12 Grilling Recipes to Kickstart Your Summer
Summer brings longer days and warmer nights, giving you the perfect opportunity to spend more time outdoors and enjoy all that the season has to offer—including time spent gathered around the grill cooking up delicious food!
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or just looking for a quick and easy dinner, grilling is a summer tradition everyone can get in on. Really, who’d ever say no to the smell of sizzling food over an open flame?
From recipes for grilled chicken and kebabs to grilled veggies, fajitas, sliders, salmon and shrimp, the possibilities are endless when it comes to barbecuing. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the recipes out there, don’t stress.
We’ve rounded up 12 of the best grilling recipes for summer—for both grill masters and barbecue newbies—that are sure to impress your guests and your taste buds. So, grab your apron and BBQ tongs and get ready to create some delicious and memorable meals on the grill.
Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas and inspo for your next gathering!
Grilled Fish and Smoked Sausage Skewers with Basil Aioli
Kebabs are another great grilling favorite because they’re easy to prepare and cook for larger crowds. They’re also easy for guests to grab themselves—no serving or slicing required.
This kebab recipe uses chunks of firm white fish marinated in a quick and tangy marinade, smoky sausage and a fresh aioli to add bright and zesty flavors to the dish.
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Teriyaki & Grilled Pineapple Sliders
Sliders are one of the best party foods for a crowd—they’re small, easy to eat, quick-cooking and versatile. These teriyaki and grilled pineapple sliders are a twist on the traditional burger, combining sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
Slices of juicy pineapple are grilled for just a minute or two, giving them a delicious, caramelized flavor that perfectly complements the teriyaki beef patties. Cook in a cast iron grill pan on the stove or cook them directly on the grill.
Grilled Salmon with Summer Herb Pesto
Grilled salmon with an herb pesto is a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy fresh seafood.
Seasoned with salt, pepper and oil, the salmon is grilled until tender and flaky. You can even make it on a cedar plank, too! The homemade pesto—made with basil, parsley, mint, garlic, chives, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice—is the perfect complement to your salmon. It’d also be a delicious addition to other grilled seafood, like halibut or shrimp.
Grilled Steak Fajitas
This recipe for steak fajitas uses a flank or skirt steak plus a tangy marinade of jalapeño, garlic, orange juice and olive oil.
The marinade infuses lots of fresh flavor into the steak, which is grilled hot and fast to give the outside a nice char. One of the best parts of this dish is the homemade tortillas to go with it—which you can cook in a cast iron skillet on your grill or stove. Pair it with onion rings and your favorite grilled veggies plus a fresh squeeze of lime to top it off.
Grilled Citrus Marinated Shrimp
This easy grilled shrimp recipe is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer—and it takes less than 10 minutes to make!
After grilling, the shrimp are tossed in a dressing of honey, cilantro, ginger, lemon zest, orange juice and olive oil, which gives them a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Served with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad, this dish is light, healthy and bursting with flavor.
Thai Grilled Chicken Wings
Sweet and spicy, this recipe is a mouthwatering twist on a classic grilling favorite—chicken wings!
This Thai-inspired dish calls for a marinade of vegetable oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice and garlic, which infuses tons of flavor into the wings before they’re grilled until golden brown and crispy.
The smoky and charred flavors perfectly complement the bold marinade, which is balanced with the sweetness of the Thai chili sauce.
Steam Grilled Fennel Bratwurst, Cabbage and Apple
A summer bratwurst is pretty much universally loved—it’s bold, savory and perfect for outdoor gatherings and summer parties. It’s also easy to cook, as it can be grilled quickly over high heat and goes well with a variety of toppings.
This recipe uses cabbage and apple to complement the bratwurst, adding a little bit of sweetness with every bite. Beer is also used to steam the brat after searing it, which kicks the flavor up a notch. If you don’t have a steam grill, a cast iron pan with a lid or Dutch oven will work—just make sure it’s oven/grill safe!
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Grilled Shrimp Ceviche
While ceviche is typically “cooked” in an acid, turning it opaque and giving it a firm texture, this ceviche recipe grills the shrimp first to add a bit of texture and smokiness, complementing the marinated veggie mix.
This recipe is a great appetizer for parties—try serving it individually in shot glasses or on a platter with crispy tortilla chips or tostados.
Grilled Rosemary and Dijon Lamb Chops
When you think of grilled meats, you might not immediately imagine “lamb chops, “but trust us, this is a recipe you’ll want to add to your repertoire and a great choice if you’re looking to mix it up.
Even better, it’s super easy to make! These lamb chops are marinated in a three-mustard blend (dry mustard, Dijon and grainy Dijon) plus fresh herbs, oil and a little sugar for balance. Minimal work is required to grill these—they only need about 5–8 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare finish.
Grilled Nectarines with Brandy Cream
These grilled nectarines topped with brandy cream are a simple and delicious summer dessert that’s sure to impress.
Brushed with a honey and brandy mix plus a hint of cardamom (cinnamon or nutmeg would also work well here), the nectarines are caramelized on the grill to give them great texture and flavor. The whipped cream—which also has hints of brandy and cardamom—is the perfect finishing touch, leaving you with a dish that’s both sweet and refreshing, with a hint of warm spice and a creaminess everyone will love.
Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken
If you’re looking for new ways to grill chicken, this recipe is a great way to mix it up.
The chicken is marinated in a bold blend of tequila, lime juice, jalapeño and paprika, which gives it a tangy and slightly spicy flavor while simultaneously ensuring the meat is juicy and tender.
It’s a quick marinade that doesn’t need to sit overnight. Let it soak up the flavors for up to 2 hours and then cook on your favorite grill pan or directly on the grates (just be sure to use a silicone pastry brush to brush with enough vegetable oil to prevent it from sticking).
Grilled Steak and Herbed Potatoes with Lemon Aioli
Fresh summer herbs like rosemary and oregano are what make this grilled flank steak recipe really stand out.
We recommend marinating the steak overnight if you can, but you can also cut the time in half by using a vacuum sealer to help the flavors better infuse into the meat. Served with a side of creamy aioli, this is a summer recipe you’ll turn to time and time again.
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Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas and inspo for your next gathering!
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