To be honest, I used to be intimidated by grilling and I avoided it at all costs. I left it to my husband to turn on the fire, clean the grates, and handle all the grill recipes. But that changed a few summers ago when we bought our first gas grill … then a Traeger smoker grill … then an Ooni pizza oven … and then a Blackstone griddle.
As I purchased each new outdoor cooking appliance, I read through the set-up manual, downloaded the apps, and started experimenting with recipes. It wasn’t long before I realized that grilling is fun and I’m truly a “girl who grills” at heart. Grilling is such an enjoyable (and simple) way to cook, and I discovered it really wasn’t that intimidating after I did it a time or two. When I’m searching for outdoor summer dinner ideas, these are my favorite grill recipes of all time.
Grilled Chicken Recipes
Chicken is the protein that I probably grill the most. I love it for making simple skewers, marinated chicken to serve with this summer salad, and even lean burgers.
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
I created this recipe for grilled chicken skewers with a Korean BBQ sauce and it has quickly become one of my favorite grill recipes for weeknights. Made with chopped chicken thighs, this recipe is fast and so flavorful. I usually serve it bowl style over cooked rice and a side of roasted or grilled veggies.
Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad
The lime juice, cilantro, honey, and olive oil marinade for this chicken also doubles as a flavorful dressing to drizzle over the salad. Whenever I’m craving grilled fajitas (which is often) I turn to this bright and flavorful restaurant-worthy recipe.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad
I love buffalo wings, so it makes sense that this grilled chicken salad is a top choice for me every summer. I make it by putting chicken breast in a simple marinade before quickly grilling it. Then all that’s left to do is assemble this chopped salad that is high in protein, fiber, and flavor.
Smoked Spatchcock Chicken
Following Jess’s simple how-to steps, I grilled my first whole chicken using this method for spatchcock chicken, where the backbone is removed and the chicken is flattened, which helps it grill evenly. The result is juicy and delicious grilled chicken to eat as is or add to meals all week long.
Teriyaki Chicken Kebabs
My entire family loves these chicken kebabs made with pineapple, sweet peppers, red onion, and a simple teriyaki style glaze. If I have them on hand, I’ve also added zucchini and jalapeno to these skewers. They’re easy to customize and always taste great.
Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers
I made these Chipotle flavored chicken burgers for the first cookout I ever hosted. They were the perfect choice for entertaining because I could make the patties ahead of time and then just grill them quickly when it was time to eat.
Feta Spinach Turkey Burgers
While these burgers are made with ground turkey instead of chicken, I still include it with my favorite grilled chicken recipes because these burgers are always a hit. Even though the burgers are lean, they stay so flavorful and juicy thanks to the additions of feta cheese, spinach, and a flavorful Tzatziki sauce on top.
Grilled Pork Chops And Other Grilled Pork Recipes
Growing up in Iowa, I enjoyed many grilled pork chops for easy dinners in the summer. My Dad was a pro at cooking them, and I’m proud to say that I’m pretty good at it myself. It helps to have these delicious grilled pork recipes that go far beyond grilling basic hot dogs and bratwursts.
Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
This pork chop marinade is so simple, so when I’m lost for what to make for dinner I often use this quick recipe. The marinade itself calls for everyday ingredients that I always have on hand, including garlic, cumin, Dijon, olive oil, and coconut aminos (or soy sauce). I serve this simple protein with my favorite 5-ingredient broccoli slaw.
Honey Garlic Grilled Pork Chops
Another flavorful grilled pork chops recipe, this one starts with a simple honey garlic marinade and finishes with a delicious honey mustard sauce to drizzle on top. I serve it with this kale salad with blueberries for the most delicious and fresh summer meal.
Smoked Pork Butt
When I really want to infuse pork with delicious smoky flavors from the grill, I make this smoked pork butt recipe that can be made on a wood pellet grill, a gas or charcoal grill with a smoker box, or an electric smoker. The result is fall-apart tender pulled pork that can be topped with barbecue sauce or just served as is.
The Best Grilled Pork Loin
When I want super flavorful and juicy grilled pork, this is the recipe I turn to. The pork loin gets rubbed with a simple dry spice mix made from brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and other everyday spices. That’s really all it takes to get a delicious dinner. I serve it with this simple cucumber salad for a perfect taste of summer.
Hawaiian Grilled Pork Tenderloin
When I want sweet-and-savory flavors together, this grilled pork tenderloin with pineapple salsa is the way to go. The pork tenderloin is so flavorful for a simple spice dry rub and the salsa comes together quickly with fresh pineapple, red pepper, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic.
Grilled Pork Kebabs with Peanut Sauce
When my kids want grilled skewers, this recipe is a fun and different take that is so flavorful. Pork chop pieces grill to perfection with zucchini, red onion, and bell pepper slices after they’ve marinated in a simple peanut sauce marinade.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Sauce
I made this grilled pork tenderloin when my in-laws were in town and they still rave about that dinner today. The creamy and fresh avocado-herb sauce is the perfect complement to simple and juicy grilled pork tenderloin.
Grilled Pork Burgers with Thai Peanut Slaw
I grew up eating pork burgers and, even though they were good, they were nowhere near as good as this recipe for juicy pork burgers that gets topped with a creamy Thai slaw. Whenever I made these, I’m certain I could sell them at a restaurant.
Grilled Baby Back Ribs
These perfectly cooked baby back ribs start in the Instant Pot or slow cooker and then get finished on the grill to create that perfect caramelized BBQ sauce exterior. Serve with a side dish of sweet kale salad, this dinner is so impressive and doesn’t require smoking ribs all day.
Grilled Steak And Other Grilled Beef Recipes
Now that I have an outdoor griddle grill, making smash burgers, carne asada, and griddle cheesesteaks is one of my favorite summer things to do. These grilled beef recipes are always top requests from my family.
Easy Grilled Steak Kebabs
Thread nice big chunks of flavorful sirloin steak or ribeye steak onto skewers with red pepper pieces and watch everyone gather around as the delicious smells permeate. I pair these easy kebabs with fresh green beans from my garden for a memorable and simple summer dinner.
Grilled Thai Steak Salad
When I want a low-carb, high-protein dinner, this Thai-style steak salad is my favorite. The dressing is shockingly delicious and makes everything, from the tender grilled sirloin strips to the crispy cucumber and juicy tomatoes, taste so good.
Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Sometimes only a grilled steak will do, and that’s when I make this quick cooking grilled flank steak (or skirt steak works, too) and top with an herby green chimichurri sauce that I make from my garden crop of parsley blended with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Paired with this arugula peach salad, I love serving this dinner in the heart of summer.
Grilled Pizza Burgers
When I offer up either grilled pizza or grilled burgers and there’s a tie, these pizza burgers are always a nice combination of the two. The patties incorporate pizza seasonings and get topped with warm pizza sauce and melty slices of mozzarella cheese. So good!
Grilled Steak Bowls
I build these Mediterranean bowls with a base of crispy romaine and creamy hummus, fresh veggies, and slices of warm grilled flank steak (strip steak and sirloin steak are great too). Then I drizzle creamy yogurt-herb dressing over top for the most fresh summer grill recipe of all time.
Grilled Fish And Grilled Vegetables
I think for most people, grilling fish and veggies seems like one of the hardest things to master. But these recipes make it simple to enjoy healthy foods cooked over an open flame. As another idea, I recently made this miso-marinated salmon on the grill, and it’s now one of my favorite summer dinner options.
Grilled Salmon Skewers
Until Jess created this recipe, I had never thought of grilling salmon pieces on kebabs. But I must say, it’s one of my favorite ways to grill fish since the pieces get caramelized on all sides. And if there are any leftovers, I use them to make fish tacos the next day.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Speaking of fish tacos, these grilled shrimp tacos are a simple dinner that I crave every summer. I serve the quick cooking spiced shrimp tucked into corn tortillas with fresh mango-avocado salsa. Everyone loves these grilled tacos, from kids to adults.
Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts may not be the first veggie that comes to mind for grilling, but these tiny cabbages are perfect for the high heat method. Brushed with a maple-mustard glaze, these veggie skewers make a great sweet-savory appetizer or side dish for summer meals.
Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan
I probably grill asparagus more than any other veggie just because it’s readily available and pairs well with a lot of summer meals. This simple recipe is a great one to follow if grilling asparagus is new to you, and the topping of shredded Parmesan ensures it always goes fast.
Grilled Corn Salad with Blackberries
This colorful summer salad is made with corn on the cob. After grilling, I cut the sweet corn kernels off the cobs and toss them with juicy blackberries, tart radishes, creamy avocado, spicy arugula, tart scallions, and a lime vinaigrette. It’s a burst of fresh summer flavors that makes everyone go Wow!
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the most rewarding and simple recipes to make as a grill beginner is an easy marinated grilled steak. It’s easy to taste the flavors that grilling imparts, and topping it with a pesto sauce or any favorite barbecue sauce, only makes the experience even better.
Other simple grill recipes for beginners include steak kebabs, grilled pork loin, grilled pork chops, and chicken skewers.
Grilling is a great technique for a lot of different foods. Most people think of hamburgers, hot dogs, and bratwurst, which are easy foods to grill. But other foods, including garlic bread, naan, pizzas, and many veggies are easy foods to grill.
Thin slices of zucchini and broccolini are excellent choices for grilling. Some foods that are less thought of – but still perfect for grilling – are full heads of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and grilled peaches. Be sure to rub or brush olive oil over the cooking surface of any food before grilling to prevent it from sticking.
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