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Grilling is my favorite part of summer cooking. The smoky flavor, the sizzling sounds, the ease of cooking outdoors—it all just feels right when the weather’s warm.
These 22 summer grilling recipes are packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for everything from backyard BBQs to quiet dinners on the patio.
1. Grilled Chicken Thighs with Honey-Lime Glaze
These juicy chicken thighs are a go-to in my house. I marinate them in lime juice, honey, garlic, and chili flakes, then grill until the edges are slightly charred and sticky. They’re sweet, zesty, and always the first to go at cookouts.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Reserve a bit of marinade (before adding raw chicken) and use it as a glaze during the last few minutes on the grill—it caramelizes and adds a ton of flavor to the crispy skin.
Get the Grilled Chicken Thighs with Honey-Lime Glaze recipe.
2. Grilled Veggie Skewers
I load skewers with zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, then brush them with olive oil and herbs. They’re colorful, quick, and go with just about anything on the grill. I usually make a big batch and serve it with a dipping sauce.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Cut the veggies the same size so they cook evenly, and soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to keep them from burning.
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
3. BBQ Grilled Ribs
Low and slow is the way I do ribs. I rub them down with spices, wrap them in foil, and pre-cook in the oven before finishing them on the grill with a thick layer of BBQ sauce. The result? Tender ribs with a sticky, smoky crust.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes after grilling to keep them juicy, and give them one last brush of warm sauce before serving for extra shine and flavor.
Get the BBQ Grilled Ribs recipe.
4. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp cooks fast on the grill, which makes these tacos a perfect last-minute meal. I season them with cumin, lime, garlic, and paprika, grill for a few minutes, then tuck them into tortillas with slaw and avocado. They’re fresh, flavorful, and never boring.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Skewer the shrimp or use a grill basket so they don’t fall through the grates, and don’t overcook—2-3 minutes per side is all they need to stay tender.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Tacos recipe.
5. Grilled Pineapple Slices with Cinnamon
When I want something sweet after a savory meal, I grill pineapple slices brushed with a mix of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The heat brings out their natural sugars and makes them caramelized and juicy—a great dessert or side for grilled meats.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Use slightly underripe pineapple for firmer texture on the grill, and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy treat that tastes like summer.
Get the Grilled Pineapple Slices with Cinnamon recipe.
6. Grilled Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter
This is one of my favorite ways to grill fish. I place salmon fillets skin-side down and brush them with a mix of melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, and herbs. The skin gets crispy, and the flesh stays moist and flaky—perfect for a light summer dinner.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Grill the salmon on a cedar plank soaked in water for 1–2 hours beforehand. It adds a subtle smoky flavor and helps prevent sticking or overcooking.
Get the Grilled Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter recipe.
7. Grilled Steak with Chimichurri
When I want something bold and flavorful, this is it. I grill ribeye or flank steak over high heat and slice it thin, then spoon a garlicky chimichurri sauce over the top. It’s fresh, juicy, and always hits the spot.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Let the steak rest at least 5 minutes after grilling, and slice it against the grain. This keeps it tender and lets the juices redistribute for maximum flavor.
Get the Grilled Steak with Chimichurri recipe.
8. Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter
I make this every summer without fail. Grilled corn on the cob slathered in a butter mixture of chili powder, lime juice, and a little garlic powder. It’s spicy, tangy, and addictive.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Wrap corn in foil to steam first, then finish it unwrapped directly on the grill to get those charred bits. Sprinkle with cotija cheese for a Mexican street corn twist.
Get the Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter recipe.
9. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
These are great for meatless nights. I marinate big portobello caps in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and soy sauce, then grill until tender and juicy. Piled on a bun with cheese, lettuce, and tomato, they’re just as satisfying as a beef burger.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Scrape out the gills before marinating—the texture’s better, and it prevents the mushrooms from turning too soggy while they cook.
Get the Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers recipe.
10. Grilled Chicken Caesar Wraps
I grill marinated chicken breasts, slice them thin, and wrap them with romaine, parmesan, and Caesar dressing in soft tortillas. It’s light, easy, and makes a great summer lunch or dinner.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Brush the wraps with olive oil and grill them briefly after wrapping. This gives them a little crunch and helps hold everything together.
Get the Grilled Chicken Caesar Wraps recipe.
11. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Slow-grilled chicken breasts or thighs, shredded and mixed with BBQ sauce, piled onto slider buns with pickles or slaw. These are great for parties or casual dinners—always a hit with the kids too.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Grill the chicken over indirect heat to keep it juicy, then finish directly over flame for caramelized edges and that smoky BBQ finish.
Get the BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders recipe.
12. Grilled Veggie Pasta Salad
I use leftover grilled vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, onions—and toss them with cooked pasta, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. It’s colorful, fresh, and makes an easy lunch or picnic dish.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Toss the warm grilled veggies with the dressing before mixing in the pasta. It allows them to soak up the flavor better while they’re still hot.
Get the grilled veggie pasta salad recipe.
13. Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Skewers
Cubed chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce and skewered with chunks of pineapple and bell pepper. They’re sticky, sweet, and perfectly grilled in minutes. I usually serve them with rice or a simple slaw.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Baste with extra sauce during grilling for maximum flavor and caramelization, but make sure it’s fresh sauce, not the marinade that touched raw meat.
Get the Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Skewers recipe.
14. Grilled Flatbread Pizza
I roll out pizza dough thin, toss it on the grill until slightly crisp, then flip and top with sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings I have on hand. The crust gets smoky and blistered—totally different from oven-baked.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Brush dough with olive oil and prick it a few times with a fork to prevent big bubbles. Keep toppings light so everything cooks evenly without making the crust soggy.
Get the Grilled Flatbread Pizza recipe.
15. Grilled Sausage and Peppers
I throw sausages and sliced bell peppers straight onto the grill, then serve them together on hoagie rolls with a smear of mustard. It’s easy, filling, and a total classic at summer get-togethers.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Grill the peppers in a grill basket with olive oil and a pinch of salt for charred, tender strips that won’t fall through the grates.
Get the Grilled Sausage and Peppers recipe.
16. Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks are simple and full of flavor. I coat them in dry rub, grill them slowly over indirect heat, then brush with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes. The skin turns crispy, and the inside stays juicy—it’s one of my summer staples.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Rotate the drumsticks every few minutes and grill over indirect heat first. Then finish over direct flame for crispy skin without burning the sauce.
Get the Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe.
17. Grilled Halloumi Skewers
Halloumi cheese is perfect for grilling—it doesn’t melt, and it gets crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. I skewer chunks of it with zucchini, red onions, and cherry tomatoes, then brush with olive oil and grill until golden.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Soak the cheese in water for 10–15 minutes before grilling. It softens the saltiness and helps prevent sticking to the grill.
Get the Grilled Halloumi Skewers recipe.
18. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Sweet grilled peaches pair beautifully with creamy burrata, fresh basil, and arugula. I drizzle it all with balsamic glaze and olive oil for a salad that’s both light and luxurious—perfect as a starter or side dish.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Use barely ripe peaches and grill them cut-side down until just caramelized. That way, they hold their shape and don’t get mushy.
Get the Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad recipe.
19. Grilled Turkey Burgers
These turkey burgers are juicy, not dry, thanks to a little olive oil and Dijon in the mix. I grill them until golden and serve with avocado slices, tomato, and spicy mayo. They’re a leaner alternative to beef but still packed with flavor.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Mix in a tablespoon of grated onion—it adds moisture and flavor and keeps the patties from drying out on the grill.
Get the Grilled Turkey Burgers recipe.
20. Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Mint
I slice zucchini into long ribbons, grill until charred and tender, then top with crumbled feta and fresh mint. It’s fast, light, and one of the easiest ways to use up summer zucchini.
How to Make This Recipe Better
After grilling, drizzle with lemon juice and a touch of honey. The sweet-tangy finish brings out the zucchini’s natural flavor and balances the salty feta.
Get the Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Mint recipe.
21. Grilled Pineapple Chicken
I marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic, then grill alongside pineapple slices. The sweet and savory combo is perfect over rice and always smells amazing while cooking.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly, and grill the pineapple first—it caramelizes better when the grates are clean and hot.
Get the Grilled Pineapple Chicken recipe.
22. Grilled Garlic Bread
This takes regular garlic bread to the next level. I brush thick bread slices with garlic butter and grill until toasted and smoky. It’s crunchy outside, soft inside, and perfect with grilled meats or summer salads.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Use a mix of butter and olive oil in the spread for the best texture, and grill over medium heat to prevent burning while still getting that perfect char.
