Fire up the grill with these sizzling summer grilling recipes that are perfect for backyard BBQ parties, family cookouts, and weeknight summertime dinners.
There’s nothing quite like firing up the grill on a warm sunny day. Summer grilling isn’t just about burgers and hot dogs (though I love those too!); it’s about bold flavors, fresh seasonal ingredients, and light, refreshing meals. From juicy marinated meats and charred veggies to sizzling skewers and crisp healthy salads, grilling turns even the simplest ingredients into flavor-packed dinners.
In this roundup, I’ve gathered the very best summer grilling recipes to inspire your next cookout. You’ll find everything from mouthwatering steak kabobs and BBQ chicken to healthy veggie dishes like marinated grilled summer vegetables and plant-based burgers.
I’ve also included classic BBQ staples like grilled chicken sandwiches and homemade steakhouse burgers, as well as summer sides like elote, grilled zucchini, and herbed potato foil packs.
These crowd-pleasing recipes are easy to prepare, infused with summer flavor, and perfect for enjoying under the sun. Whether you’re grilling for a party, a picnic, or a relaxing evening at home, these recipes are guaranteed to make your summer sizzle!
Summer Grilling Dinners
This kabob recipe is a flavorful and colorful addition to any summer grill session. It features tender top sirloin steak cubes marinated in a savory blend of olive oil, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, brown sugar, and spices. After marinating, the steak is skewered alongside vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onions. These kabobs will be a hit for both healthy summer dinners and backyard BBQs.
These tacos are a fresh and flavorful take on a classic favorite. This recipe features lean white fish fillets—such as tilapia, halibut, or mahi-mahi—marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. After a quick grill, the fish is added to warm white corn tortillas and topped with finely shredded cabbage, homemade pico de gallo, and a simple, creamy white sauce made from sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, and seasonings. Ready in under 30 minutes, these tacos are a healthy and easy option for any summer meal.
This is a hearty and satisfying plant-based option perfect for summer grilling. Made with just 10 ingredients, these burgers combine cooked brown rice, toasted walnuts, sautéed onions, black beans, panko breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. A touch of coconut sugar and vegan BBQ sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor. The mixture is formed into patties that hold up well on the grill or skillet, offering a smoky, charred exterior and a tender interior. With nearly 10 grams of protein per patty, these burgers are both nutritious and crowd-pleasing.
This recipe is a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors and summer grilling. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned and grilled, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese, a generous spoonful of pesto, and a fresh tomato-basil relish. This dish captures the essence of a Margherita pizza without the crust, offering a healthy and low-carb meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.
These salmon fillets are marinated in olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. After marinating for at least an hour, the salmon is grilled until golden brown and served with lemon wedges for a fresh finish. This recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy salmon with minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick weeknight summer dinner.
This is a quick and tasty summer side dish that complements any grilled meal. Fresh asparagus spears are tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grilled until they have beautiful char marks and are fork-tender. After grilling, they're sprinkled with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese, adding a savory touch to the smoky flavor. This recipe is a great way to enjoy summer's seasonal vegetables.
This vibrant and healthy summer salad features succulent grilled chicken marinated in a zesty lemon herb dressing that doubles as the salad's dressing. Nestled atop a bed of crisp Romaine lettuce, the salad is garnished with diced cucumber, ripe Roma tomatoes, sliced red onion, creamy avocado, and Kalamata olives. This harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors creates a delicious and healthy meal perfect for summer dining.
Elote is a deliciously messy and flavorful BBQ side dish perfect for summer barbecues. Fresh corn on the cob is grilled until charred, then slathered with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, Mexican crema, and garlic. It's then sprinkled with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder or cayenne pepper, and fresh cilantro and finished with a squeeze of lime juice. The combination of smoky corn, creamy sauce, tangy cheese, and spicy seasoning makes this a standout dish for your summertime BBQs.
This burger's secret lies in the panade—a mixture of white bread and milk—that keeps the burgers moist and tender. Seasoned with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper, the ground beef mixture is formed into patties and grilled to your desired doneness. Optional scallions can be added for a subtle onion flavor. These burgers are perfect served on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
These pork chops are marinated in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and black pepper, which imparts a savory-sweet flavor and helps keep the meat juicy. After marinating for at least an hour, the chops are seared on a preheated grill for 2-3 minutes per side to achieve nice grill marks, then cooked over medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Serve them with some grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
These zucchini planks are drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkled with garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. They are grilled until the zucchini develops beautiful grill marks while retaining a tender-crisp texture. Once off the grill, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a garnish of chopped parsley or basil elevate the dish with bright, fresh flavors. This summer side pairs well with a variety of main courses, from veggie burgers to summer pastas, and can be customized with additions like red pepper flakes, balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
This mess-free and easy recipe combines boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts with red or gold potatoes and mushrooms, all tossed in olive oil and seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper. The mixture is divided among foil sheets, sealed into packets, and grilled for 10-15 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through. This method locks in moisture and flavor, making it ideal for camping trips or easy backyard dinners.
This flavorful BBQ Chicken is perfect for easy summer dinners or weekend cookouts. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are brushed with olive oil, seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper, and grilled over medium-high heat. The chicken is basted with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to create a flavorful glaze.
This is a unique twist to traditional pizza-making. Using homemade or store-bought pizza dough, the crust is brushed with oil and grilled on one side until golden brown. After flipping, it's topped with your choice of sauce, cheese, and toppings, then returned to the grill to melt the cheese and crisp the bottom. This method results in a crispy yet chewy crust with a smoky flavor. Personalize with various topping combinations.
This is a vibrant and healthy option for grilling enthusiasts. It captures the essence of fajitas in a convenient skewer form. Chunks of chicken breast are marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, and spices, then skewered alongside colorful bell peppers and red onions. After marinating for at least 30 minutes, the kababs are grilled until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
This unique take on grilled vegetables marinates them after grilling. This method allows hot, freshly grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, bell peppers, eggplant, and red onion to absorb a flavorful lemony herb garlic dressing more effectively. Cutting the vegetables into large pieces makes them easier to handle on the grill and develop better charred bits, enhancing their flavor. The result is a dish reminiscent of homemade antipasto, with the added benefit of being even more delicious the next day.
These skewers are a delicious combination of spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. The shrimp are grilled to perfection and then coated with a creamy chili sauce that adds a kick to each bite. This dish is not only flavorful but also healthy, with each serving containing 140 calories and 18.5 grams of protein. Whether served as a summer appetizer or a main course, these skewers are sure to impress at any summer gathering.
This pork tenderloin is marinated for 30 minutes in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, spices, oil, mustard, and honey, which imparts a rich flavor to the meat. After marinating, the tenderloin is grilled over medium heat, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful. This dish is perfect for those looking for a hearty yet healthy meal that's simple to prepare.
This easy recipe features kielbasa sausage, yellow squash, zucchini, and mushrooms. These ingredients are lightly seasoned and cooked in foil packets, making for an easy meal with minimal cleanup. The versatility of this recipe allows it to be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or even over a campfire, making it ideal for various summertime occasions. With just five minutes of prep time, this is perfect for busy weeknights or outdoor adventures.
These crispy, creamy potatoes are grilled in foil packets, which helps them steam and develop a golden, crisp exterior. This method not only enhances the flavor but also makes for an easy and healthy way to enjoy potatoes during the summer months. Seasoned with herbs and Parmesan or simply with salt and pepper, they are a versatile accompaniment to any grilled meal.
This summer recipe elevates the classic chicken sandwich with marinated chicken breasts infused with pickle juice and spices. They are grilled to perfection and topped with melted provolone cheese. The sandwich is assembled on a brioche bun toasted in bacon grease, adding a rich, savory note. Crispy bacon, seasoned mayo, fresh tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, and pickles complete this delicious and hearty sandwich.
This is a straightforward method for gas-grilling tender and flavorful pork ribs. Baby back ribs are seasoned with a homemade dry rub and cooked over indirect heat on a gas grill. During the grilling process, a glaze made from orange marmalade and apple cider vinegar is applied, adding a sweet and tangy flavor. This method ensures juicy ribs with a caramelized exterior, all without the need for specialized equipment.
These bowls combine grilled chicken with a variety of grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, pineapple, onions, and corn. It is served over a base of arugula and brown rice. Then, topped with a dairy-free herb pesto made from cilantro, parsley, basil, yogurt, and almonds. It is very customizable to your preferences and perfect for meal prep for the week or a light summer dinner.
This flavorful Carne Asada recipe features flank or skirt steak marinated in a blend of orange juice, lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, and spices. After marinating, the steak is grilled to achieve a tender and juicy result. This versatile dish can be served as a main course or used in tacos, burritos, or salads.
This flavorful and healthy recipe involves slicing eggplants and marinating them in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs before grilling to perfection. The grilling process imparts a smoky flavor and soft texture to the eggplant slices. It is suitable for those following Paleo, Whole30, Keto, and Vegan diets.
This quick and elegant halibut recipe involves brushing the fillets with garlic thyme butter and grilling them until flaky and tender. The mild flavor of the halibut pairs well with the herb butter, making this dish a light yet satisfying option for seafood lovers. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a easy option for summer parties and dinners.
More Summer Meals
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