100 Easy Healthy Grilling Recipes To Make This Summer (2024)

by Lisa Wells / 12 Comments

Fire up the grill, it's BBQ season! This ultimate guide to healthy grilling includes over 100 easy recipes and grilling ideas for dinner. With yummy recipes for grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, ribs, burgers, vegetables, classic sides, and more you'll have easy dinners all summer long.

100 Easy Healthy Grilling Recipes To Make This Summer (1)

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox.Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Froma backyard grill toan open campfire, nothing tastes better than food cooked over a fire. We grill year-round (even when we have to dig the grill out of a snowbank). But in the summer, Ilike to close the kitchen and cook everything outside.

For daily use, you can'tbeat the convenience of a gas grill.It heats up quickly and you can control the heat easily. If you have more time, a wood fire or charcoal adds a great smoky flavor to your BBQ.

This post contains affiliate links. For more info pleaseread my full disclosure statementhere.

Whether you use a gas grill or charcoal, here are a fewtips to keep in mind:

  • Always start with a clean grill. This will help keep food from sticking.
  • Preheat the grill. Besure toget it hot before you start cooking for a good sear.
  • Use a meat thermometerto make sure your meat or poultry is done – not overdone – and it willcome out juicy, tender, and perfect every time.

RELATED:Buyers' Guide to Organic Grass Fed Meat Delivery

Healthy Grilling Recipes

These easy grilling recipes are all healthy and gluten-free with many options that are low carb, keto, paleo and Whole30 friendly. Including healthy sides for steak, chicken and more.

Chicken &Turkey Recipes

100 Easy Healthy Grilling Recipes To Make This Summer (2)

Grilled chicken is a classic. Whether you prefer chicken breasts or chicken thighs on the grill, this list gives you plenty of options. And don't forget to try a turkey burger recipe when you want to switch things up!

Beef &Pork Recipes

100 Easy Healthy Grilling Recipes To Make This Summer (3)

From juicy hamburgers to grass-fed steaks, sausages to lamb, there are plenty of delicious meaty recipe ideas to try here. And don't forget a marinade for your protein with ingredients like olive oil, lime juice, garlic, ginger and fresh herbs.

Fish &Shrimp Recipes

100 Easy Healthy Grilling Recipes To Make This Summer (4)

These fish on the grill recipes are perfect for quick and easy dinners. Whether you grill shrimp, lobster, or salmon, seafood is one of the fastest things to cook on the grill. Plus it keeps the mess outside and makes for easy cleanup.

Vegetables &Sides

100 Easy Healthy Grilling Recipes To Make This Summer (5)

So many veggies are great on the grill. In fact, I can't think of any that aren't enhanced by the smoky grill flavor. Try your favorites with olive oil, salt and pepper for a simple side. Or try one of these tasty recipes.

Grilled Appetizers & Snacks

If you're heating up the grill for dinner, why not throw the appetizers on first? These starters will give everyone something to munch on while you BBQ the main course.

Classic BBQ Sides & Sauces

100 Easy Healthy Grilling Recipes To Make This Summer (7)

Half the fun of a BBQ is the side dishes! These options cover all the classics from (sweet) potato salad to coleslaw to old school broccoli salad – all made healthy, paleo and gluten-free!

Make Ahead Desserts

100 Easy Healthy Grilling Recipes To Make This Summer (8)

Make-ahead desserts make dinner no-stress. Just put them out family-style and let everyone help themselves. There's something here for everyone from vegan to keto. And all are gluten-free and paleo-friendly.

  • Easy Paleo Brownie - Cook Eat Well
  • Easy Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies - Cook Eat Well
  • Red, White and Blue Berries and Cream (Paleo, Vegan, Keto) - Cook Eat Well
  • Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe (Paleo, Vegan, Keto) - Cook Eat Well
  • Coffee Ice Cream (Paleo, Vegan, Dairy Free) - Cook Eat Well

Desserts on the Grill

When you want to grill dessert too, here are some delicious grilled dessert recipes to try!

With all of these easy and healthy summer grilling recipes, you'll never run out of dinner ideas!

Pin It For Later

100 Easy Healthy Grilling Recipes To Make This Summer (9)

More Dinner

  • Crock Pot Turkey Bolognese Sauce with Zucchini Noodles
  • 21 Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes For Easy Healthy Meals
  • Easy Rotisserie Chicken Soup in a Hurry (Leftover Recipe)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats

    Pure perfection! Loving this awesome roundup of grilling recipes. I big time live by the grill during this time of year and can't wait to try a few of these recipes. Thanks for including me in your life, so honored!!

    Reply

    • Lisa

      You're welcome Krista! This list will definitely keep me busy for a while trying new recipes. Looking forward to trying your balsamic chicken!

      Reply

    • Lisa

      You're welcome Kelly! 🙂

      Reply

  2. Eileen @ Phoenix Helix

    What a great roundup! Thanks for including me.

    Reply

    • Lisa

      You're welcome Eileen! 🙂

      Reply

  3. Laurie

    What a great resource of recipes! Pinned and subscribed!
    Thank you for sharing with us at Brag About It!
    ~Laurie

    Reply

    • Lisa

      Thanks Laurie!

      Reply

  4. chefxchange

    Omg this is such a great compilation! Saving the list for later when I'm sure the BBQ weather in London is to stay!

    Reply

  5. Sabrina B

    wow, what a wonderful list of recipes! thank you for all of these, just found your wonderful japapeno-mango-avocado salsa with chicken recipe and love all of those flavors, will have to make all of these this summer

    Reply

  6. Carolyn

    Thanks so much for including me. Pinning!

    Reply

    • Lisa

      Thanks for the great recipe Carolyn!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

100 Easy Healthy Grilling Recipes To Make This Summer (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest form of grilling? ›

And that is a big plus, because research has shown that grilling with gas is thought to be safer than grilling over charcoal, according to Healthline. There is less smoke and heat with gas grilling – two things that can spur the creation of those cancer-causing compounds.

How to make grilling healthy? ›

Avoid eating grilled meats that are overdone or burnt. Watch for hidden added sugars and sodium. Don't drown your grilled masterpiece in salty sauces, sugary condiments or heavy dressings. Use as little of these as possible, or make your own healthier condiments.

What are 4 foods that can be grilled? ›

Grill-Worthy Veggies
  • Sweet peppers (6-8 minutes each side)
  • Onions (5-7 minutes each side)
  • Zucchini and other summer squash (5 minutes each side)
  • Corn (25 minutes)
  • Portabella mushrooms (7-10 minutes per side)
  • Romaine lettuce hearts (3 minutes per side)
Jun 26, 2022

What can I grill besides hamburgers and hotdogs? ›

What Can You Cook On A Grill Besides Hamburgers
  1. Avocado. Say hello to your new way to enjoy avocado – grilled to perfection. ...
  2. Grilled Cheese. Let's say you're craving a grilled cheese sandwich. ...
  3. Fajitas. ...
  4. Tomatoes. ...
  5. Scallops. ...
  6. Watermelon. ...
  7. Clams (with spiced paprika butter) ...
  8. co*cktails.

Which grill is healthier charcoal or gas? ›

To achieve a healthy style of grilling, using gas over charcoal is a really smart decision. Besides the benefits of avoiding the cancer-causing carcinogens, gas grilling is more convenient, ready at any time, and easier to clean up.

Can grilling be healthy? ›

Grilling isn't just a tradition, it also can be one of the healthiest ways to cook. There's no oil to add extra fat and calories; no heavy breading or frying to weigh grilled meat down.

What are 5 foods good for grilling? ›

  • Chicken halves. You get a great dinner plus leftovers for chicken noodle soup or enchiladas or whatever.
  • Pork steak 2 inches thick cut from the butt/shoulder. ...
  • Shish*to peppers. ...
  • Any kind of large peppers you like. ...
  • Onions. ...
  • Mix the peppers and onions. ...
  • Golden beets are f'king amazing grilled. ...
  • Spring/bulb/grilling onions.
Feb 4, 2022

What makes grilling unhealthy? ›

Grilling can create cancer-causing chemicals

When cooking over high heat, especially an open flame, you are exposed to two main carcinogens: heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies show HCAs and PAHs cause changes in DNA that may increase the risk of cancer.

What is the least toxic way to grill? ›

8 Tips To Avoid Hidden Health Hazards While You Grill
  1. #1 Stop Using Aluminum Foil. ...
  2. #2 Don't Overcook Your Meat. ...
  3. #3 Choose The Right Marinade. ...
  4. #4 Clean Your Grill Before and After Cooking. ...
  5. #5 Pre-Cook Your Meat. ...
  6. #6 Choose High-Quality Meat.

What foods should not be grilled? ›

Be sure to steer clear of these 7 grilling mistakes you didn't know you were making as well.
  1. Pork chops. Raw pork chops on a cutting board (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  2. Delicate fish. Flaky fish (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  3. Bacon. ...
  4. Peeled shrimp. ...
  5. Tofu. ...
  6. Leafy greens. ...
  7. Tomatoes. ...
  8. Foods that you can cook on a grill.
Apr 23, 2023

What can I grill besides burgers? ›

  • 42 / 58. Grilled Orange Chicken Thighs. This orangey chicken was the first meal I served my future husband. ...
  • 43 / 58. Grilled Pork with Avocado Salsa. I love the zesty taste of this moist grilled tenderloin. ...
  • 44 / 58. Barley Beef Burgers. Barley adds another dimension to an old-fashioned hamburger.
Mar 12, 2024

What is the easiest meat to grill? ›

Chicken is the go-to option and holy grail of any grill experience. If you are looking for the best and easiest meat to grill—chicken thighs are just the meat cuts you need. Talk to experienced grillers and they will tell you that this part of the chicken, especially with the skin left on, is superior to any other cut.

What can I do instead of grilling chicken? ›

Since you are using an oven instead of a grill, turn on the BROILER. Cook each side of the chicken until golden brown… it will look beautiful. When it's done, pull it out, drizzle a little olive oil and lemon juice on it, let it rest for 10 minutes. BAM eat it as is or put it on a sandwich or slice for a salad!

What is the healthiest way to cook meat? ›

Grilling, roasting, baking, broiling, steaming, press cooking and slow cooking are some of the healthiest ways to cook meat. And yes, you should avoid deep-frying it. “Avoid marinades and sauces that are high in sugar and sodium,” she adds.

Is propane grilling healthier than charcoal? ›

Propane or natural gas burns relatively clean. The by-products of their combustion are mostly just water vapor and carbon dioxide. Charcoal, on the other hand, produces a whole host of other molecules, some of which can indeed land on your food and flavor it.

How do you grill without carcinogens? ›

Tips for healthier grilling
  1. Don't grill the meat over direct heat. ...
  2. If the meat has to be grilled over a direct flame, turn the meat over frequently to reduce exposure to carcinogens.
  3. If the meat has charcoal parts, trim them off before serving.
Jun 30, 2023

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kieth Sipes

Last Updated:

Views: 5995

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kieth Sipes

Birthday: 2001-04-14

Address: Suite 492 62479 Champlin Loop, South Catrice, MS 57271

Phone: +9663362133320

Job: District Sales Analyst

Hobby: Digital arts, Dance, Ghost hunting, Worldbuilding, Kayaking, Table tennis, 3D printing

Introduction: My name is Kieth Sipes, I am a zany, rich, courageous, powerful, faithful, jolly, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.