The Best Grilling Recipes for Summer

Summer is the season of grilling, where the smoky aroma of sizzling meats, vibrant vegetables, and charred delights fill the air. Grilling is more than just a method of cooking; it’s an experience that brings people together, evokes nostalgia, and enhances the flavors of fresh, seasonal ingredients. In this guide, we explore some of the best grilling recipes for summer, from classic favorites to innovative twists. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice looking to impress, these recipes will elevate your summer gatherings and ensure that your grill is the star of the show.

Classic Grilled Chicken

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Grilled Vegetable Medley

Ingredients

1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the bell peppers, zucchini, squash, and onion, tossing to coat evenly.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat.
Grill the Vegetables: Place the vegetables in a grill basket or directly on the grill grates. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
Serve: Transfer the grilled vegetables to a serving platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Perfectly Grilled Steak

Ingredients

2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

Prepare the Steaks: Rub the steaks with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Press the rosemary sprigs onto the steaks.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to high heat.
Grill the Steaks: Place the steaks on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.
Rest and Serve: Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of grilled potatoes or a fresh salad.

BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Ingredients

2 racks baby back ribs
1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the ribs.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-low heat.
Grill the Ribs: Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours, maintaining a temperature of around 275°F (135°C). Baste the ribs with a mixture of BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar every 30 minutes.
Finish and Serve: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with a final layer of BBQ sauce. Let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into individual ribs. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto skewers. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Serve: Transfer the skewers to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ingredients

4 ears of corn, husked
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Corn: Brush the ears of corn with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat.
Grill the Corn: Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
Finish and Serve: Remove the corn from the grill and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Ingredients

4 large Portobello mushrooms
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Mushrooms: In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture onto the mushrooms.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat.
Grill the Mushrooms: Place the mushrooms on the grill, gill side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
Serve: Transfer the mushrooms to a serving platter and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

Grilled Pineapple

Ingredients

1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pineapple: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture over the pineapple rings.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Pineapple: Place the pineapple rings on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are caramelized and have grill marks.
Serve: Serve the grilled pineapple rings warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Grilled Sausage and Peppers

Ingredients

4 Italian sausages
2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
1 red onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Hoagie rolls for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: In a bowl, toss the bell peppers and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat.
Grill the Sausages and Vegetables: Place the sausages on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked. Grill the peppers and onions in a grill basket or directly on the grill grates for 8-10 minutes, until tender.
Serve: Serve the grilled sausages in hoagie rolls topped with the grilled peppers and onions.

Grilled Peach Salad

Ingredients

4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
4 cups mixed greens
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup toasted pecans
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Olive oil for brushing

Instructions

Prepare the Peaches: Brush the peach halves with olive oil.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Peaches: Place the peaches cut side down on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange the mixed greens on a serving platter. Top with the grilled peaches, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.

Grilled Lamb Chops

Ingredients

8 lamb chops
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Marinate the Lamb Chops: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Place the lamb chops in a large resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
Grill the Lamb Chops: Remove the lamb chops from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy: 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium.
Rest and Serve: Let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with a side of grilled asparagus or a fresh couscous salad.

Grilled Salmon with Dill Sauce

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin side down. Grill for 6-8 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Make the Dill Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Mix well.
Serve: Serve the grilled salmon fillets with the dill sauce on the side.

Grilled Pizza

Ingredients

1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Assorted toppings (pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Brush one side with olive oil.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Dough: Place the dough, oiled side down, directly on the grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is crisp and has grill marks. Brush the top with olive oil, then flip the dough.
Add Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce over the grilled side of the dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add your desired toppings. Close the grill lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove the pizza from the grill and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve.

Grilled Tofu Skewers

Ingredients

1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion), cut into chunks
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Tofu: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add the tofu cubes and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat.
Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated tofu and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between tofu and vegetables.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu is crispy and the vegetables are tender.
Serve: Transfer the skewers to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Grilled Nectarines with Honey and Mascarpone

Ingredients

4 nectarines, halved and pitted
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Nectarines: Brush the cut sides of the nectarines with honey.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Nectarines: Place the nectarines cut side down on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
Prepare the Mascarpone: In a bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese with vanilla extract until smooth.
Serve: Place the grilled nectarines on a serving platter. Top with a dollop of mascarpone cheese and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Grilled Chicken Wings

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Wings: In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken wings and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Wings: Remove the wings from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill the wings for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crispy and cooked through.
Serve: Transfer the wings to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Grilled Watermelon Salad

Ingredients

1 small watermelon, cut into wedges
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Watermelon: Brush the watermelon wedges with balsamic vinegar.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Watermelon: Place the watermelon wedges on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they have nice grill marks.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange the grilled watermelon on a serving platter. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Serve: Drizzle with a little extra balsamic vinegar if desired and serve immediately.

Grilled Eggplant

Ingredients

2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplant: In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture onto the eggplant slices.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Eggplant: Place the eggplant slices on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender and charred.
Serve: Transfer the grilled eggplant to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve as a side dish or use as a base for a grilled vegetable stack.

Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Slaw

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 apples, julienned
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup shredded cabbage

Instructions

Marinate the Pork Chops: In a bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Place the pork chops in a large resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Apple Slaw: In a bowl, combine apples, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and shredded cabbage. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill the pork chops for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Rest and Serve: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the grilled pork chops with a generous portion of apple slaw on the side.

Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the Bell Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat.
Grill the Stuffed Peppers: Place the stuffed bell peppers upright on the grill. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Transfer the grilled stuffed bell peppers to a serving platter and serve immediately.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 head romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Caesar dressing
Croutons for serving
Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and let rest.
Grill the Lettuce: Brush the cut sides of the romaine lettuce halves with olive oil. Grill for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly charred.
Assemble the Salad: Slice the grilled chicken breasts. Arrange the grilled romaine halves on a serving platter, top with sliced chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and garnish with lemon wedges.

Grilled Peaches with Prosciutto

Ingredients

4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
8 slices prosciutto
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Fresh arugula for serving
Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions

Prepare the Peaches: Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Peaches: Place the peaches cut side down on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they have nice grill marks.
Assemble the Dish: Wrap each grilled peach half with a slice of prosciutto. Arrange on a serving platter over a bed of fresh arugula.
Serve: Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.

Grilled Swordfish Steaks

Ingredients

4 swordfish steaks
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Marinate the Swordfish: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the swordfish steaks in a large resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Swordfish: Remove the swordfish steaks from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Serve: Transfer the swordfish steaks to a serving platter and serve with lemon wedges.

Grilled Asparagus

Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Asparagus: Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Asparagus: Place the asparagus on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
Serve: Transfer the grilled asparagus to a serving platter. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with lemon zest.

Grilled Flatbread with Hummus and Veggies

Ingredients

4 flatbreads or naan
1 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup sliced black olives
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Flatbreads: Brush the flatbreads with olive oil and grill for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and warmed through.
Assemble the Flatbreads: Spread a generous layer of hummus over each grilled flatbread. Top with cucumber slices, bell pepper slices, and black olives.
Serve: Garnish with fresh dill and cut into wedges. Serve immediately.

Grilled Scallops

Ingredients

1 pound large sea scallops
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh lemon juice
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to high heat.
Grill the Scallops: Place the scallops on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and slightly firm.
Serve: Transfer the scallops to a serving platter, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Grilled Turkey Burgers

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Burger buns and toppings (lettuce, tomato, avocado, etc.)

Instructions

Prepare the Patties: In a bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Patties: Place the turkey patties on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Assemble the Burgers: Place the cooked patties on burger buns and top with your favorite toppings.
Serve: Serve the turkey burgers with a side of grilled sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Grilling is a versatile and enjoyable way to celebrate the flavors of summer. From meats to vegetables and even fruits, the grill brings out a unique taste and texture in a variety of dishes. These recipes are designed to inspire your next summer cookout, offering a mix of classic favorites and creative new ideas. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a casual family dinner, or a festive summer party, these grilling recipes will ensure a delicious and memorable meal. Happy grilling!