32 of the Best Grilling Recipes for the Summer
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
Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil
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.
Grilled Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs
Grilled Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs in a simple homemade marinade is easy to make, packed with flavor, and makes a great grilled dinner.
Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled Pork Chops in a garlic and thyme marinade are easy to make and come out tender and juicy every time.
Thai Chicken Skewers
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.
Teriyaki Beef Kabobs
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 Barbecue Chicken
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
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
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.
Grilled Red Snapper
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!
Spicy Grilled Shrimp
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 Turkey Breast Tenderloin
Grilled turkey breast tenderloin in the most delicious maple mustard marinade. This easy-to-make grilled turkey breast comes out moist and delicious every time!
Grilled Chicken Tacos
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
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
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.
Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Marinade
Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak couldn't be easier to make and it healthy, delicious, and a meal your family will love.
Easy Grilled Swordfish
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 Hoisin Pork Tenderloin
With just four ingredients, this Grilled Hoisin Pork Tenderloin is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Grilled Fruit Recipes
Grilled Fruit Kabobs
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
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
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
Grilled watermelon is sweet, slightly smoky, and will be your new favorite side dish, dessert, or salad addition. Easy, delicious, and healthy.
Grilled Bananas
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Grilled Watermelon Salad
Grilled Watermelon Salad with feta cheese, red onions, fresh herbs, and a honey lime dressing is the best watermelon salad you will ever eat.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa
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
Easy Grilled Vegetables
These easy grilled vegetables seasoned with balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, and olive oil are the perfect side dish.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
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
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
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
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.
Easy Grilled Carrots
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
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.
Easy Grilled Corn (How to Grill Corn)
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:
- Turkey Tenderloin Marinade
- Balsamic Marinade for Grilled Vegetables
- Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- Light Italian Dressing
What to Serve with Grilled Main Dishes
Make a complete meal with these easy side dishes and drinks:
- Skinny Margaritas
- Easy Mojitos
- Spicy Cabbage and Corn Slaw
- Grilled Green Beans
- Grilled Lemon Asparagus with Feta
- Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad
- Fajita Veggies
- Easy Tzatziki
More Favorite Recipe Collections
What are the best meats to grill during the summer?
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.
What’s the easiest recipe to start with if I’m new to grilling?
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.
Can I grill without a gas grill?
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.