15 Summer Grilling Recipes for Perfect Outdoor Feasts

When the sun is shining and the days are long, there’s nothing quite like firing up the grill for a delicious summer feast.

Whether you’re planning a laid-back barbecue with friends or a family cookout, these summer grilling recipes are guaranteed to bring smoky, mouthwatering flavors to your table.

Let’s explore some amazing dishes that will make your summer gatherings unforgettable.

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon

This Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon is the epitome of summer dining, combining the natural richness of salmon with a zesty marinade that makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a quick and healthy dinner, this dish is a sure winner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 lemons (one for slices, one for juice)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the juice of one lemon, olive oil, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the salmon fillets with the lemon herb mixture.
4. Place salmon fillets on the grill, skin side down, and grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

Serve With: Steamed asparagus or a fresh green salad.

Drink With: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea.

2. Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with these Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce. Tender chunks of chicken are marinated and grilled to perfection, then served with a creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce that adds an exotic twist to your meal. These skewers are perfect for parties, cookouts, or a fun family dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, soy sauce, and curry powder. Add chicken cubes and marinate for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
4. Grill the chicken skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and chili flakes until smooth.
6. Serve the skewers with the peanut sauce on the side.

Serve With: Jasmine rice or a cucumber salad.

Drink With: A light beer or a refreshing lemonade.

3. Grilled BBQ Ribs with Homemade Rub

Smoky, sweet, and tender, these ribs are a barbecue lover’s dream. The homemade rub adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the smoky char from the grill, making these ribs a standout dish at any cookout.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 racks baby back ribs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs.
4. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and place them on the grill. Cook for 1.5-2 hours until tender.
5. Remove the foil and grill the ribs directly for an additional 10-15 minutes, basting with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Serve With: Coleslaw or baked beans.

Drink With: A cold beer or a glass of iced tea.

4. Grilled Veggie Platter

This dish brings together an array of seasonal vegetables, charred to perfection and bursting with natural sweetness. It’s a colorful, healthy, and utterly delicious way to enjoy your veggies, making it a fantastic side or even a main dish for your gatherings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss all the sliced vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the vegetables in a grill basket and grill for 10-15 minutes, tossing occasionally, until tender and charred.
4. Serve the grilled veggies on a platter.

Serve With: Hummus or a grain salad.

Drink With: A light white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

5. Teriyaki Grilled Shrimp

Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these Teriyaki Grilled Shrimp. Juicy shrimp are marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then grilled to a perfect char. This dish is quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it ideal for any weeknight dinner or summer gathering.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add shrimp and marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
4. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and charred.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Serve With: Steamed rice or a simple green salad.

Drink With: A cold beer or a fruity cocktail like a Mai Tai.

6. Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Enjoy a taste of the tropics with Grilled Pineapple Chicken. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, then grilled to juicy perfection. The caramelized pineapple adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the savory chicken.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Pineapple slices for grilling

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
4. Grill the pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized.
5. Serve the chicken with the grilled pineapple slices.

Serve With: Coconut rice or a tropical fruit salad.

Drink With: A refreshing piña colada or a chilled white wine.

7. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Experience the hearty and savory goodness of Grilled Portobello Mushrooms. These meaty mushrooms are marinated in a balsamic herb mixture and grilled until tender and juicy. They make an excellent vegetarian main dish or a tasty side for any grilled meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large portobello mushrooms
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Brush the mushrooms with the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the mushrooms for 4-5 minutes per side until tender.
5. Serve hot.

Serve With: Quinoa salad or roasted vegetables.

Drink With: A full-bodied red wine like Merlot or a refreshing iced tea.

8. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Nothing says summer like Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter. This classic side dish is taken to the next level with a delicious herb-infused butter that melts into the kernels, adding layers of flavor with every bite. Perfect for barbecues or family dinners, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 ears of corn, husked
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine butter, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the corn for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and tender.
4. Brush the hot corn with the herb butter before serving.

Serve With: Grilled meats or a fresh garden salad.

Drink With: A cold beer or a crisp white wine.

9. Spicy Grilled Sausages

Spice up your barbecue with these Spicy Grilled Sausages. Juicy sausages are grilled to perfection and infused with a fiery kick that makes them irresistible. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be served as a main course or a hearty appetizer.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 spicy sausages
• Your favorite spicy mustard for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the sausages for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked and charred.
3. Serve with spicy mustard on the side.

Serve With: Grilled onions and peppers or potato salad.

Drink With: A cold beer or a spicy Bloody Mary.

10. Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto

These succulent lamb chops are grilled to perfection and topped with a vibrant mint pesto that adds a fresh and zesty note. It’s an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 lamb chops
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to high heat.
2. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
4. In a food processor, blend mint leaves, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth.
5. Serve the lamb chops with a generous spoonful of mint pesto.

Serve With: Roasted potatoes or a Greek salad.

Drink With: A bold red wine like Syrah or a crisp Rosé.

11. Grilled BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder is shredded and mixed with a rich BBQ sauce, then piled high on a toasted bun. This sandwich is a BBQ classic that promises to be the star of any cookout.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker with apple cider vinegar and cook on low for 6 hours.
3. Shred the pork with forks and mix in BBQ sauce.
4. Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly toast the hamburger buns.
5. Serve the pulled pork on the buns.

Serve With: Coleslaw or potato chips.

Drink With: A cold beer or a refreshing lemonade.

12. Grilled Swordfish Steaks

Delight in the hearty and robust flavors of Grilled Swordfish Steaks. Swordfish is known for its firm texture and mild flavor, making it perfect for grilling. A simple marinade enhances the natural taste, while the grill adds a smoky char that’s simply irresistible.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 swordfish steaks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the swordfish steaks for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the swordfish for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Serve hot.

Serve With: Grilled vegetables or a light pasta salad.

Drink With: A chilled Chardonnay or a citrusy sparkling water.

13. Grilled Caprese Salad

Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil are grilled to perfection, then drizzled with a balsamic glaze. This warm twist on the classic Caprese salad brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and adds a delightful smokiness.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the tomato and mozzarella slices onto skewers, alternating with basil leaves.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until the cheese starts to melt.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Serve With: Crusty bread or a light pasta dish.

Drink With: A glass of Pinot Grigio or a refreshing iced tea.

14. Smoky Grilled Eggplant

This dish takes the humble eggplant and transforms it into a smoky, savory delight that’s perfect as a side dish or a main course for vegetarians. The grilling process brings out a unique depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the eggplant slices with the olive oil mixture.
4. Grill the eggplant for 5-7 minutes per side until tender and charred.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve With: Hummus or a quinoa salad.

Drink With: A glass of red wine like Malbec or a cool cucumber water.

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