Fire up the grill, and celebrate the season with 30 healthy barbecue recipes that are incredibly flavorful and delicious. From smoky pork chops to tender and juicy BBQ chicken, there are plenty of tasty recipes to choose from!
There’s nothing better than heading outside to cook dinner with family and friends this time of year. Whether you’re stuck in a burger rut or sick of the same chicken night after night, I’m sharing 30 healthy barbecue recipes that are flavor-packed and easy on the waistline.
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?
Grilling is a naturally healthier way to prepare foods, and it always results in a more complex, flavorful dish. It provides an incredibly smoky, charred flavor. This is why you’ll find me grilling well into the fall months. Before the temperatures start to freeze, we take full advantage of grilling season!
If you’re grilling lean meat, the key is to add as much flavor with a spice rub or marinade. Craving Lebanese food? My go-to for adding flavor is my All Purpose Lebanese Spice Blend consisting of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt and pepper .
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate meat for?
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 do you need to let the meat rest after grilling?
Once you remove the meat from the grill, it’s essential to let the meat 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 brown, 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.
Are any of these recipes great for meal prep?
Absolutely! On Sundays, I often grill a large batch of Lebanese Chicken Tawook or Grilled Tandoori Chicken. These are versatile and great for serving over rice or in salads and pitas throughout the week. You’re definitely going to want leftovers!
Perfect for a warm summer day, special occasion, or your next family get-together, these barbecue recipes are absolute crowd-pleasers! From caramelized and sweet pineapple salsa to tender and juicy beef skewers, there are plenty of recipes that your whole family will love.
Check out this great list of 30 Healthy Barbecue Recipes! You fork is waiting.
Grilled Lebanese Chicken Tawook
4.50 stars average
20 minutesminutes
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.
Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad with Feta and Basil
5 stars average
20 minutesminutes
This summery salad is made with grilled corn and zucchini tossed with creamy feta and fresh basil. The ideal side dish for backyard cookouts and barbecues!
A simple and flavorful grilled chicken recipe, my Indian spiced yogurt marinade tenderizes lean meat to create a juicy end result your whole family will love.
If you love tropical flavors, then you’re going to flip over this Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Whipped Cream. So tasty and incredibly easy to prepare!
Rainbow Salmon Skewers are easy, healthy, and so fun to make ~ these colorful fish kabobs are gorgeous, too, and make a quick and delicious 30 minute meal ~ have you eaten the rainbow today?
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
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 :)
Thanks for including my grilled peaches, Liz. Great roundup!
I love grilled watermelon! But when I did it, it smelled eerily like portobello mushrooms?!?
These all look delicious!
Thanks so much for sharing, Liz- Appreciate it! This collation should keep everyone happy WELL into Winter- Cheers!
I agree! Enjoy!
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
Woohoo!! Cheers to the end of summer!!
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 :)
You’d love that one girl!! Thanks for the great recipes!
oh so yummy!!
I’ll take them all!