Grilling in the summer is a beloved tradition for many, offering the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family while enjoying delicious, smoky flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a small group, these easy and flavorful summer grilling recipes will leave everyone asking for seconds. From juicy meats to vibrant vegetables and even sweet desserts, there’s something for every taste.
Here are some mouthwatering grilling recipes to inspire your next summer cookout:
1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers (Summer Grilling Recipes)
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken pieces and toss them to coat well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably, overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, making sure the pieces are evenly spaced.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown with slight char marks.
- Serve: Once the chicken skewers are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Pro Tip: If you want to add a little smoky flavor, you can place a small packet of soaked wood chips on the grill to infuse the chicken with a subtle wood-fired aroma.
2. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into large chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into large chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into large chunks
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- Optional: Feta cheese or goat cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Prep the Veggies: Wash and cut the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the veggies sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the seasoned vegetables onto skewers. Feel free to alternate the colors and types of vegetables to create a vibrant display on the grill.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Place the veggie skewers on the grill and cook for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
- Serve: Remove the veggie skewers from the grill and serve them with a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for added creaminess, or drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestion: These grilled veggie skewers are perfect alongside grilled meats, as a topping for flatbreads, or served with a tangy yogurt dip.
3. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional: Pico de gallo or avocado slices for toppings
Instructions:
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let them marinate in the fridge for 10-20 minutes.
- Grill the Shrimp: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers or use a grill basket. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp are grilling, warm the tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds on each side until they are slightly toasted.
- Assemble the Tacos: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skewers and place them on the tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and any additional toppings like pico de gallo or avocado slices.
Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, you can drizzle the tacos with a homemade chipotle mayo or a tangy crema.
4. Grilled BBQ Ribs
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Optional: Extra BBQ sauce for basting
Instructions:
- Prep the Ribs: Remove the silver skin (thin membrane) from the ribs using a paper towel to get a firm grip. Season the ribs with salt, pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Grill the Ribs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, setting it up for indirect grilling (placing the ribs on one side of the grill with the other side turned off). Place the ribs bone-side down on the grill, close the lid, and cook for about 1.5-2 hours, turning once or twice.
- Baste with BBQ Sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce, flipping and basting every 10 minutes to build up layers of caramelized sauce.
- Serve: Once the ribs are tender and fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, and your favorite grilled sides.
Pro Tip: For even more flavor, try adding some wood chips to the grill for a smoky finish. Hickory or applewood is a great choice for BBQ ribs.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is golden brown and tender.
- Prepare the Herb Butter: While the corn grills, mix the softened butter with parsley, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Once the corn is done, slather it with the freshly prepared herb butter and serve immediately. For extra flavor, sprinkle with a touch of Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lime.
Serving Tip: Grilled corn is a perfect side dish for any grilled meat, and the herb butter adds a rich, aromatic touch that enhances the sweetness of the corn.
6. Grilled Fruit Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 peaches, pitted and cut into wedges
- 1 mango, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Prep the Fruit: Thread chunks of pineapple, peach wedges, and mango onto skewers. Be sure to leave some space between the pieces to ensure even grilling.
- Grill the Fruit: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the fruit for about 3-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the fruit is lightly caramelized and tender.
- Serve: Once grilled, drizzle the skewered fruit with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve as a refreshing dessert or a sweet side dish.
Pro Tip: Grilled fruit pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Final Thoughts on Summer Grilling
Grilling in the summer is about more than just cooking food—it’s about creating memories with loved ones. These recipes are simple yet full of flavor, offering a perfect mix of meats, vegetables, and even fruits to suit any palate. Experiment with different marinades, sauces, and spices to make each dish your own.
Additional Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Many grilling recipes benefit from marinating meat or vegetables ahead of time. This not only enhances the flavors but also reduces prep time during the event.
- Grill in Batches: If you’re hosting a large group, consider grilling in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill and ensure even cooking.
- Stay Hydrated: Pair your grilled creations with refreshing drinks such as iced tea, lemonade, or fresh fruit juices to keep everyone cool.
Also Read: Fresh Grilled Chicken Salad For Lunch