15 Healthy Summer Grill Recipes
Article posted in: Diet & NutritionNothing feels more like warm weather mealtime than grilling. Spending time outdoors whipping up a meal is all part of the experience. Plus, grill recipes add some unique flavor factors to various foods that can give you a whole new way of enjoying them. It’s a great way to fit more nutritious choices into your weight loss plan!
With grilling season upon us, now is the time to start stocking up on healthy grilling ideas and summer grill recipes. To get you started, we’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite grilled recipes. From fruits and veggies to protein-packed mains, you’re sure to find a new grilled favorite!
1. Grilled Romaine and Corn Salad with Honey Mustard Tahini Dressing
When you grill greens like Romaine lettuce, they end up with a little bit of caramelization which adds some sweetness. Coupled with some corn, red onion and shaved parmesan cheese, this grilled salad is absolutely delish. It’s all drizzled in a honey mustard tahini dressing made from Dijon mustard, tahini and honey. Instead of store-bought dressings that pack in lots of excess calories, this healthy dressing adds just the right touch of extra flavor without lots of unnecessary sugar. Click here for the full recipe! >
2. Spicy Inside-Out Cheeseburger
Nothing quite says grilling season like a batch of burgers. While traditional cheeseburgers are typically loaded with fatty grease, this recipe uses lean grass-fed ground beef to keep it light. Combined with just the right mix of seasonings—and then stuffed with cheese for the “inside-out” touch—these burger patties are truly mouthwatering. While the carb-loaded bun can take even the healthiest burger off track, this recipe uses two whole wheat sandwich thins for a healthier alternative. Click here for the full recipe! >
3. Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad
If you’re looking to switch-up your normal salad routine, this asparagus-based version may be just the answer. It features a healthy homemade Caesar dressing with plain nonfat Greek yogurt as its base. The asparagus is tossed in oil and grilled until slightly charred. Then it’s served with the delicious dressing as well as some croutons and parmesan cheese. Considering asparagus is an excellent source of nutrients, this is a salad you can feel great about! Click here for the full recipe! >
4. Shrimp and Scallop Skewers
Fresh seafood recipes on the grill is a real treat. In this recipe, the skewers are stacked with lean protein and seasonal veggies to create a dish that’s both delicious and healthy. Paired with a decadent but light lemon garlic butter sauce, you’ll feel like you’re indulging. In reality, each skewer is a mere 137 calories. Click here for the full recipe! >
5. Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
The key to delicious grilled chicken recipes is in the marinade. The process of marinating meat tenderizes and infuses flavor into your healthy grill recipes. Our yummy marinade is made from a mixture of orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper and a dash of salt. After you let your chicken thighs soak in it for a couple of hours, you’re ready to grill! One serving of marinated chicken thoughts is 219 calories. Pair it with a veggie side dish for a well-balanced meal. Click here for the full recipe! >
6. Grilled Cabbage Steaks
Grilling cabbage helps make it tender and brings out some deliciously sweet flavor. Once you cut your head of cabbage into four thick slices, you’ll coat it with olive oil and season it with pepper. After grilling to perfection, the cabbage steaks are drizzled with a tasty lemon tahini dressing. With each steak being a mere 121 calories, you’ll fill up without taking in excess calories. Plus, cabbage has an outstanding nutrient profile and is packed with vitamins C and K. Click here for the full recipe! >
7. Marinated Steak Kebabs
Skewer recipes made on the grill are a must-have for your summer menu. These steak kebabs are made using sirloin tips and a delicious marinade that adds just the right flavor to your meat. Combined with cut-up bell peppers, onions and baby potatoes, you’ll also pack in plenty of veggies on each skewer. One kebab is just 183 calories and delivers a high-protein and fiber-filled meal that you’ll enjoy to the fullest. Click here for the full recipe! >
8. Cedar Plank Salmon
Grilling on a cedar plank is a great way to simplify your fish grilling process. While fresh fish often becomes flaky and can fall apart on the grill, grilling on a cedar plank eliminates the hassles and headaches. With salmon being a good source of protein and also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a great addition to a healthy diet. And, it’s even more delectable when grilled! Click here for the full recipe! >
9. Rainbow Vegetable Skewers
These vegetable skewers are equally colorful and delicious. It’s important to have a lot of “color variety” in your diet as it means you’re getting different nutrients. Plus, with all the variety in these skewers, you’ll find yourself filling up on a lot of yummy vegetables and not as much meat. These skewers even sneak in a fruit—grilled pineapple—which adds some amazing sweetness to the lineup. Click here for the full recipe! >
10. Pineapple Chicken Kebabs
This recipe is simple to whip up and is sure to become a summer favorite. It features cut-up red bell pepper and onions with pineapple chunks and lean grilled chicken. After skewers are loaded, everything is glazed in barbeque sauce. It’s just the right combination of sweet and savory! Click here for the full recipe! >
11. Lettuce Wrapped Mushroom and Swiss Burger
Another burger recipe to add to your list, this one uses lean grass-fed ground beef mixed with baby bella mushrooms, onion, garlic and Worcestershire sauce for lots of flavor. Some reduced fat swiss cheese melted atop the patty adds just the right touch. Of course, perhaps what’s most surprising about these burgers is that they’re just as delicious served sandwiched between large pieces of lettuce. It proves that you don’t need a bun for a delicious and fulfilling burger. Click here for the full recipe! >
12. Chicken Kebabs with Peanut Dipping Sauce
These tender chicken kebabs are made even more appetizing with their tasty peanut dipping sauce—which is made from peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, lime juice and cayenne pepper. Before grilling, the chicken is marinated in a homemade teriyaki and soy sauce to make it even more flavorful. At just 219 calories per serving, it’s almost too good to be true! Click here for the full recipe! >
13. Brussels Sprout Skewer with Mustard Marinade
Like other veggies, when you grill Brussels sprouts, it brings out some caramelization and results in an amazing flavor profile. But these Brussels sprouts are made even more flavorful with a yummy mustard marinade using whole grain mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper. You’ll pack in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in this nutritious and delicious dish. Click here for the full recipe! >
14. Grilled Peach Melba
This Grilled Peach Melba recipe is easy to make and only requires a handful of wholesome ingredients. The end result is a 95-calorie dessert that’s filled with a beautiful blend of flavors and textures! Grill your peaches for five minutes per side and top with homemade raspberry melba sauce and a vanilla mascarpone filling. Click here for the full recipe! >
15. Grilled Balsamic Chicken
Take plain, old grilled chicken up a notch with a homemade balsamic marinade! All you need is a few simple ingredients to make this easy Balsamic Grilled Chicken recipe that’s perfect for summer. The recipe makes a total of six servings, but feel free to double it up if you’re serving a crowd! Click here for the full recipe! >