20 Healthy Barbecue Recipes

Fire up the grill, and celebrate the season with 20 healthy barbecue recipes that are incredibly flavorful and delicious. From smoky veggies to tender and juicy BBQ chicken, there are plenty of tasty recipes to choose from!

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Grilled teriyaki turkey tenderloin on a plate, a healthy barbecue recipe.

There’s nothing better than heading outside to cook dinner with family and friends, and as long as my grill isn’t covered in snow, that’s where you’ll find me! Whether you’re stuck in a burger rut or sick of the same chicken night after night, I’m sharing 20 Healthy Barbecue Recipes that are flavor-packed, easy on the waistline, and cover all your dietary restrictions.

We grill most nights of the week during the warm summer months, and for good reason: grilling is quick-cooking, fool-proof, and results in a no-mess dinner! Who wants to wash dishes anyway, right?

Healthy barbecue recipes, grilled corn on the cob with bbq sauce.

20 Healthy Barbecue Recipes

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Making Healthy Swaps

One of my favorite things about barbecue season is how easy it is to make simple swaps that keep things light without sacrificing flavor.

Instead of reaching for heavy mayo-based salads, try tossing your slaw with Greek yogurt or a splash of apple cider vinegar! It’s just as creamy and tangy, but a whole lot fresher and lower in calories.
For the grill, lean proteins like chicken, shrimp, or salmon cook up quickly and taste amazing with the same marinades you put on beef or pork.
If you love barbecue sauce as much as we do, try making your own with a little honey or pureed fruit for sweetness instead of all that processed sugar.

Even the sides can get a healthy upgrade: swap out the bag of chips for grilled veggies or a big fruit salad, and choose whole-grain buns for a little extra fiber. These small changes add up, and honestly, no one at the table will miss the heavier stuff. In fact, they’ll probably be asking for seconds!

Grilled salmon with lemon garlic sauce, a healthy barbecue recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate my meat before cooking?

While people often think you need to marinate meat for 8 hours or overnight, the truth is just 30 minutes can add a TON of flavor to anything you throw on the grill. Always check the recipe, but some proteins like shrimp require even less time.

Why should you let meat rest after grilling?

Once you remove any meat from the grill, it’s essential to let it rest at least 10 minutes before slicing. The reason it needs to rest is that the juices need time to redistribute, otherwise it will just flow away, leaving you with a dry, overcooked piece of meat. Another important thing to know is the residual heat will continue to cook your meat after you’ve removed it from the grill or the pan.

Can you eat barbecue while dieting?

I’m a firm believer in everything in moderation, and you can definitely eat bbq while on most diets! Pick lean proteins like chicken and seafood, mix in lots of fresh vegetables, and be mindful with your sauce choices.

Healthy BBQ Recipes

Grilled Turkey Burgers with Pesto

4.60 stars average

Topped with fresh pesto, spicy arugula, and creamy mozzarella cheese, these juicy grilled turkey burgers are the best you will ever make!

Try: Grilled Turkey Burgers with Pesto

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Flank Steak Tacos

4.50 stars average

Smoky, spicy, and freshly flavored with red pepper and onion, these Flank Steak Tacos are the perfect meal to please the whole family.

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Grilled Pizza with Pesto and Mozzarella

4.80 stars average

This fast and easy grilled pizza recipe is made with bright pesto, fresh mozzarella and topped with a lemony arugula salad.

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Grilled Pesto Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella - A fast and easy summer pizza recipe

Eggplant Caponata with Grilled Chicken

4.62 stars average

1 15

Caponata is the perfect dish to take advantage nature’s late-Summer bounty available at farm stands throughout the country

Try: Eggplant Caponata with Grilled Chicken

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Grilled Romaine and Watermelon Salad with Feta Vinaigrette

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This easy and delicious grilled romaine and water melon salad is topped with a garlicky feta and lemon vinaigrette. Ideal for outdoor entertaining, it's delicious on its own or topped with grilled chicken.

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Vegetarian Recipes

Grilled Corn with BBQ Sauce

4.50 stars average

The ultimate 10-minute side dish, your family will love this fast and easy grilled corn with barbecue sauce recipe.

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Easy Grilled Vegetable Pasta

5 stars average

This quick and easy grilled vegetable pasta recipe is made with grilled peppers, eggplant, and onions tossed in olive oil, oregano, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

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Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Pesto and Mozzarella

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Discover the ultimate grilled vegetable sandwich! This mouthwatering vegetarian recipe combines perfectly charred veggies, creamy mozzarella, and savory pesto, creating an irresistible meatless meal the whole family will love.

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Grilled Garlic Bread Bruschetta

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Looking for a flavorful twist on classic bruschetta? This Grilled Garlic Bread Bruschetta recipe will satisfy your cravings. With perfectly toasted bread, topped with a zesty tomato mixture and a hint of garlic, this easy-to-make dish is a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

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Grilled Eggplant Parmesan

4.88 stars average

A healthy, fresh spin on the Italian food classic, you’re going to love this hearty and delicious grilled eggplant Parmesan. The ultimate vegetarian comfort food recipe!

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Gluten-Free Recipes

Grilled Lebanese Chicken Tawook

4.50 stars average

This lemony, garlicky Lebanese chicken marinade results in tender, juicy chicken every single time. Serve chicken tawook on salads, over rice or in a pita.

Try: Grilled Lebanese Chicken Tawook

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Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Sauce

4.36 stars average

Loaded with Omega 3's and ready in under 30 minutes, this grilled salmon with lemon garlic sauce is sure to please any palette.

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Greek Lamb Chops with Tzatziki Sauce

3.85 stars average

A fast 15 minute meal, your family will love these tender, grilled lamb chops served with a cool and creamy Greek tzatziki yogurt cucumber sauce.

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Grilled Shrimp Shawarma Skewers

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These quick and easy grilled shrimp skewers get a Lebanese spin with classic shawarma marinade made of tangy, plain yogurt, warm cinnamon and fresh garlic. It's a flavor-packed shrimp recipe perfect for wrapping in warm pita or serving over rice pilaf.

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Coffee Crusted Ribeye

4.57 stars average

Just in time for grilling season, these Coffee Crusted Grilled Ribeyes are easy enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for company.

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Dairy-Free Recipes

Grilled White Fish with Tahini Lemon Sauce

5 stars

Perfect for grilling season, this easy 20 minute seafood recipe is made with white fish grilled until flaky then drizzled with a creamy tahini lemon sauce. The perfect mess-free dinner recipe!

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Garlic Rosemary Beef Tenderloin

5 stars average

1 35

The ideal dinner recipe for entertaining, beef tenderloin is rubbed with a garlic rosemary mixture before roasted until tender and juicy. Leftovers are delicious sliced thin for sandwiches.

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Grilled Teriyaki Turkey Tenderloins

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These grilled teriyaki turkey tenderloins are sweet, sticky, tender and juicy. High protein, low carb grilling recipe – this recipe works well with chicken, pork and shrimp as well.

Try: Grilled Teriyaki Turkey Tenderloins

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Grilled Lebanese Beef Kafta Patties

4.50 stars average

These savory kafta patties are made with ground beef, onion, fresh parsley and traditional Lebanese spices. Perfect on the grill or under the broiler.

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Garlic Soy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

4.34 stars average

This flank steak recipe contains a winning blend of Worcestershire, soy sauce and spices.

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11 responses to “20 Healthy Barbecue Recipes”

Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons

Thanks for including my grilled peaches, Liz. Great roundup!

lynn @ the actor’s diet

I love grilled watermelon! But when I did it, it smelled eerily like portobello mushrooms?!?

amanda

These all look delicious!

Arman @ thebigmansworld

Thanks so much for sharing, Liz- Appreciate it! This collation should keep everyone happy WELL into Winter- Cheers!

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  I agree! Enjoy!
  
Liz @ Floating Kitchen

I’m all grilling, all the time! Thanks for so many fresh new ideas. I love them all. This list is going to get me through the rest of summer and straight into fall. And thanks for the pineapple love! XO

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  Woohoo!! Cheers to the end of summer!!
  
Karen @ The Food Charlatan

I love this round up! I love grilling in the summer but sometimes I do feel like it’s the same thing over and over. I’m loving the looks of your Indian spiced chicken up there! Yum. Thanks for including me Liz :)

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  You’d love that one girl!! Thanks for the great recipes!
  
Shawnna

oh so yummy!!

Nicole – Coking for Keeps

I’ll take them all!