing in tons of cilantro-garlic-lime flavor.
The Chimichurri sauce can be made in advance, so that all you have to do on a busy weeknight is toss shrimp in the sauce and throw them on the grill!
Orange Juice BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
This orange juice BBQ sauce is my new favorite summer staple!
It’s tangy, sweet, smoky, and super easy to whip up. You can make the sauce in advance for a quick weeknight dinner, too!
Grill the chicken breasts instead of baking them for an easy and yummy dinner.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Tacos
These grilled pork tacos (plus the homemade salsa verde) are delicious.
The pork itself is super easy, too – it’s marinated in a simple combination of salt, pepper, lime juice, and cumin. That’s it!
Then, just toss it on the grill and get ready to enjoy.
Honey Lime Chicken with Grilled Peach & Corn Salad
This is a refreshing summer salad that’s tasty and filling, but doesn’t feel heavy. It’s super easy to make, too – great for entertaining!
I love the combination of sweet grilled corn and peaches with tangy lime marinated chicken and tons of fresh herbs.
Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers with Coconut Quinoa
These shrimp skewers are SO quick and easy on the grill.
The ginger-soy marinade paired with sweet pineapple reminds me of teriyaki sauce, and the addition of coconut milk to quinoa boosts the flavor even more. We’re definitely making this one all summer long!
Curry Turkey Burgers with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Say hello to the most flavorful turkey burger recipe ever! These ground turkey burgers are made with curry powder, cumin, and herbs, plus they’re topped with a creamy yogurt mint sauce that’s super easy to whip up.
These healthy turkey burgers will definitely be a hit at your next summer barbecue!
Grilled Chicken Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki Sauce
Juicy, yogurt-marinated grilled chicken is tucked into pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce that’s made with a unique ingredient: watermelon rind!
This recipe is perfect for less food waste, because it uses up leftover parts of the watermelon you might not normally eat. But it’s super refreshing, and very similar to cucumber in taste and texture.
Blackened Salmon Tacos
Crispy blackened salmon and juicy mango habanero salsa come together for a mouth-watering grilled salmon taco recipe!
The salmon can be blackened either on the stovetop or on the grill – either way, it’s perfection. Just add your favorite taco toppings and dig in.
Watermelon Grilled Chicken
Watermelon and chicken might seem like an odd combination, but I can assure you it’s totally delicious (and super summery)! The balsamic glaze adds to the sweet and savory flavor combination.
You’ll want to make this easy grilled chicken recipe all summer long! Just serve it with your favorite sides for the perfect BBQ dinner.
Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos
If you’re looking for a unique grilling recipe that’s a little different than the typical fare, try these seared tuna tacos! The outside is perfectly seasoned and crispy, while the inside stays tender.
The creamy jalapeno cabbage slaw adds another kick of flavor that makes this a must-try recipe.
Shrimp, Feta, and Cucumber Orzo Salad
I love simple & fresh pasta salads, and this one fits the bill with crisp cucumbers and fresh dill. You can easily grill the shrimp instead of roasting them for even more summery flavor!
Easy Grilled Lentil Veggie Burgers
These veggie burgers are my staple vegetarian option for summer cookouts.
They’re so easy to make: just whirl everything in the food processor! Plus, they’re so much tastier than store-bought veggie burgers.
If you’re worried about them crumbling on the grill, just place a sheet of foil down on the grill grates before adding the burgers to keep everything together.
Grilled Italian Sausage & Veggie Foil Packets
Foil packets make grilling smaller things (like sliced sausage, potatoes, and veggies) much easier. Talk about easy clean-up!
Simply toss all the ingredients in a foil packet, throw on the grill, and enjoy.
Grilled Greek Lamb Burgers
These lamb burgers have tons of flavor inside the burger, thanks to mix-ins like feta cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Feel free to swap ground turkey, chicken, or beef for the ground lamb – you do you.
Grilled Steak and Strawberry Salad
Fruity salads are perfect for summer – especially ones with strawberries! This sweet and savory salad makes for a great light but filling summer meal.
The strawberry vinaigrette adds a delicious tart flavor, and the greens and red onions add a slight crunch. It’s definitely one of my favorite summer recipes!
Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers with Pineapple Salsa
Turkey burgers don’t have to be dry and boring! These ones are loaded with flavor, thanks to spicy Jamaican Jerk seasoning, which is perfectly complemented by bright & fresh pineapple salsa.
Just grill the turkey burgers instead of cooking them on the stove. Be sure to make extra pineapple salsa to put on everything all week long. 🙂
Roasted Salmon with Watermelon Salsa
Can you tell I’m a fan of fruit salsas? They’re so summery and fresh, and I love the mix of sweet and savory in summer meals.
This watermelon salsa is a great balance to spice rubbed salmon, which you can easily grill instead of roast. Just place the salmon on a sheet of aluminum foil (or on a cedar plank) on the grill grates so it doesn’t stick!
I hope these healthy grilling recipes have inspired you to fire up your grill this summer!
For more summer recipe inspiration, check out these healthy 4th of July recipes (appetizers + desserts) and these healthy Labor Day recipes!
What foods are you most looking forward to grilling this summer? I’m all about the shrimp skewers lately!
