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Home » Recipe Index » Main Dishes

June 2, 2023 (Updated June 6, 2024)

Healthy Grilling Recipes for Summer

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

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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!

healthy grilling recipes for summer

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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!

grilled shrimp skewers with chimichurri sauce: healthy recipe for summer

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.

orange juice barbecue chicken sandwiches on a wooden platter: healthy grilling recipe for summer

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.

grilled pork tenderloin tacos

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.

honey lime chicken with grilled peach and corn salad

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!

grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers with coconut quinoa

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!

Curry Turkey Burgers with Mint Yogurt Sauce

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.

chicken gyros with watermelon rind tzatziki

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.

blackened salmon tacos with mango salsa

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.

grilled watermelon chicken with balsamic glaze

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!

shrimp cucumber feta orzo salad

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.

easy grilled lentil veggie burgers recipe

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 sausage and vegetable foil packets

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.

greek lamb burgers

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!

grilled steak and strawberry salad

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. 🙂

jamaican jerk turkey burgers

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!

Main Dishes Grill
- anne
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8 comments
  • TrackBuddy May 31, 2018 · 12:08PM:
    Mmmmmmmmm yes all of these!!! Also flank steak...and portobello mushrooms....and fish...love it all! :-)
    Reply
  • Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups
    May 31, 2018 · 1:12PM:
    I love grilling season, so many delicious meal options! Thanks for sharing these recipes.
    Reply
  • Roadrunner June 1, 2018 · 3:55AM:
    The salad looks particularly good, though all look great. And I am looking forward to grilling knockwurst!
    Reply
  • leslie June 1, 2018 · 9:54AM:
    Hi Anne! Wondering if you'd do a post on starting solids with Riese. I'm debating BLW and doing pureed veggies and fruits (or a combo of both). But would love to hear your feelings on how to transition to real food from breastmilk. Thanks!
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 4, 2018 · 9:18AM:
      Yes, I will definitely talk more about that soon - stay tuned! We JUST started a week ago :)
      Reply
  • Roadrunner July 9, 2020 · 9:03PM:
    Every one of these looks super as summer fare, thanks! Cannot wait to try them.
    Reply
  • Roadrunner June 3, 2023 · 4:50PM:
    Thanks, Anne, just in time for summer!
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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