The sizzle of the grill, the aroma of smoke mingling with savory spices, and the joy of outdoor dining – grilling season is officially here! There’s something undeniably special about cooking outdoors, transforming simple ingredients into memorable meals with that signature char and smoky flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting your backyard barbecue journey, this ultimate guide to summer grilling recipes is packed with inspiration to make your summer culinary adventures truly unforgettable.
From tantalizing main courses that will be the star of your next cookout, to fresh and flavorful side dishes that perfectly complement any grilled feast, and even creative dessert recipes cooked right on the grates – we’ve got every course covered. Prepare to discover a vibrant collection of delicious, easy-to-make recipes that harness the power of your grill, ensuring your summer gatherings are filled with incredible food and happy moments. Let’s fire up the grill and dive into the best summer recipes!
Grilled Summer Entrées: The Stars of Your BBQ
When it comes to grilling, the main dish often takes center stage. These grilled summer entrée recipes are designed to impress, offering a diverse range of flavors and proteins. From hearty burgers and succulent chicken to tender pork and flaky fish, each recipe promises a delicious experience that’s perfect for casual weeknight dinners or grand weekend gatherings. Get ready to elevate your outdoor cooking with these mouth-watering grilled mains!
Fully Loaded Burger Bowls
Enjoy all the flavors of your favorite burger without the bun! These fully loaded burger bowls feature juicy grilled patties served over a bed of fresh greens and piled high with all your preferred toppings. It’s a customizable, low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it a perfect healthy addition to your summer menu.
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Grilled Honey Lime Chicken over Cilantro Lime Quinoa
Succulent chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-lime sauce, then grilled to perfection, are the star of this dish. Served alongside fragrant cilantro-lime quinoa, this meal is light, refreshing, and bursting with zesty flavors. It’s a fantastic choice for a vibrant and healthy summer dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
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Grilled Dijon Rosemary Pork Chops
Elevate your pork chop game with this sophisticated yet simple recipe. Thick-cut pork chops are coated in a zesty Dijon mustard and aromatic rosemary marinade, then grilled until juicy and tender. The combination of savory and herbaceous notes makes these pork chops a delightful and flavorful addition to any summer BBQ, pairing wonderfully with a variety of sides.
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Cheesy Grilled Buffalo Chicken
For those who love a kick, this cheesy grilled buffalo chicken is a must-try. Tender chicken breasts are slathered in spicy buffalo sauce, grilled to charred perfection, and then topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s a fiery and satisfying dish that brings the beloved flavors of buffalo wings to a healthier, main-course format, ideal for a fun and flavor-packed cookout.
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Grilled Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa and Lemon Butter
Bring a taste of the tropics to your grill with this exquisite mahi-mahi recipe. Flaky grilled mahi-mahi is beautifully complemented by a vibrant, sweet, and tangy pineapple salsa, all finished with a luscious lemon butter drizzle. This dish is light, fresh, and bursting with bright flavors, making it an excellent choice for a sophisticated yet easy summer meal by the grill.
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Caprese Fillet Mignon
Indulge in a gourmet grilling experience with Caprese fillet mignon. Perfectly seared fillet mignon steaks are topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze. This elegant dish combines the rich flavors of premium beef with the fresh, bright notes of a classic Caprese salad, creating a show-stopping meal for any special occasion.
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Grilled Portabello Mushroom Tacos
For a fantastic vegetarian option, these grilled portobello mushroom tacos are incredibly satisfying and flavorful. Large portobello caps are marinated and grilled until tender and smoky, then sliced and served in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. They offer a hearty, umami-rich filling that even meat-eaters will adore, making them a versatile choice for any gathering.
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Grilled Chicken Breast with Black Bean Sauce
Infuse your grilled chicken with bold Asian flavors using this black bean sauce recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are grilled to tender perfection and then coated in a rich, savory black bean sauce. This dish is packed with umami and offers a delightful departure from typical grilled chicken, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that feels exotic yet simple.
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Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Skewers
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these Hawaiian teriyaki skewers. Cubes of chicken and vibrant vegetables are threaded onto skewers, marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, and grilled alongside juicy pineapple chunks. The result is a colorful, flavor-packed dish that’s both fun to eat and wonderfully balanced, ideal for a festive summer meal.
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Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers
These grilled Asian garlic steak skewers are an explosion of savory flavor. Tender pieces of steak are marinated in a rich, garlicky Asian-inspired sauce, then skewered and grilled to juicy perfection. They’re incredibly easy to make, cook quickly, and are perfect for a weeknight dinner or as an impressive appetizer for your next backyard gathering.
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Grilled Pork Loin Sliders with Spicy Pineapple Slaw
These grilled pork loin sliders are miniature bursts of flavor, perfect for entertaining or a fun family meal. Tender grilled pork loin is piled onto soft Hawaiian rolls and topped with a refreshing and zesty spicy pineapple slaw. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy notes creates an irresistible slider that’s both easy to eat and packed with incredible taste.
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Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Forget your oven and take pizza night to the grill with this amazing BBQ chicken pizza. A smoky, crispy crust is topped with tangy BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, red onions, and plenty of cheese. Grilling pizza imparts a unique flavor and texture that can’t be replicated indoors, making this a fun and delicious project for your next outdoor cooking session.
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Baby Back Ribs with Boom Sauce
Prepare for a flavor explosion with these baby back ribs smothered in a delectable “boom sauce.” These ribs are slow-grilled or smoked until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender, then basted with a sweet, spicy, and savory sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the ultimate centerpiece for any serious BBQ enthusiast.
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Chipotle Grilled Chicken Salad with Honey Jalapeno Vinaigrette
This salad is far from ordinary, featuring smoky chipotle grilled chicken as its star. Fresh greens and colorful veggies are tossed with tender, spicy chicken and a vibrant honey-jalapeño vinaigrette that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. It’s a refreshing, hearty, and flavor-packed meal that’s ideal for a light yet satisfying summer lunch or dinner.
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Pesto Grilled Shrimp
For a quick and elegant seafood option, try these pesto grilled shrimp. Succulent shrimp are marinated in vibrant basil pesto, then grilled until perfectly cooked with a slight char. The fresh, aromatic pesto infuses the shrimp with incredible flavor, making this an easy yet impressive dish that can be served as an appetizer or a light main course.
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Chicken & Sundried Tomato Grilled Pizza
Experience gourmet pizza right from your backyard grill with this chicken and sundried tomato creation. A crispy, smoky crust forms the base for tender grilled chicken, savory sundried tomatoes, and a melty blend of cheeses. The intense heat of the grill creates a beautifully charred crust and perfectly cooked toppings, offering a unique and irresistible pizza experience.
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Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops
Infuse your pork chops with a taste of the islands with this Hawaiian-inspired recipe. Juicy pork chops are marinated in a sweet and tangy glaze, often featuring pineapple and soy, then grilled to a tender finish. The caramelized glaze and smoky char create a symphony of flavors that are perfect for a festive summer meal, evoking sunny beach vibes.
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Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
Treat yourself to a luxurious meal with these lemon butter grilled lobster tails. Fresh lobster tails are brushed with a bright lemon-garlic butter, then grilled until sweet, tender, and slightly charred. Grilling imparts a beautiful smoky depth that perfectly complements the delicate flavor of the lobster, making this an exquisite dish for a special summer celebration.
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Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Experience the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Greek lemon chicken skewers. Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a zesty lemon-herb mixture, grilled to perfection, and served with a cooling, creamy tzatziki sauce. These skewers are light, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making them an ideal choice for a healthy and delicious summer meal.
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Coffee & Brown Sugar Crusted Skirt Steak
For an unexpected and incredibly delicious twist on steak, try this coffee and brown sugar crusted skirt steak. The unique rub creates a beautiful, caramelized crust and adds a depth of flavor that’s both savory and subtly sweet. Grilled quickly to medium-rare, this skirt steak is tender, juicy, and packed with complex notes that will surprise and delight your guests.
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Grilled Summer Side Dish Recipes: Perfect Pairings
No grilled feast is complete without an array of delectable side dishes. These grilled summer sides are designed to perfectly complement your main courses, adding freshness, texture, and vibrant flavors to your outdoor dining experience. From savory vegetables to hearty potatoes and refreshing salads, these recipes utilize the grill to impart a smoky depth that simply can’t be achieved in the kitchen. Get ready to elevate your entire BBQ spread!
Grilled Potato Salad
Take your potato salad to the next level by grilling the potatoes first! This grilled potato salad offers a smoky depth of flavor that sets it apart from traditional versions. Tender, charred potato chunks are tossed with fresh herbs, a tangy dressing, and often crunchy vegetables, creating a vibrant and irresistible side that’s perfect for any BBQ.
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Grilled Cornbread
Discover a new way to enjoy cornbread by grilling it! This grilled cornbread develops a beautiful golden crust and a subtle smoky flavor that enhances its natural sweetness. It’s surprisingly easy to achieve and adds a fantastic rustic touch to your outdoor meals, perfect for soaking up BBQ sauces or serving alongside chili.
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The Best Ever Grilled Onions
Transform ordinary onions into something extraordinary with this recipe for the best ever grilled onions. Slowly grilled until tender, sweet, and perfectly caramelized, these onions develop an incredible depth of flavor. They make a fantastic topping for burgers, steaks, or can be enjoyed simply as a flavorful side dish on their own.
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Grilled Chili Lime Butter Corn on the Cob
Elevate your classic corn on the cob with a vibrant chili-lime butter. Fresh corn is grilled until tender with a beautiful char, then slathered with a zesty, spicy, and savory butter. This flavor combination adds an exciting kick to a beloved summer staple, making it an irresistible side dish that everyone will rave about.
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Grilled Romaine Salad with Bacon & Bleu Cheese
Experience salad in a whole new way with this grilled romaine salad. Halved romaine hearts are briefly grilled to impart a subtle smokiness and tender crispness, then topped with crumbled bacon, pungent bleu cheese, and a delicious dressing. It’s a unique, flavorful, and refreshing side that adds an unexpected gourmet touch to your summer meal.
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Perfect Grilled Potato Wedges
Achieve perfectly crispy and tender potato wedges right on your grill. These seasoned potato wedges are grilled until golden brown and cooked through, developing a delicious smoky char and a satisfying texture. They’re a fantastic alternative to oven-roasted potatoes and pair wonderfully with any grilled meat or seafood, becoming a staple for your summer cooking.
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Grilled Vegetables with Basil Vinaigrette
Showcase the bounty of summer produce with these vibrant grilled vegetables. A colorful mix of seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are grilled until tender-crisp and beautifully charred, then tossed in a fresh and zesty basil vinaigrette. This side dish is not only healthy and delicious but also visually stunning, adding a fresh element to your BBQ.
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Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter
Impress your guests with these visually stunning and incredibly delicious grilled hasselback potatoes. Thinly sliced potatoes, keeping the base intact, are grilled until tender and crispy, then brushed with a fragrant chive butter that seeps into every crevice. This elegant side dish offers a delightful texture and a burst of fresh flavor, making it a memorable addition to your menu.
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Grilled Peach Salad
Celebrate peak summer flavors with this exquisite grilled peach salad. Sweet, juicy peaches are lightly charred on the grill, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a smoky dimension. They’re then tossed with fresh greens, often goat cheese or feta, and a light vinaigrette, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes in a truly refreshing side.
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Sweet & Spicy Grilled Eggplant
Give eggplant a delicious makeover with this sweet and spicy grilled recipe. Slices of eggplant are marinated in a tantalizing sauce that balances sweet notes with a gentle heat, then grilled until tender and caramelized. This dish is incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and a fantastic way to enjoy a vegetarian side that’s anything but boring.
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Grilled Lemon Parmesan Asparagus
A simple yet elegant side, grilled lemon Parmesan asparagus is a go-to for quick and healthy grilling. Fresh asparagus spears are tossed with olive oil, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese, then grilled until tender-crisp with beautiful grill marks. The smoky char and bright flavors make this a perfect light and flavorful accompaniment to any summer meal.
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Grilled Parmesan Garlic Bread
Elevate your garlic bread by cooking it on the grill! This grilled Parmesan garlic bread achieves a wonderfully crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, infused with smoky notes. Slices of crusty bread are slathered with a rich garlic-Parmesan butter and grilled until golden, making it an irresistible companion to any grilled dish.
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Grilled Vegetable Salad
This grilled vegetable salad transforms simple produce into a smoky, satisfying side. A variety of seasonal vegetables are grilled until tender and slightly charred, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a delightful smoky flavor. Tossed with a light dressing, this salad is packed with nutrients and fresh flavors, making it a vibrant addition to any meal.
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Grilled Avocado Stuffed with Chickpeas & Tahini
Discover the creamy, smoky delight of grilled avocado with this unique recipe. Halved avocados are lightly grilled, bringing out their richness and adding a subtle char, then stuffed with a savory mixture of chickpeas and tahini. This dish is surprisingly easy to make, incredibly healthy, and offers a satisfying vegetarian option or a flavorful side dish.
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Grilled Summer Dessert Recipes: Sweet Endings on the Grill
Who says the grill is just for savory foods? Expand your grilling horizons and surprise your guests with these inventive and incredibly delicious grilled dessert recipes. From caramelized fruits to smoky s’mores and even grilled cakes, these sweet treats harness the unique char and warmth of the grill to create irresistible flavors and textures. End your summer BBQ on a high note with these extraordinary grilled desserts!
S’mores Nachos
Reinvent the classic campfire treat with these fun and shareable s’mores nachos. A bed of graham cracker pieces is piled high with chocolate chunks and marshmallows, then grilled until gooey and melted to perfection. It’s a deliciously messy dessert that’s perfect for feeding a crowd and brings all the beloved flavors of s’mores to your backyard grill.
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Strawberry Shortcake Grilled Doughnuts
Indulge in a truly unique dessert experience with strawberry shortcake grilled doughnuts. Glazed doughnuts are lightly grilled, creating a warm, slightly crispy exterior and a wonderfully soft interior, then topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. This unexpected combination is decadent, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it a must-try for your summer gatherings.
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Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic summer dessert perfected on the grill. Juicy peach halves are lightly charred, intensifying their natural sweetness and adding a delicate smoky flavor. Served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, the contrast of warm fruit and cold ice cream, along with the smoky-sweet notes, creates a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat.
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Grilled Apple Galette
Surprise everyone by baking a beautiful apple galette right on your grill! This rustic apple pie features thinly sliced apples nestled in a flaky crust, which cooks to golden perfection with a subtle smoky aroma. The grill provides an even heat, creating a beautifully tender fruit filling and a crispy crust that’s utterly delightful, especially with a scoop of ice cream.
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Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’more
For the ultimate indulgence, combine sweet, salty, and smoky with this grilled chocolate chip cookie bacon s’more. Melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows are sandwiched between two warm, grilled chocolate chip cookies, with crispy bacon adding an unforgettable savory crunch. It’s an adventurous and ridiculously delicious treat that’s perfect for those who love bold flavor combinations.
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Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Transform tropical pineapple into an irresistible dessert by grilling it and brushing it with a rich brown sugar rum glaze. The grilling process caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars, creating a tender, juicy, and beautifully charred treat. The rum glaze adds a decadent warmth, making this simple dessert feel wonderfully sophisticated and utterly delicious.
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Grilled Poundcake
Take a humble pound cake and turn it into an extraordinary grilled dessert. Thick slices of pound cake are lightly buttered and grilled until golden brown with beautiful grill marks. The heat from the grill creates a slightly crispy exterior and a warm, tender interior, perfect for serving with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream. It’s simple, elegant, and incredibly satisfying.
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Grilled Banana Boats
A beloved campfire classic that translates perfectly to the grill, grilled banana boats are a delightful and customizable dessert. Whole bananas are slit lengthwise, filled with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and your favorite toppings, then grilled until gooey and melted. It’s a fun, interactive, and incredibly delicious treat that’s easy for all ages to assemble and enjoy.
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Grilled Fruit Pizza
For a light and refreshing grilled dessert, try this vibrant grilled fruit pizza. A subtly sweet grilled crust serves as the base, topped with a creamy spread and an abundance of fresh, colorful seasonal fruits. Grilling the crust adds a unique depth of flavor and a tender-crisp texture, making this a beautiful and delicious way to enjoy summer’s bounty.
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With these incredible recipes for grilled main dishes, savory sides, and delightfully sweet desserts, your summer grilling season is set to be the best one yet. Embrace the joy of outdoor cooking, experiment with new flavors, and create unforgettable meals for your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that grill, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate culinary experience under the sun!