32 of the Best Grilling Recipes for the Summer

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Here are 32 of the Best Grilling Recipes for the summer! These recipes are smoky, charred, and perfectly cooked on the grill. Make grilled proteins, veggies, or even fruit that's loaded with flavor and is perfect for enjoying on a warm summer day.

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Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook when the weather starts to warm up, and I've got a slew of recipes I keep on deck that everyone loves!

This list has everything you need for the perfect summer barbecue, so you’ll never run out of ideas. I've also included tips, marinades, and serving suggestions so you can get grilling in no time!

Main Dishes For Grilling

Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon with honey and garlic is an easy 20-minute dinner that the whole family will love. It's easy to make and is a must for anyone who loves cilantro.

Thai Chicken Skewers

292 CAL 4 HOURS, 15 MIN
Thai peanut chicken skewers with green onions and peanut sauce on a plate.

Thai Chicken Skewers that taste as good as take-out but can be made at home on the grill. Served with a simple homemade peanut sauce, these Thai chicken skewers are a healthy dinner option your whole family will love.

These Teriyaki Steak Kabobs are made with fresh veggies, tender beef, homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce, and cooked on the grill for 15 minutes!

Grilled Sriracha BBQ Chicken is sweet, spicy, and finger-lickin' good and ready in 10 minutes. It's a spicy twist on traditional BBQ chicken that's perfect for throwing on the grill and serving up with your favorite sides.

Grilled Tofu

211 CAL 40 MIN
Grilled tofu in a marinade made with soy sauce served in a bowl with cilantro.

Grilled Tofu is anything but boring or bland. The marinade soaks into this plant-based protein, infusing it with the perfect punch of umami-rich, caramelized flavor! Slap it on the grill for an Asian-inspired dish that's ready in under 10 minutes.

Grilled Steak Fajita Salad brings together juicy marinated steak, charred peppers and onions, and a tangy honey-lime dressing for a fresh, satisfying meal that's ready in 30 minutes.

This Grilled Red Snapper is flaky and flavorful and will make you rethink white fish forever. You can season it however you like, and it's ready in 10 minutes!

This Spicy Grilled Shrimp recipe is one of our family's favorites for busy nights! It's quick, flavorful, and can be served in a million different ways.

Grilled Chicken Tacos marinated in lime juice and homemade taco seasoning come out juicy and tender every time. These healthy chicken tacos pack a flavor punch and couldn't be easier to make.

Grilled Mahi Mahi

179 CAL 15 MIN
Grilled mahi mahi with paprika spice rub and pineapple salsa served on a white plate.

Make this easy Grilled Mahi Mahi in just 10 minutes! Coated in a homemade spice run and served with refreshing pineapple salsa.

Sesame Soy Grilled Tuna

237 CAL 2 HOURS, 10 MIN
Grilled tuna with soys sauce and sesame seeds on a plate with green onions, lettuce, and cooked peppers.

Sesame Soy Grilled Tuna that tastes just like your favorite restaurant but is made at home. Don't be intimidated to cook this easy grilled or pan seared tuna at home for a healthy and delicious dinner.

This easy Grilled Swordfish is marinated in a combination of garlic, lemon, and soy sauce and then grilled until light and flaky. A great way to enjoy swordfish!

Grilled Fruit Recipes

Grilled Fruit Kabobs are the perfect way to take your next picnic or barbecue to the next level. All you need is an assortment of fresh fruits, lime juice, and honey to create the ultimate summertime side dish.

Grilled Plums

73 CAL 15 MIN
Grilled plums on a plate with honey, butter, cinnamon, and a dollop of whipped cream.

Grilled Plums with honey, cinnamon, and a touch of butter make the most amazing dessert and are equally as delicious for breakfast or a snack.

Grilled Pineapple

102 CAL 25 MIN
Grilled pineapple with brown sugar and flaky sea salt on a plate.

Grilled Pineapple involves thick slices of fresh pineapple brushed with brown sugar, sprinkled with flaky sea salt, and grilled to smoky perfection. Enjoy for dessert or a side dish, add to salads, make salsa, and more!

Grilled Watermelon

115 CAL 20 MIN
Grilled watermelon on a platter served with chili powder, lime wedges, and fresh mint.

Grilled watermelon is sweet, slightly smoky, and will be your new favorite side dish, dessert, or salad addition. Easy, delicious, and healthy.

Grilled Bananas

129 CAL 25 MIN
Grilled bananas on a plate with peanut butter, chocolate, and cinnamon.

Grilled Bananas take 10 minutes to make and are perfectly caramelized with a hint of smokiness from the grill. It's a great way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter!

Grilled Apples

165 CAL 20 MIN
Grilled apples in a foil packet with cinnamon, yogurt, and granola on a plate.

These grilled apples taste just like apple pie filling with a touch of that delicious, smoky grill flavor! Apple slices are tossed with spices and butter and cooked in a foil packet until tender and smoky for a delicious treat.

Grilled Avocados

176 CAL 15 MIN
Grilled avocado halves drizzled with oil and sprinkled with pepper, served in a bowl beside coarse salt.

Grilled avocados are the unsung hero of easy, smoky, and creamy side dishes. They're quick to make, versatile, and totally addicting! Use them on tacos, in salsas, loaded on burgers, for dressing, dips, and more.

Grilled Plantains

168 CAL 20 MIN
Grilled plantains with dark brown grill marks on a plate with cinnamon on the side.

Grilled Plantains are the flavor of summer! They've got crispy edges, soft centers, and that perfect caramelized sweetness. Oh, and did I mention you only need two ingredients?

Grilled Apples

165 CAL 20 MIN
Grilled apples in a foil packet with cinnamon, yogurt, and granola on a plate.

These grilled apples taste just like apple pie filling with a touch of that delicious, smoky grill flavor! Apple slices are tossed with spices and butter and cooked in a foil packet until tender and smoky for a delicious treat.

Grilled Pineapple

102 CAL 25 MIN
Grilled pineapple with brown sugar and flaky sea salt on a plate.

Grilled Pineapple involves thick slices of fresh pineapple brushed with brown sugar, sprinkled with flaky sea salt, and grilled to smoky perfection. Enjoy for dessert or a side dish, add to salads, make salsa, and more!

Grilled Bananas

129 CAL 25 MIN
Grilled bananas on a plate with peanut butter, chocolate, and cinnamon.

Grilled Bananas take 10 minutes to make and are perfectly caramelized with a hint of smokiness from the grill. It's a great way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter!

Grilled Plantains

168 CAL 20 MIN
Grilled plantains with dark brown grill marks on a plate with cinnamon on the side.

Grilled Plantains are the flavor of summer! They've got crispy edges, soft centers, and that perfect caramelized sweetness. Oh, and did I mention you only need two ingredients?

Grilled Figs

117 CAL 15 MIN
Grilled figs with balsamic glaze served in a bowl with two spoons.

Learn how to make the most amazing Grilled Figs that are worthy of any restaurant! Serve them as a fancy appetizer with cheese and fresh herbs, tossed in salads, or served with ice cream for the best summer dessert. Ready in just 10 minutes.

This Grilled Pineapple Salsa made with sweet grilled pineapple, jalapeno peppers, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice is the perfect topping for tacos, grilled meats, tortilla chips, and more.

Easy Grilled Vegetables

If you aren't grilling sweet potatoes, it's time to start! With caramelized grill marks, the perfect spice blend, and minimal prep work - these grilled sweet potatoes will be one of the best summer side dishes you've ever tried.

Grilled Yellow Squash is the perfect summer side dish tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and lightly charred on the grill! Pair it with your favorite grilled meats for a filling backyard barbecue feast.

Grilled Bok Choy

65 CAL 15 MIN
Grilled bok choy with sweet chili sauce served on a plate.

Grilled Bok Choy is tossed in soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sweet chili sauce and is ready in 10 minutes! It's an easy vegetable side dish that pairs great with any meal.

Grilled Romaine

112 CAL 15 MIN
Grilled romaine lettuce halves topped with grated Parmesan, herbs, and black pepper, served with a lemon slice on a white plate.

Grilled romaine is a simple yet game-changing way to add flavor and texture to your salads or meals, combining a smoky char with fresh, vibrant ingredients in just 15 minutes.

These Easy Grilled Carrots are the perfect balance of smoky and sweet, making them the ultimate side dish for just about any meal, and they come together in no time.

Garlic Grilled Eggplant is perfect if you're looking for a quick, smoky side dish with deep, savory flavors! It's easy to make, versatile, and delicious.

Grilled corn is a summer staple that never disappoints! Whether you're cooking it in the husk, wrapped in foil, or straight on the grill, this recipe will have you enjoying that perfect smoky flavor in no time.

Tips to Make the Grilling Process Easier

These grilling tips are perfect for nailing the grilling process, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro:

  • Preheat your grill properly: Give it at least 10–15 minutes to get hot so the food cooks evenly and gets that perfect sear.
  • Oil the grill grates: Adding a little oil to the grates prevents sticking and makes the grill easier to clean once you're done.
  • Use two heat zones: Set up one side of your grill for direct heat and the other for indirect so you can sear and then finish cooking without burning.
  • Don't press down on your food: Pressing burgers or chicken squeezes out the juices. Let them cook undisturbed for better flavor.
  • Keep a spray bottle handy: Use it to control flare-ups without killing the heat.
  • Invest in a meat thermometer: It takes the guesswork out of grilling and helps you avoid under- or overcooking.
  • Let meat rest before slicing: Give it 5–10 minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute and don't run out.
  • Cut evenly for even cooking: Make sure your veggies or skewered ingredients are all roughly the same size to cook at the same rate.
  • Don't overcrowd the grill: Give each item space to breathe so it cooks evenly and gets a good sear instead of steaming.

The Best Marinades for Proteins and Veggies

Level up your grilled proteins and veggies with these simple marinades:

What to Serve with Grilled Main Dishes

Make a complete meal with these easy side dishes and drinks:

More Favorite Recipe Collections

Some of the best meats for summer grilling include chicken thighs, pork chops, beef kabobs, steak, salmon, mahi mahi, and even turkey tenderloin. They're flavorful, cook quickly, and soak up marinades beautifully.

Start with something simple like Grilled Chicken Tacos or Easy Grilled Vegetables. They’re beginner-friendly, don’t require special tools, and come together fast with tons of flavor.

 

Yes! You can grill on a charcoal grill, electric grill, or even a grill pan on the stovetop. The flavor might vary slightly, but the techniques and recipes still work great.

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