It’s time to fire up that grill! We’ve compiled a list of awesome summer eats, featuring tried-and-true classics like marinated grilled chicken and new favorites like grilled sambal shrimp with peach salsa. Before you begin, you’ll want to bookmark our ultimate grill guide.
1 Grilled lemonade
When life gives you lemons, fire them up on the grill for an out-of-this-world lemonade. Grilling releases the lemon juice much more easily and enhances the flavor with a mild smokiness. We’re certain that once you try this grilled version, you’ll never go back to store-bought powdered lemonade mix again.
2 Grilled Sambal shrimp with peach salsa
A homemade peach salsa adds sweetness to spicy grilled shrimp, making this a delicious side dish or main course. Once you and your family try the peach salsa, you’ll be tempted to pair it with all your favorite summer dishes. And although we doubt you’ll have leftovers, this recipe is just as tasty served cold.
3 Grilled watermelon and avocado salad
Reimagine the way you prepare and eat sweet watermelon and rich avocado. This recipe involves searing them on the grill and combining them with red onions, salty feta, tart lime juice and spicy chilies for a distinctive, deliciously balanced salad. Grilling adds a richness to typically light watermelon while lending a subtle smokiness to the avocado. The honey-Dijon dressing is the perfect finishing touch.
4 Grilled Mexican street corn
Nothing says “summer” like grilled corn on the cob, but this recipe takes it up a notch by blending crema, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, chipotle pepper and lime into a sauce, then topping it off with robust Cotija cheese for a combination of sweet, savory, salty, nutty and tart that’ll be a hit at your next backyard barbeque.
5 Balsamic garlic grilled mushroom skewers
Perfect as a summer side or even a light main course, these mushrooms feature an intensely flavorful marinade finished with a smoky caramelization from the grill. Plus they’re so simple to make that they’re sure to become one of your go-to summer recipes.
6 The best marinated grilled chicken
If you’re looking for a simple grilled chicken recipe with a rich, complex flavor, look no further. Balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and garlic create a zesty marinade that keeps the chicken breast tender and juicy. Marinate for at least four to five hours for optimum flavor.
7 Grilled cantaloupe pieces
Don’t turn off that barbecue! If you haven’t been grilling your dessert, you’re missing an opportunity to wow your guests. Grilling fruit heightens its sweetness and flavor. These cantaloupe pieces make a perfect dessert on their own or they can be paired with berry sorbet or vanilla ice cream for a more delectable treat.
