Ah, summer evenings – the sun hangs lazily in the sky, and there’s a certain magic in the air that just begs for the smoky embrace of a grill. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a charcoal rookie, there’s something about the sizzle and pop of food cooking over an open flame that’s simply irresistible. Let’s explore a dozen healthy, yet indulgent, summer dinners that promise to transform your backyard into a culinary paradise.
Steps
- Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp: Prepare the chimichurri sauce in advance by mixing cilantro, garlic, and lime. Marinate the shrimp in the sauce, then grill them until cooked through.
- Orange Juice BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Create a tangy BBQ sauce using orange juice. Grill the chicken breasts and use the sauce to baste them during cooking.
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin Tacos: Marinate the pork tenderloin in salt, pepper, lime juice, and cumin. Grill the pork and serve in tacos with homemade salsa verde.
- Honey Lime Chicken with Grilled Peach & Corn Salad: Marinate chicken in honey and lime, then grill. Combine grilled corn and peaches with fresh herbs for a refreshing salad.
- Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers with Coconut Quinoa: Marinate shrimp in a ginger-soy mixture, then skewer with pineapple pieces. Grill and serve with coconut-flavored quinoa.
- Curry Turkey Burgers with Mint Yogurt Sauce: Mix ground turkey with curry powder, cumin, and herbs. Grill the patties and top with a mint yogurt sauce.
- Grilled Chicken Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki Sauce: Marinate chicken in yogurt, grill, and wrap in pita with veggies. Add homemade tzatziki sauce using watermelon rind for flavor.
- Blackened Salmon Tacos: Season salmon with blackening spices and grill. Serve in tacos with mango habanero salsa and your choice of toppings.
- Watermelon Grilled Chicken: Grill chicken with a balsamic glaze. Serve with watermelon slices for a sweet and savory BBQ dinner.
- Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos: Season and grill ahi tuna, keeping the inside tender. Pair with jalapeno cabbage slaw for a flavorful taco.
- Shrimp, Feta, and Cucumber Orzo Salad: Grill shrimp and mix with orzo, cucumber, and dill for a fresh pasta salad.
- Easy Grilled Lentil Veggie Burgers: Blend ingredients in a food processor, form patties, and grill on foil to prevent crumbling.
- Grilled Italian Sausage & Veggie Foil Packets: Combine sliced sausage, potatoes, and veggies in foil packets. Grill and enjoy easy clean-up.
- Grilled Greek Lamb Burgers: Mix lamb with feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Grill the patties and serve with your favorite toppings.
- Grilled Steak and Strawberry Salad: Grill steak and pair with a salad of strawberries, greens, and a strawberry vinaigrette.
- Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers with Pineapple Salsa: Season turkey burgers with jerk spices and grill. Serve with a fresh pineapple salsa.
- Roasted Salmon with Watermelon Salsa: Grill salmon on foil or a cedar plank with spice rub. Top with a watermelon salsa for a refreshing dish.
Ingredients
- Fresh shrimp
- Chimichurri sauce (cilantro, garlic, lime)
- Chicken breasts
- Orange juice BBQ sauce (orange juice, tangy, sweet, smoky ingredients)
- Pork tenderloin
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lime juice
- Cumin
- Honey
- Lime
- Fresh peaches
- Corn
- Fresh herbs
- Pineapple
- Ginger-soy marinade
- Coconut milk
- Quinoa
- Ground turkey
- Curry powder
- Mint yogurt sauce (yogurt, mint)
- Pita bread
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Tzatziki sauce (includes watermelon rind)
- Salmon
- Mango habanero salsa
- Watermelon
- Balsamic glaze
- Ahi tuna
- Jalapeno cabbage slaw
- Feta cheese
- Cucumber
- Orzo pasta
- Fresh dill
- Lentils
- Assorted vegetables (for veggie burgers)
- Italian sausage
- Potatoes
- Foil packet vegetables
- Lamb burgers ingredients (feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives)
- Strawberries
- Strawberry vinaigrette
- Greens (e.g., salad mix)
- Red onions
- Jamaican jerk seasoning
- Pineapple salsa
- Watermelon salsa ingredients
- Spice rub for salmon
FAQ
- How can I make grilling easier on busy weeknights?
- Prepare sauces or marinades in advance, such as chimichurri or orange juice BBQ sauce, so you can quickly toss your protein on the grill when you’re ready to cook.
- What are some unique ingredients I can use in my grilling recipes?
- You can try incorporating watermelon rind in tzatziki sauce for a refreshing twist or using fruit salsas like pineapple or watermelon to add a sweet and savory balance to your grilled dishes.
- How can I prevent veggie burgers from falling apart on the grill?
- To keep veggie burgers intact while grilling, place a sheet of foil on the grill grates before adding the burgers. This helps to maintain their shape and prevents crumbling.
- Do you have any tips for adding more flavor to grilled meats?
- Enhance the flavor of your grilled meats by marinating them with spices and herbs, such as cumin and lime for pork tenderloin or Jamaican jerk seasoning for turkey burgers.
- What are some easy grilling recipes for entertaining guests?
- Try simple yet flavorful recipes like honey lime chicken with grilled peach and corn salad or grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers with coconut quinoa, which are both easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining.
Tips
- Prepare sauces and marinades ahead of time to save on prep time when grilling. This allows you to focus on cooking and enjoying your meal without the hassle of last-minute preparation.
- Use foil packets for grilling smaller or delicate items like sliced sausages, potatoes, and vegetables. This method not only prevents ingredients from falling through the grill grates but also makes cleanup a breeze.
- When grilling foods that are prone to sticking, such as salmon, consider using a sheet of aluminum foil or a cedar plank on the grill grates. This helps prevent the food from sticking and makes flipping or removing it easier.
- For veggie burgers that may crumble on the grill, place a sheet of foil on the grill grates before adding the burgers. This ensures they hold together while still getting that grilled flavor.
Equipment
- Grill (if you don’t already have one)
- Skewers (metal or bamboo)
- Food processor (for making veggie burgers)
- Cedar planks (for grilling salmon)
- Meat thermometer (to ensure proper cooking of meats)
- Grill basket or grill mat (to prevent smaller items from falling through the grates)
- Aluminum foil (for making foil packets and preventing sticking)
- Marinade injector (for more flavorful meats, optional but useful)
