14 Mouthwatering Dinner Ideas on the Grill for Perfect Summer Nights

Looking for some mouthwatering dinner ideas to sizzle up on the grill? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just firing up the BBQ for the first time, we’ve got a selection of recipes that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

From juicy steaks to flavorful veggies, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your tongs, put on your favorite apron, and let’s get grilling!

1. Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian delight that brings the taste of the islands right to your backyard. The name “Huli Huli” means “turn, turn,” referring to the frequent turning of the chicken on the grill, ensuring it’s cooked to perfection with a caramelized glaze. This dish is packed with sweet and savory flavors from a marinade of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, making it a crowd-pleaser for any barbecue gathering.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
2. Marinate the chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the chicken, turning frequently, for about 30 minutes or until fully cooked.
5. Baste with the remaining marinade during the last 10 minutes of grilling.

Serve with: Steamed rice. Grilled pineapple slices

Drink with: Mai Tai or a refreshing iced tea

2. Lemon Pepper Chicken Kabobs

Lemon Pepper Chicken Kabobs are the perfect combination of zesty and savory flavors. These kabobs are marinated in a tangy lemon pepper marinade and grilled to juicy perfection. They’re easy to make and great for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cookout.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the chicken onto skewers.
5. Grill the kabobs for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

Serve with: Greek salad. Grilled pita bread

Drink with: Crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a lemon-infused sparkling water

3. Smoky Chipotle Steak Fajitas

Smoky Chipotle Steak Fajitas are a flavor-packed feast that will spice up your dinner routine. The steak is marinated in a chipotle-lime mixture and grilled to perfection, then served with sautéed peppers and onions on warm tortillas. It’s a fun and interactive meal that everyone will love.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix chipotle peppers, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Marinate the steak in the mixture for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat the grill to high heat.
4. Grill the steak for 6-8 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
5. Let the steak rest, then slice thinly.
6. In a skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onion until tender.
7. Serve the steak and vegetables on warm tortillas.

Serve with: Guacamole and salsa. Mexican rice

Drink with: Classic margarita or a cold Mexican beer like Corona

4. Grilled Salmon with Herb Butter

Grilled Salmon with Herb Butter is a delightful and elegant dish that showcases the rich flavors of salmon enhanced by a delicious herb-infused butter. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough for any special occasion or dinner party.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. In a bowl, mix the butter, parsley, dill, lemon zest, and juice.
5. Top the hot salmon with the herb butter and let it melt over the fillets.

Serve with: Roasted asparagus. Quinoa salad

Drink with: Chardonnay or a light, citrusy white wine

5. Greek Grilled Portobello Burgers

Portobello mushroom caps are a fantastic vegetarian burger option. Marinated in a Greek-inspired blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic, these portobello burgers are grilled to juicy perfection. Stuff them with crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, and a dollop of hummus for a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large portobello mushrooms
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Whole wheat burger buns

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, and garlic.
2. Marinate the mushrooms in the mixture for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the mushrooms for 5 minutes per side.
5. In a bowl, mix cucumber, tomato, and feta cheese.
6. Assemble the burgers with grilled mushrooms and Greek salad.

Serve with: Tzatziki sauce. Greek-style fries

Drink with: Greek white wine like Assyrtiko or a refreshing iced tea

6. Grilled Shrimp Scampi Skewers

Grilled Shrimp Scampi Skewers bring the classic flavors of shrimp scampi to the grill. These skewers are marinated in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce and grilled to perfection, making them a perfect appetizer or light main course.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the shrimp in the mixture for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
5. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.

Serve with: Garlic bread. Caesar salad

Drink with: Pinot Grigio or a crisp lager

7. Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The tenderloin is marinated in a delicious honey-garlic sauce and grilled to juicy perfection, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or special occasion.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pork tenderloin
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the pork tenderloin in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
4. Grill the pork tenderloin for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Let the tenderloin rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Serve with: Mashed potatoes. Steamed green beans

Drink with: Red wine like Merlot or a chilled apple cider

8. Grilled Veggie Wraps with Pesto Hummus

Skip the meat and opt for a vegetarian option packed with flavor. Grill colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and onions until tender-crisp. Spread pesto hummus on large tortillas, add grilled vegetables, and top with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a satisfying and healthy wrap.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup hummus
• 2 tbsp pesto
• Whole wheat tortillas

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the vegetables for about 8-10 minutes, until tender and slightly charred.
4. Mix hummus with pesto.
5. Spread the pesto hummus on the tortillas, add grilled vegetables, and roll up.

Serve with: Mixed green salad. Roasted chickpeas

Drink with: Sparkling water with lemon or a light white wine

9. Grilled Pizza with BBQ Chicken and Pineapple

Grilled Pizza with BBQ Chicken and Pineapple combines the smoky flavors of the grill with sweet and tangy BBQ chicken, creating a delightful and unique pizza experience. The addition of pineapple gives it a tropical twist that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Olive oil for brushing
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and dust with cornmeal.
3. Brush one side of the dough with olive oil and place it on the grill, oil side down. Grill for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear.
4. Remove the dough, flip, and brush the other side with olive oil.
5. Spread BBQ sauce on the grilled side, then add chicken, pineapple, red onion, and cheese.
6. Return the pizza to the grill, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

Serve with: Coleslaw, Corn on the cob

Drink with: IPA beer or a fruity soda

10. Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak

Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak is marinated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection. This dish is simple yet packed with delicious Asian-inspired flavors, making it a great option for a quick and tasty dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Marinate the flank steak in the mixture for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat the grill to high heat.
4. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
5. Let the steak rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Serve with: Steamed jasmine rice, Stir-fried vegetables

Drink with: Sake or a cold Asian lager

11. Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa

Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to your table. The spicy jerk marinade pairs perfectly with the sweet and refreshing mango salsa, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for summer grilling.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 mangoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground allspice

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix jerk seasoning, olive oil, brown sugar, and allspice.
2. Rub the mixture onto the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
5. In a bowl, combine mango, red bell pepper, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, and salt to make the mango salsa.
6. Serve the grilled chicken with mango salsa on top.

Serve with: Coconut rice, Grilled plantains

Drink with: Rum punch or a tropical fruit smoothie

12. Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Mint Yogurt Sauce

Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Mint Yogurt Sauce are a delicious and aromatic dish. The lamb is marinated with Mediterranean spices and grilled to perfection, then served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the lamb.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lamb, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the lamb cubes in the mixture for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the lamb onto skewers.
5. Grill the kebabs for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked to desired doneness.
6. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mint, and lemon juice to make the mint yogurt sauce.
7. Serve the kebabs with mint yogurt sauce on the side.

Serve with: Couscous salad, Grilled vegetables

Drink with: Red wine like Syrah or a minty lemonade

13. Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Lemon Caper Sauce

Swordfish is a firm and meaty fish that holds up well on the grill. Grill swordfish steaks until cooked through and flaky. Top them with a simple lemon caper sauce made with butter, lemon juice, and capers for a light and elegant meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 swordfish steaks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tbsp capers
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup white wine

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush swordfish steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the swordfish for about 4-5 minutes per side, until opaque and cooked through.
4. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil, lemon juice, zest, capers, garlic, parsley, and white wine.
5. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Spoon the lemon caper sauce over the grilled swordfish before serving.

Serve with: Garlic mashed potatoes, Steamed asparagus

Drink with: Chardonnay or a crisp white wine

14. Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers

Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers are a delightful vegetarian option that combines the salty, squeaky texture of halloumi cheese with a variety of grilled vegetables. These skewers are perfect as an appetizer or main course and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 block halloumi cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss the vegetables and halloumi with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread halloumi and vegetables onto skewers.
4. Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the halloumi is golden.

Serve with: Tzatziki sauce, Pita bread

Drink with: Rosé wine or a refreshing iced tea

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