Fire up the grill with these 50 best grilling recipes perfect for summer cookouts, from quick weeknight favorites to crowd-pleasing BBQ classics. Whether you’re cooking for a backyard gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, you'll find fresh inspiration for every occasion. For even more seasonal inspiration, explore our full collection of ideas on the Grilling Recipes category page.
Quick Weeknight Grilling
When the weather warms up, grilling is one of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table fast. These quick summer grilling recipes are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Chicken Adobo
Bursting with flavor, Filipino Chicken Adobo is easy to make, with simple ingredients – perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners!
Quick Salmon Burgers
Salmon Burgers are easy to make with fresh salmon! Grillable and flavorful with the best texture. A quick summer meal bursting with delicious flavor.
Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp
Tender mouthwatering Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp is easy and versatile. Serve with coconut rice, in lettuce wraps, or in a rice noodle bowl. Gluten-free.
Mediterranean Grilled Salmon Bowls
Mediterranean Grilled Salmon with grilled veggies over a bed of quinoa, fresh greens, and topped with a dollop of creamy Tzatziki Sauce. Quick and easy.
Grilled Tofu
A delicious plant-based option for the grill! Grilled Tofu is fast, easy, and perfect for grilling on the barbecue. This recipe uses a dry rub, making it very adaptable to different spice mixes and fun flavor profiles.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
The best grilled chicken breasts with lemon, garlic, and herbs that turn out juicy and flavorful every time. Pair this with a salad, grilled veggies, or meal prep it for the coming week.
Grilled Salmon Salad with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
An easy Summer salad with grilled salmon, avocado, and cucumber salsa over little gem lettuce, with a creamy cilantro-lime dressing.
Grilled Branzino Recipe
How to grill a whole fish (Branzino) topped with the most flavorful Preserved Lemon Gremolata (Zesty Herb Sauce) in about 30 minutes flat! A simple, easy Mediterranean dinner!
Vegetarian Grilling Ideas
From smoky grilled vegetables to hearty plant-based mains, these vegetarian grilling ideas are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for summer meals.
Grilled Romaine Salad
This Grilled Romaine Salad is topped with grilled Maitake Mushrooms-and tossed in a Furikake Caesar dressing that comes together in 20 minutes! Vegan-adaptable.
Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Eggplant
Grilled Halloumi Cheese with eggplant, fresh summer tomatoes, and a vibrant mint-lemon dressing. A delicious vegetarian main or side dish.
Spicy Miso Portobello Mushroom Burger
This Asian-style, grilled, vegan Portobello Mushroom Burger is full of delicious umami flavor! It’s slathered with Asian-style Guacamole and topped with a cool cucumber ribbon salad and crunchy carrot slaw. Healthy, delicious, vegan.
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Salad
Inspired by a steak salad, this vegan Grilled Portobello Mushroom Salad is hearty, smoky, and full of summer flavor with grilled veggies, avocado, and a spicy lime dressing.
Moroccan Grilled Veggie Skewers
Grilled Veggie Kabobs with your choice of protein (tempeh, tofu, chicken, or shrimp) loaded up with healthy summer veggies and a flavorful harissa yogurt sauce. Vegan-adaptable!
Grilled Zucchini
This grilled zucchini recipe is quick and easy and full of Middle Eastern flavor. It’s a fantastic side dish you’ll want to make all summer long! Vegan and Gluten-Free.
Grilled Artichokes
Grilled artichokes are deliciously tender and smoky. Skip the butter and aioli and serve them up with our punchy Italian Salsa Verde. A tasty vegan appetizer or side dish that presents beautifully! Or for a fun twist, add them to pizzas!
Our Favorite Grilled Chicken Recipes
These flavorful grilled chicken recipes are juicy, versatile, and perfect for summer cooking. From quick weeknight dinners to crowd-pleasing BBQ favorites, these are the recipes we come back to all season long.
Thai Chicken Satay
This recipe for Chicken Satay with Satay Sauce is bursting with authentic Thai flavor!
Vegan-adaptable using tofu!
Grilled Lemongrass Chicken
An authentic recipe for Grilled Lemongrass Chicken- bursting with Vietnamese flavor! Simple, easy, and delicious!
Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Here’s my family recipe for Chicken Shawarma! Juicy and flavorful, bursting with Middle Eastern spices, this recipe turns out delicious every single time. Just read all our 5-star reviews!
Huli Huli Chicken
This Huli Huli Chicken recipe features chicken thighs marinated in a mouthwatering Hawaiian glaze- tangy, sweet, and savory, grilled to perfection.
Easy Teriyaki Chicken
A simple, authentic grilled Japanese chicken teriyaki recipe. Serve with rice, cucumber salad, and avocado for a delicious Teriyaki bowl.
Grilled Chipotle Chicken
Smoky, spicy, and delicious, this Grilled Chipotle Chicken is bathed in the most flavorful chipotle marinade. Marinate it ahead and use the chicken throughout the week.
Healthy Grilling Ideas
These healthy grilling recipes are fresh, flavorful, and packed with seasonal ingredients - perfect for light summer dinners and easy outdoor meals.
Nicoise Salad with Grilled Fish
Nicoise Salad with grilled salmon, tuna, or white fish, fresh summer tomatoes, beans, purple potatoes, and herbs, finished with a delicious Nicoise Salad Dressing.
Grilled Chicken Shawarma Salad
This vibrant Grilled Chicken Salad with Shawarma Spice is bursting with bold Middle Eastern flavor. Made with grilled chicken breast, it's fresh, satisfying, and healthy, and comes together quickly. Vegan-adaptable.
Grilled Lamb Kofta Wraps
Bursting with flavor, these Lamb Kofta Lettuce Wraps are light and refreshing and perfect for summer dining on the patio. Can be served as a main course or as an appetizer.
Grilled Scallops with Tomato Vinaigrette
Grilled Scallops, marinated with olive oil and orange zest, topped with Charred Tomato Vinaigrette. A delicious summer dinner that is fast, easy, light, refreshing, and elegant!
Grilled Salmon Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
This Grilled Salmon Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing is perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken Salad
Healthy, easy, Chipotle Grilled Chicken Salad with grilled corn, peppers, and arugula, over a bed of optional quinoa with grilled scallions, avocado, and a simple Chipotle Lime Dressing.
Grilling for a Crowd
These recipes are perfect for feeding a hungry group with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. From easy BBQ favorites to make-ahead dishes, they're designed to keep your guests happy and your grilling stress-free.
Grilled Chicken Caprese
This recipe for Chicken Caprese is easy to make with simple ingredients. Grill it or pan-sear it. It’s bursting with summertime flavor and can be made in 30 minutes! Perfect for alfresco dining or outdoor gatherings.
Grilled Steak Tacos
The best recipe for marinated steak tacos cooked on the grill with chimichurri sauce, pico de gallo salsa, and pickled red onions.
Grilled Eggplant
Perfectly tender, smoky Grilled Eggplant with fresh Greek relish and creamy polenta. An easy and healthy meatless dinner.
Perfect Grilled Salmon Recipe
Wondering about the best way to grill salmon? Here is a little step-by-step guide with tips and tricks to elevate your salmon grilling skills. Included is this tasty recipe for Grilled Miso Salmon – one of our favorite grill recipes!
Grilled Panzanella Salad
Delicious Grilled Panzanella Salad with colorful sweet bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and white beans tossed in a flavorful dressing.
Grilled Flank Steak with Corn & Radish Salad
Grilled Flank Steak with Corn Radish Salad – a quick and easy dinner, perfect for summer nights on the patio.
Delicious Grilled Corn Salad for Summer
This grilled corn salad recipe sings of summer! A fresh, healthy side dish that highlights fresh summer corn, creamy avocado, radishes, red onion, and fresh herbs, tossed in a simple, tangy lime dressing. Vegan and gluten-free.
Grilled Lamb Burger with Harissa Aioli
Grilled Pork Loin
A simple grilled pork tenderloin, marinated in a balsamic glaze with a savory strawberry compote.
Grilled Veggies and Side Dishes
These grilled vegetables and easy summer sides add smoky flavor and fresh color to any cookout, BBQ, or weeknight dinner.
Perfectly Grilled Vegetables
Learn how to make perfectly grilled vegetables with this easy, foolproof recipe. A healthy summer side dish, these smoky, flavorful veggies are caramelized to perfection. As a caterer, I've prepared this grilled vegetable recipe for hundreds of guests-and it never disappoints, using this great technique.
Grilled Bok Choy with Ponzu Sauce
Succulent grilled Bok Choy with savory Ponzu Sauce is tender and juicy with toasty savory flavor. An easy side dish that is delicious and healthy!
Grilled Broccolini
Grilled Broccolini with burrata cheese, toasted hazelnuts, and basil oil – a tasty summer side dish perfect for outdoor dinners and gatherings.
Grilled Beets
Grilled Beets are perfectly tender. Drizzle with fresh homemade pesto for over-the-top deliciousness. This dish tastes caramelized, sweet, and smoky. Perfect as a side dish, or add to salads, toasts, sandwiches, or bowls.
Grilled Potato Salad
Grilled Potato Salad with a Black Garlic Dressing, a fun and delicious salad or side dish, perfect for summer BBQS. Vegan.
Grilled Asparagus
How to make the best grilled asparagus – one of the easiest, fastest, and tastiest ways to cook asparagus in under 15 minutes! A delicious, healthy vegan side dish that everyone will love.
Grilled Tomatoes
Savory grilled tomatoes with garlic, oregano, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. A delicious, healthy, summery side dish in 20 minutes! Vegan.
Grilled Potatoes wiTh Dill Sauce
Grilled potatoes are delicious, healthy, and couldn’t be any easier! This no-foil recipe yields a creamy interior and a deliciously crispy exterior, making it a must-try for the rest of the summer! Served with Creamy Dill Sauce.
Global Flavor Lovers
Bring bold, global flavors to the grill with recipes inspired by cuisines from around the world - perfect for adventurous summer cooking.
Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad
This flavorful Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad is simple, light, and refreshing with a tangy, umami dressing made from fresh lime juice and fish sauce. Healthy and tasty, this Thai Salad comes together in 35 minutes! It’s one of our favorite delicious grill recipes!
Moroccan Chicken
Moroccan Chicken with Ras El Hanout, garlic and lemon – a simple healthy recipe, using skinless chicken thighs, bursting with North African flavor! Delicious, fast, and easy! Grill it or pan-sear it!
Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Herb Salad
Grilled Lamb Kebobs with a tangy Herb Salad and Dilled Yogurt Sauce – a delicious, healthy, paleo-friendly recipe featuring ground lamb spiced with Middle Eastern seasonings.
Grilled Corn with Garam Masala Butter
This grilled corn on the cob recipe hails from the streets of India! Grilled corn is lathered with garam masala butter – so juicy and flavorful!
Grilled Lamb Chops
Simple, flavorful grilled single lamb chops, topped with the most flavorful Italian-style Salsa Verde (Herb Caper Sauce), perfect for summer entertaining – either as an appetizer or main course. Full-flavored and so easy!
Grilled Chilean Beef Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce
Grilled Chilean Beef Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce and Cilantro Rice. An easy, flavorful weeknight meal. Substitute cremini mushrooms for the beef for a vegan alternative. If going low-carb, use cauliflower rice!
Indonesian Grilled Sambal Chicken
A flavorful grilled Indonesian-style Sambal Chicken that is easy and delicious! Serve with Asian Slaw or Thai Crunch Salad!
Grilling FAQS
Grilling vegetables on the grill brings out their flavor – asparagus, potatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes. If you eat meat, salmon and chicken are delicious grilled!
Skewers are fun! Make sure to soak them first. I also love grilling fruit – slices of pineapple, watermelon, and halved peaches. Grilling romaine lettuce is also a fun, unique option!
Grilling is when you cook over a hot flame, generally quick and fast. Barbecuing is when you cook low and slow for a long period of time.
Grilling Tips, Resources, & Gifts
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- For weeknight dinners, I often use this outdoor grill. It is small (so it heats up faster), portable, quick, efficient, and perfect for 2-4 people. Many have been skeptical but end up telling me how much they love it. Just sayin’. 😘
- A charcoal grill is great on the weekends, and during the winter, I’ll use a cast-iron grill pan, on my stovetop.
- This GRILL BASKET is great for grilling smaller veggies. Spray olive oil makes greasing the grill faster and easier. Metal tongs and a metal spatula are easier for my hands to hold (vs great big grilling sets that are hard to wash). A wooden, grooved-edge Cutting Board (to catch any juices) is also handy. I also like the look of this Grilling Apron.
- Good sources of wild salmon and organic, free-range meat (chicken and grass-fed meats with no antibiotics) include Butcher Box and Seatopia.
Have a lovely weekend, friends. Enjoy all the grilling recipes -xo Sylvia
More Summer Recipe Ideas!
50+ Best Grilling Recipes
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: grill recipe, Grilled, grilling recipe
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
Description
Fire up the grill with 50 easy, flavorful summer recipes, perfect for cookouts, BBQs, weeknight dinners, and summer gatherings. Here’s our most popular grilled chicken recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4-5 small-ish breasts) or boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6-8 pieces- see notes.)
Grilled Chicken Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, rosemary, thyme, or sage, finely chopped (or use a combo)
- zest from one medium lemon (2 tablespoons) and save the lemon for grilling/ juicing.
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic, or 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes- optional (Aleppo or Urfa Biber are good here)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Pound thickest part of the chicken breast into uniform thickness aiming for 3/4 inch thick and if very large, cut into uniform sizes roughly 5-6 ounces each.
- Make the marinade: Mix marinade ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside 2 tablespoons (for garnish). Place chicken and marinade in a bowl, baking dish or large zip lock bag and massage to coat all sides well. Marinate for 30 minutes, a few hours, overnight or even a few days.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. (See notes for chicken thighs.) Lift chicken breasts out of the bowl, letting most of the oil drip off -before carefully placing it on the grill. Cut the zested lemons in half, placing open sides down on the grill too. Feel free to add any veggies to the grill– here we added halved tomatoes. Close the grill lid and cook for 5-6 minutes (or until deep golden grill marks appear) before flipping. Cook the other side, 5-7 minutes, and lower heat or move to a cooler spot until the thickest part of the breast registers at 160F and meat is no longer pink, and the meat looks opaque. Let it rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Place the grilled chicken on a serving platter, squeeze generously with the grilled lemon, and tuck in fresh herbs for garnish. Spoon the reserved 2 tablespoons marinade over the chicken, and serve! (NOTE: DO not use the “used marinade” that the raw chicken was in for this!).
Notes
THIGHS: If using chicken thighs, follow the same directions up until grilling. Have a spray bottle filled with water handy for flare-ups. Using tongs, let marinate drip off each piece, before placing on the grill. If grill flares, lightly spray the flame out (don’t spray the chicken). Cut the zested lemons in half, placing open sides down on the grill too. Feel free to add any veggies to the grill– here we added halved tomatoes Grill each side until deep grill marks appear- 5-7 minutes, lower heat, then continue cooking low and slow until cooked all the way through to 170F. ( You can also finish thighs in a warm oven- they won’t dry out.)
Store: The grilled chicken can be refrigerated for up to 4 days for midweek meals!
If making a big batch of marinated chicken, feel free to use a blender for the marinade ingredients.
The raw chicken breast can also be refrigerated in the marinade for up to 3 days or frozen in the marinade if doing meal prep.
Do not use “skin-on” chicken here- the oil from the marinade will cause it to burn.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 242
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 372 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 30.9 g
- Cholesterol: 99.3 mg
On the home front: Do you remember when you were young and played outside all day long during the summer months? Curfews changed with the light. Forts were built, bikes ridden, endless days filled with roller skating or skateboarding, swimming, racing, and screaming. In those days, we wore ourselves out until the sun went down, just being wild. I went to bed, exhilarated and exhausted. I miss that…
Between catering events, my husband and I try to be outside as much as possible. Short camping trips, kayaking, or a hike here and there. But because it is wedding season, some days it may be only a short walk, watering the garden, or sitting on the porch for a few minutes, sipping a glass of Peach Sangria.
I found that one simple way to spend more time outdoors is to cook dinner outside on the grill and eat al fresco. It has become a fun, healing ritual. 🥂
I tried the grilled salmon recipe and it was fantastic! The flavors were amazing and it was super easy to make. Will definitely be making this again!
Great to hear Francis, thanks for taking time to let us know!