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Grilling season is here, and I couldn’t be more excited to share some of my all-time favorite recipes! These are the grilling recipes that my family and friends love and that I make sure gets made every summer. This roundup includes everything from simple grilled meats to fresh veggies. Whether you’re new to grilling or you’ve been doing it for years, these recipes are easy to follow and you can put together an entire (or multiple) grilling menus!
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To me, grilling is much more than just cooking outdoors; it’s about exploring new flavors, having fun as I cook, and making lasting memories with family and friends. That’s probably why everyone naturally gathers around the grill when it’s fired up. If you’re on the hunt for some easy yet delicious grilling recipes to cook out this summer, this roundup is packed with everything you need. And if you’re just starting out on the grill, be sure to check out my Grilling Tips for Beginners!
Reasons to Make More Grilling Recipes
- Unmatched flavor! I’m obsessed with that smoky and charred taste and smell that can only come from the grill. Grilling supercharges your favorite foods with that irresistible smokiness that you simply can’t get anywhere else. Whether it’s juicy burgers or perfectly grilled vegetable recipes, the grill does something magical to them.
- Go beyond the “bbq” flavor. One of my favorite things to do is experimenting with diverse recipes, from classic BBQ staples to global flavors. Sure, I love steaks, seafood, and kebabs – but I don’t limit the grill to just that. Your outdoor grill provides plenty of opportunities to experiment with various recipes that are not traditionally grilled (grilled pizza, anyone?).
- Perfect for large group events. I must say, cooking on the grill adds a fun and enjoyable aspect to any get-together. The grill becomes the hub for all my guests to gather around, salivating over the smokiness and anticipating all the deliciousness. And it’s an easy way to cook large amount of food for a big crowd.
- Easy cleanup. Cooking food on the grill saves you from using a bunch of pots and pans inside, so cleanup is a breeze. Because, I don’t know about you, but there’s so many better things I could be doing than dealing with dirty dishes.
Tips for Grilling Recipes for Summer
- Preheat the grill. Though often tempting (especially when hangry) – don’t skip this step. Your grill has to preheat properly to get the most mouthwatering results. A well-heated grill will help sear your food, retain its juices, and prevent it from sticking.
- Clean and oil the grates. Before grilling, clean the grates thoroughly to remove any residue from previous use. I like to use a grill brush to make sure it’s clean. Then, lightly oil the grill grates with an oil that has a high smoke point. This will prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Direct and indirect heat. Knowing where on your grill is direct heat and where indirect heat will be life-changing. Ask me how I know. Direct heat is for quick-cooking foods like burgers and vegetables, while indirect heat is for slower, more even-cooking of larger pieces of meat, bone-in meat, and anything else that may take longer than 20-25 minutes to cook. The difference between the two could mean an incredibly tender and delicious steak or a burnt piece of meat with a super raw interior.
- Marinate and season. Marinating meat and vegetables before grilling adds flavor and tenderizes the meats. This is where you can really have fun and let your creativity run wild! Experiment with different marinades, rubs, and spices to take your grilling recipes for summer to new (and delicious) heights. Here are some tasty chicken marinade recipes and 4 different steak marinades to get you started!
- Keep the lid closed. Keep the grill lid closed unless you need to flip the food or check for doneness. Not only will this help you maintain a consistent cooking temperature but it also prevents flare-ups.
Best Grilling Tools
I’ve compiled a list of my favorite grilling tools, which are essential for getting started and making the most of your grilling experience. Find more ideas on my Grilling Season Staples list on Amazon!
- Grilling Tongs and Turner Set
- Stainless Steel Grill Basket
- BBQ Metal Skewers
- Meat Thermometer
- Basting Brush
- Fish Turner
- Grill Prep and Serve Trays
- Grill Press
Best Grilling Recipes
This collection of easy grilling recipes has something for everyone. Skewer up some meat kabobs, enjoy the smoky flavors of grilled fish, and sink your teeth into juicy burgers with all the toppings. Plus, there are grilled chicken and beef dinners, simple grilled vegetable recipes, and flavorful vegetarian grilling recipes to explore. And finally, don’t forget to try grilled dessert recipes for a perfect finish to your meal! Get ready to show off your skills and impress everyone with a delicious feast they can’t resist!
Grilled Meat on a Stick (Skewers & Kabobs)
- Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs – Grilling kabobs is fun. Try this easy Mediterranean chicken recipe with fresh veggies and spices for a tasty grilled dish. If you’re looking for easy and tasty grilling meat recipes, you won’t regret going with this one.
- Grilled Beef Kabobs – Featuring marinated sirloin, sweet bell peppers, and crisp onions, these tender, and mouthwatering steak kabobs will have you craving more and are effortless to make.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers – These grilled shrimp skewers are simple to make and can be cooked quickly on a grill with a tangy marinade of lemon and herbs. They are packed with delicious flavors and are sure to be moist and juicy.
- Grilled Lamb Kabobs – Summer is the season for grilling, and if you’re planning a cookout, you can’t go wrong with these simple grilled lamb kabobs. Marinated in lemon, garlic, and spices, these lamb shish kabobs are a tasty and effortless dish that the whole family will enjoy.
- Shish Tawook – This juicy and flavorful Middle Eastern-style chicken dish is marinated with spices, yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic and perfectly grilled. It’s an incredibly flavorful main dish that’ll become a favorite from your repertoire of grilling meat recipes.
- West African Beef Kabobs (Suya) – Spicy beef skewers with peanut sauce is a tasty street food. The beef is seasoned with peanut butter, tomato paste, and spices, producing juicy, tender, and spicy meat.
- BBQ Shrimp Kabobs – Try these barbeque shrimp skewers for a delicious summer grilling recipe. Juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for cookouts! It takes easy grilling recipes to the next level delicious!
Meaty Burgers on the Grill
- Ground Chicken Burgers – These tasty alternatives to beef burgers are perfect for the grill. Packed with delicious seasoning and bursting with flavor, they make a delightful addition to any summer grilling menu.
- Avocado Burger – Made with homemade beef burger patties and topped with a creamy and zingy avocado crema, each bite is a burst of fresh flavors. But that’s not all – I’ve also added avocado right into the patty for an extra dose of creaminess.
- Beef Burgers – This seasonal recipe captures the true spirit of outdoor cooking, offering the best smoky-charred flavor that will have your taste buds dancing with beefy goodness. This is one of those traditional grilling meat recipes that’ll be on repeat.
- Salmon Burgers – With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can whip up these flavorful salmon burgers in no time. Whether you choose to grill them or cook them on a grill pan, they’re sure to be a hit.
- Lamb Burger – These juicy ground lamb burgers are quick to grill and bursting with flavor! Seasoned with mint, cumin, and cinnamon, they’re grilled to perfection and served on buns with tzatziki, pickled onions, and cucumber.
- Grilled Turkey Burger – Creating juicy and delicious ground turkey patties is a breeze with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. This grilling recipe for meat is perfect for those seeking a lighter burger with all the flavor.
- Grilled Chicken Burger with Yogurt – You know my love for Greek yogurt runs deep so it’s no surprise that I would add it to chicken burgers. And you know what? It may just be one of my favorite grilling meat recipes. Tender, juicy, and oh-so-delicious!
Grilling Chicken Recipes
- Grilled Chicken Thighs – Marinated in a homemade BBQ seasoning blend that infuses the meat with a smoky, savory depth of flavor that is so good you’ll have a hard time just eating one. Add this to your list of classic grilling recipes for summer!
- Grilled Lemon & Herb Chicken Salad – Once you’ve mastered using a grill, you can easily make any grilling recipe easy. Enjoy a refreshing meal in warm weather by adding juicy marinated chicken to your salads.
- Dijon Mustard Grilled Chicken – If you’re looking for unique grilling meat recipes, you’ve come to the right place. Transform your regular weeknight meal into a fun BBQ night with mouthwatering grilled mustard chicken that’s cooked just right!
- Grilled Chicken Tenders – Whether you’re using a propane grill or a charcoal grill, chicken tenders are a breeze to prepare and ideal for busy weeknight dinners. Pair it with delicious grilled vegetable recipes for a simple but flavorful dinner.
- Grilled Lemon Chicken – Grilled lemon chicken is a delicious grilling recipe that’s perfect for summer. It’s tender, juicy, and packed with Mediterranean goodness, making it a healthy and refreshing option.
- Grilled Harissa Chicken – Spice up your chicken dinners with juicy and flavorful grilled harissa chicken thighs. Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon and harissa seasoning, these easy-to-cook thighs are bursting with Mediterranean goodness.
- Grilled Chicken Marinated in Yogurt – Level up your summer grilling with tender chicken breasts marinated in yogurt, creating a delicious and perfectly grilled treat. Add some excitement to your barbecue with yogurt-marinated chicken!
- Chicken Gyro – If you’re looking for easy grilling recipes that can be a complete meal, these chicken gyros are perfect! Wrap in pita bread, top with your favorite toppings, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce for the ultimate summer meal.
- Chicken Kafta – Traditional Lebanese chicken kafta is quick and easy to make and uses only simple ingredients. Serve it with rice, salad, or a pita with a little garlic sauce. Or pair it with some grilled vegetable recipes for an easy summer meal.
Other Grilling Meat Recipes
- Grilled Lamb Chops – Marinated in an awesome blend of olive oil, fresh lemon, garlic, and mint, these grilled lamb chops are flavor-packed and only take 8 minutes on the grill! It’s one of those easy grilling recipes that you’ll be coming to again and again.
- Grilled Steak – Follow this simple grilling tutorial for beginners to cook the most delicious steak! Grilling meat recipes doesn’t have to be intimidating – read up to get all my essential grilling tips for the most tender and perfectly charred steak.
- Steak Gyros – Indulge in the ultimate winner of a dish: marinated flank steak grilled to perfection, served in a warm pita with fresh veggies and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. It’s one of the best grilling recipes for summer that the whole family will love.
- Beef Kafta – If you want a delicious and easy meal to grill, try Lebanese beef kafta! With just four basic ingredients – ground beef, onions, parsley, and spices. This dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for grilling outdoors or on a grill pan.
- Steak Salad – This steakhouse salad is irresistibly delicious, topped with blue cheese, avocados, tangy pickled onions, and a quick homemade balsamic dressing. The best part is the flank steak that can be grilled indoors or on your backyard grill.
Easy Grilling Seafood Recipes
- Grilled Mahi Mahi with Avocado Salsa – Sprinkled with flavorful spices and adorned with a delightful mango and avocado salsa, this dish bursts with vibrant colors. It’s a perfect choice for both grilling indoors and outdoors!
- Grilled Salmon – Become a grilling master with this simple, step-by-step guide to cooking salmon with the skin on. Achieve tender, flaky, and perfectly cooked results every time! Easy grilling recipes like this salmon are a gateway to grilling confidence.
- Grilled Lobster Tail – If you’re looking for grilling recipes for summer to impress your guests, this one is a must. Grilled lobster tail gives you that smoky char and tender shellfish meat that is oh-so-good!
- Grilled Cod – Enjoy moist grilled cod with a quick seasoning that takes only 15 minutes to make! And don’t worry—I’ve got useful tips to ensure your cod doesn’t stick to the grill. Add this your repertoire of easy grilling recipes.
- Pesto Grilled Salmon & Pasta – Grilled skewered salmon coated in pesto and accompanied by a side of parmesan pesto pasta. A must-try dish for the warmer season so be sure to add this one to your list of grilling recipes for summer.
- Grilled Fish Tacos – Savor the ultimate summer dish with fish tacos! Loaded with tender mahi mahi, these tacos are filled with freshness and flavor. Topped with creamy coleslaw, avocados, and salsa, they make for a quick and delightful meal.
- Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa – A healthy, light, and delicious dinner option! Packed with protein and low in carbs and fats, it’s the perfect summer meal that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos – Tender shrimp with smoky grill marks are tucked into tortillas and topped with crunchy red cabbage slaw. This summer meal will quickly become one of your favorite easy grilling recipes.
Grilled Vegetable Recipes
- Grilled Asparagus – Add a fantastic option to your summer grilling menu with asparagus! Enjoy the best method for grilling asparagus without the need for a special BBQ basket or aluminum foil, giving it a delightful smoky touch.
- Grilled Corn – Become a grilling expert with this easy, step-by-step tutorial on how to grill corn, with or without husks. Grilling corn on the cob enhances its natural sweetness and adds a delightful smoky flavor.
- Grilled Zucchini – Add some wholesome grilled vegetables to your BBQ spread with this easy and delicious side dish. Grilled vegetable recipes like this one are a fantastic way to elevate any summer meal!
- Grilled Eggplant – Prepare a delicious and healthy vegan side dish in no time! This quick and easy recipe pairs perfectly with easy grilling recipes at cookouts, making it a fantastic addition to your meal.
- Grilled Baby Potatoes – Smoky, creamy, and perfectly seasoned potatoes make a great grilled side dish. You won’t regret adding this to your list of delicious vegetarian grilling recipes.
- Grilled Romaine – These lightly charred and smoky gems are brushed with a vibrant lemon vinaigrette and sprinkled with parmesan, creating a sensational flavor combination. It’s one of my favorite grilled vegetable recipes because it’s simple and oh-so-delicious!
- Grilled Tomatoes – Adding grilled tomatoes to your BBQ is a great way to enhance the flavor of your meal. The juicy and smoky taste makes it a perfect side dish to complement any dish. The char from the grill elevates the taste to a whole new level.
- Grilled Onions – Grilled Vidalia onions are simply a must-have addition to your grilling meat recipes, particularly when it comes to burgers. The perfect combination of sweetness and charred flavor is simply irresistible. You won’t regret giving this a try!
- Grilled Green Beans – With crispy texture and delicious smoky flavor, these grilled green beans will go with other grilling recipes for summer. You’ll be hooked and won’t make these any other way.
Vegetarian Grilling Recipes
- Grilled Pizza – Grilled pizza is the perfect summer meal! No need for an oven to get that perfect crust and melted cheese. Homemade is always better than delivery and this is one of those easy grilling recipes that is so satisfying to make.
- Grilled Portabella Mushrooms – You should try these delicious grilled Portobello mushroom steaks marinated in balsamic! They make a fantastic and flavorful addition to any grill and make a tasty option on your list of vegetarian grilling recipes.
- Quinoa Burger – Satisfy your cravings with a quinoa burger loaded with black beans and grilled to perfection. It’s a delicious marvel that holds its shape and packs 10 grams of protein per patty.
- Chickpea Burger – This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian burger is easy to make and flavorful. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal and make this a go-to on your list of vegetarian grilling recipes.
- Grilled Eggplant Parmesan – This eggplant Parmesan is a lighter take because it’s grilled instead of baked and made without the traditional breading. It’s low-carb, easy to prepare, and makes a delicious summertime dinner.
- Grilled Veggie Kabobs – If you’re looking for easy vegetarian grilling recipes, make sure to add this to your repertoire. With layers of vibrant colors, irresistibly smoky flavor, and just the right amount of charred goodness, these kabobs are oh-so-delicious!
- Grilled Baked Potatoes – Turn a humble potato into a smokin’ delicious sensation! With perfectly crispy skin and a fluffy interior, this is hands-down one of the coziest grilled vegetable recipes.
- Grilled Halloumi Cheese – Grilling halloumi is easy and the end result is a creamy texture with just the right amount of saltiness. It’s truly delicious and accompanies other vegetarian grilling recipes so well!
Grilled Dessert Recipes
- Grilled Fruit Kabobs – These delightful BBQ fruit skewers are enjoyable for the entire family, and grilling fruit adds a delicious twist to the flavors! Serve these as a side or as a refreshing dessert after the big meal.
- Grilled Peaches – These smoky and caramelized peaches make for a delicious dessert and are perfect for topping with ice cream and granola! It’ll quickly become one of your favorite grilled dessert recipes.
- Strawberry Smores – This strawberry s’mores recipe is a twist on the classic s’mores summer snack but with added strawberries – a quick dessert recipe that is very kid-friendly and a must-have on your list of grilling recipes for summer!
- Grilled Pineapple Spears – The ultimate summer treat! Sweet, juicy pineapple gets cut into spears for easy handling and is seasoned with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This is one of those grilled dessert recipes that won’t leave you with a heavy feeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
In short, most foods can be grilled. Meats like steaks, burgers, chicken, and lamb chops are obvious choices. But seafood, including fish, shrimp, and scallops are also great options. But the beauty of grilling recipes for summer is that even seemingly ungrillable foods can be grilled. Slap your favorite vegetables, fruits, and even desserts on the grill for a unique twist. In fact, some of my favorite grilled dessert recipes are grilled fruit.
A meat thermometer is your best friend when grilling. Use it to check the internal temperature of meats to ensure they reach a safe and desired level of doneness. Follow recommended cooking times and temperature guidelines for different types of food.
Marinades and seasonings can add incredible flavor to grilled dishes. Common options include barbecue sauce, teriyaki marinades, and dry rubs with a mix of herbs and spices. My favorite go-to is a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic and a drizzle of lemon.
I recommend using a grilling basket, skewers, or even aluminum foil packets to prevent the vegetables from falling through the grates. These tools help keep the veggies contained while allowing them to cook and develop that delicious smoky flavor.
Absolutely! Grilling is not just limited to meats. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian grilling recipes, including grilled vegetable skewers, plant-based burgers, tofu or tempeh, and even grilled fruits for dessert.
There are countless mouthwatering grilling recipes for summer, from skewered meats, juicy burgers (both meat-based and meat-free), flavorful vegetable sides, and even grilled dessert recipes. Summer is the perfect season to fire up the grill and prepare some irresistible grilling recipes.
Full List of Recipes
Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Beef Kabobs
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled Lamb Kabobs
Shish Tawook
West African Beef Kabobs (Suya)
Grilled BBQ Shrimp
Ground Chicken Burgers
Avocado Burger
Homemade Hamburgers
Salmon Burgers
Lamb Burger
Grilled Turkey Burgers
Juicy Grilled Chicken Burger
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Dijon Grilled Chicken
Grilled Chicken Tenders
Grilled Lemon Chicken
Grilled Harissa Chicken
Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Grilled Chicken Gyro
Chicken Kafta
Grilled Lamb Chops
How to Grill Steak
Steak Gyros
Beef Kafta
Steak Salad
Grilled Mahi Mahi with Avocado Salsa
How to Grill Salmon (Skin-on)
How to Cook Lobster Tail
Grilled Cod
Pesto Grilled Salmon & Pasta
Grilled Fish Tacos with Coleslaw
Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
How to Grill Asparagus
How to Grill Corn
How to Grill Zucchini
Grilled Eggplant
Grilled Potatoes
Grilled Romaine Lettuce
Grilled Tomatoes
Grilled Onions
Grilled Green Beans
Grilled Pizza
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Quinoa Burger
Chickpea Burger
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan
Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Baked Potato on a Grill
Grilled Halloumi
Grilled Fruit Kabobs
Grilled Peaches
Strawberry S’mores
Grilled Pineapple
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: 4th of July Recipes For a Crowd, Non-Boring Salad Recipes, No-Bake Desserts, and Quick and Easy Shrimp Recipes.
If you found this recipe roundup for Grilling Recipes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped