18 Summer Grilling Recipes

There’s something special about firing up the grill on a summer evening.

The smell of the food cooking, the warmth of the sun, the laughter with friends – it’s pure magic! If you’re looking for some new ideas to make your summer cookouts even better, I’ve got you covered.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes:

Delicious and summery: Perfect for those warm evenings.
Easy to make: No complicated grilling techniques.
Flavor explosions: These recipes will wow your guests.
Healthy options too: Grilling doesn’t have to be unhealthy

Grilled Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This dish is an amazing twist on a classic Italian flavor combo. The juicy chicken is stuffed with melty mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil – it’s like summer in every bite! You’ll love how the flavors blend perfectly, especially with that drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Pros: Flavorful & impressive, easy to customize, great for leftovers, elegant yet simple
Ingredient Substitutions: Try different fresh herbs or add chopped olives
Cooking Tip: Pound the chicken breasts thin for even cooking
Customization Ideas: Serve over pasta or with a side salad
Indian Touch: Use a paneer and spinach filling with a drizzle of mint chutney

Tandoori Chicken Skewers

These skewers are a burst of flavor! The chicken is so tender and juicy from the yogurt marinade, and the tandoori spices give it a delicious warmth. The cool, refreshing mint chutney is the perfect complement to the spiced chicken.

Pros: Flavorful & exotic, healthy & satisfying, easy to make, great party food
Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless chicken thighs or paneer cubes
Cooking Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning
Customization Ideas: Serve with basmati rice and naan
Indian Touch: It’s already Indian-inspired, but you could add a side of raita

Grilled Veggie Burgers with Avocado Ranch Dressing

These veggie burgers are so hearty and satisfying, that even meat lovers will enjoy them! They’ve got a great texture and a delicious smoky flavor from the grill. The creamy avocado ranch dressing adds a cool, fresh element.

Pros: Healthy & flavorful, filling yet light, customizable, easy to make ahead
Ingredient Substitutions: Use your favorite type of veggie burger
Cooking Tip: Don’t overcrowd the grill for even cooking
Customization Ideas: Offer various toppings (cheese, tomatoes, lettuce)
Indian Touch: Use a spiced chickpea patty with a cucumber yogurt sauce

Grilled Peach and Arugula Flatbread Pizza

This pizza is like summer on a plate! The sweetness of the grilled peaches, the peppery arugula, and the creamy cheese are a perfect combo. I love the crispy crust and the freshness of the ingredients.

Pros: Sweet & savory combo, elegant & easy, customizable, light summer meal
Ingredient Substitutions: Try other stone fruits, like nectarines
Cooking Tip: Grill the flatbread first to get it crispy, then add toppings
Customization Ideas: Add balsamic drizzle, prosciutto, or different cheeses
Indian Touch: Use naan instead of flatbread, top with paneer and chutney

Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Kebabs

These kebabs are a great vegetarian grilling option! The salty, chewy halloumi cheese pairs perfectly with the grilled veggies. They’re so easy to throw together and make a colorful and satisfying meal.

Pros: Easy & healthy, beautiful presentation, customizable, great for sharing
Ingredient Substitutions: Swap halloumi for paneer or tofu
Cooking Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skewers for even grilling
Customization Ideas: Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or couscous
Indian Touch: Use tandoori spice marinade for the vegetables

Grilled Chicken Wings

These wings are sticky, sweet, and so addictive! The sweet honey and savory garlic glaze caramelizes on the grill, making them perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. It’s finger-licking good food!

Pros: Flavor-packed, crowd-pleaser, easy to make, great for parties
Ingredient Substitutions: Adjust the sweetness and spice level
Cooking Tip: Grill over medium-low heat until cooked through
Customization Ideas: Serve with different dipping sauces
Indian Touch: Use a tandoori or chili-garlic marinade

Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

This salad is the perfect side dish for a summer cookout. The grilled corn and zucchini have a lovely smoky flavor, and the fresh basil vinaigrette adds a pop of brightness. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with summer flavors.

Pros: Healthy & flavorful, easy to make, beautiful presentation, great for leftovers
Ingredient Substitutions: Use any summer vegetables you like
Cooking Tip: Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even grilling
Customization Ideas: Add crumbled feta, chopped nuts, or grilled chicken
Indian Touch: Toss the vegetables with a cumin-lime vinaigrette

Greek Pita Pizzas with Grilled Zucchini & Feta

These pizzas are fun and so easy to make! The soft pita bread gets slightly crispy on the grill, and the toppings are fresh and flavorful. I love the combination of zucchini, feta, and the simple drizzle of olive oil and herbs.

Pros: Flavorful & light, easy to customize, fun to assemble, quick summer meal
Ingredient Substitutions: Add different Mediterranean toppings
Cooking Tip: Grill the pitas briefly for warmth and a little char
Customization Ideas: Offer toppings like olives, tomatoes, artichoke hearts
Indian Touch: Replace feta with paneer, and use a mint-coriander chutney instead of olive oil

Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas

Quesadillas are always a hit, and this grilled version gets an extra dose of flavor. The smoky grilled vegetables and gooey melted cheese are a delicious combo. I love their versatility and the fact you can use up leftover grilled veggies.

Pros: Easy comfort food, customizable, great for leftovers, vegetarian
Ingredient Substitutions: Use any vegetables or cheese you like
Cooking Tip: Grill the tortillas lightly until golden and crispy
Customization Ideas: Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole
Indian Touch: Use paneer, spiced veggies, a drizzle of chutney

Mexican Street Corn Salad with Grilled Chicken

This salad is an explosion of flavors and textures! The sweet corn, smoky grilled chicken, creamy cotija cheese, and zesty lime dressing are amazing together. It’s a great side dish or a light and satisfying meal.

Pros: Flavorful & fresh, satisfying yet light, customizable, easy to make a big batch
Ingredient Substitutions: Skip the chicken for a vegetarian version
Cooking Tip: Get a good char on the corn for the best flavor
Customization Ideas: Top with avocado, black beans, chopped cilantro
Indian Touch: Swap cotija for paneer, add a sprinkle of chili powder

Steak, Crushed Potatoes & Red Pepper Romesco Sauce

This dish is full of bold flavors! The grilled steak is cooked to perfection and the roasted red pepper sauce adds a rich and savory element. It feels a bit fancy but it’s surprisingly easy to pull off.

Pros: Impressive and flavorful, customizable protein, healthy sauce, feels special
Ingredient Substitutions: Use your favorite cut of steak
Cooking Tip: Let the steak rest after grilling for juicy results
Customization Ideas: Serve with grilled vegetables, couscous, or potatoes
Indian Touch: Use a yogurt-based marinade with tandoori spices

Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar & Cinnamon

Grilled pineapple is a surprisingly delightful treat! The caramelized brown sugar and warm cinnamon enhance the natural sweetness of the pineapple. It’s a simple yet delicious dessert that’s light and refreshing.

Pros: Healthy & easy dessert, unique flavor, beautiful to serve, quick to make
Ingredient Substitutions: Try a touch of chili powder for a kick
Cooking Tip: Grill until slightly charred and softened
Customization Ideas: Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Indian Touch: Add a sprinkle of saffron and cardamom to the brown sugar mix

Grilled Fruit Kabobs with Honey-Lime Drizzle

These fruit kabobs are a fun and healthy dessert option. The grilled fruit gets slightly caramelized, making it extra sweet and juicy. The honey-lime drizzle adds a touch of tanginess and brightness.

Pros: Healthy & refreshing, customizable, easy to make, beautiful presentation
Ingredient Substitutions: Use your favorite seasonal fruits
Cooking Tip: Grill just until slightly softened, don’t overcook
Customization Ideas: Serve with yogurt, granola, or a dollop of whipped cream
Indian Touch: Add mango and a drizzle of rose syrup

Grilled Naan with Herbed Garlic Butter

Warm naan fresh off the grill is so good! Adding a simple herbed garlic butter takes it to the next level. It’s the perfect side for grilled meats and vegetables, or just for snacking!

Pros: Easy & flavorful, perfect side dish, versatile, crowd-pleaser
Ingredient Substitutions: Use different herbs or spices in the butter
Cooking Tip: Grill the naan just until warm and slightly blistered
Customization Ideas: Top with cheese, and chopped veggies, or use as a dipper
Indian Touch: It’s already Indian! Add a side of raita or mango chutney

This salad is incredibly refreshing and unique! The sweetness of the grilled watermelon pairs perfectly with the salty feta and fresh mint. It’s unexpected, light, and sure to be a summer favorite.

Pros: Unique flavor combo, healthy & refreshing, beautiful colors, easy to make
Ingredient Substitutions: Try goat cheese or ricotta instead of feta
Cooking Tip: Grill the watermelon briefly, just to get some char marks
Customization Ideas: Add balsamic drizzle, chopped nuts, or olives
Indian Touch: Use paneer instead of feta, and a sprinkle of chaat masala

Spicy Watermelon Salsa (with grilled chicken)

This salsa is a fun twist on a classic! The sweet watermelon gets a kick from jalapeno peppers, while red onion and cilantro add freshness. It’s delicious on its own with chips, but amazing paired with grilled chicken or fish.

Pros: Unique & refreshing, sweet & spicy, easy to make, great with leftovers
Ingredient Substitutions: Adjust the spice level to your liking
Cooking Tip: Use ripe watermelon for the best flavor and sweetness
Customization Ideas: Add chopped cucumber, avocado, or black beans
Indian Touch: Add roasted cumin seeds and a squeeze of lime

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Flavored Butter

Grilled corn is a summer staple, but flavored butter make it so much more exciting! I love the variety of flavors you can create, from herb-infused butter to spicy or sweet variations. It’s an easy way to impress!

Pros: Easy to customize, fun to experiment with, crowd-pleaser, simple yet impressive
Ingredient Substitutions: Create your own flavor combinations!
Cooking Tip: Grill the corn in the husks for the best results
Customization Ideas: Offer a variety of flavored butter
Indian Touch: Make a spiced butter with cumin, coriander, and chili powder

S’mores Nachos (dessert on the grill!)

This dessert is so much fun! The gooey marshmallows melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers combine for classic s’mores flavors. It’s like a shareable, deconstructed s’more, perfect for a crowd.

Pros: Easy dessert, fun & nostalgic, great for sharing, satisfies that sweet tooth
Ingredient Substitutions: Use different types of chocolate or candy
Cooking Tip: Assemble on foil and grill indirectly until everything is melted
Customization Ideas: Top with berries, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce

Conclusion

With all these delicious ideas, your summer cookouts are going to be amazing! Forget those same old boring recipes – it’s time to fire up the grill and try something new. Save this list so you can easily find your favorites when it’s time to start cooking.

If you loved these recipes, spread the grilling joy! Send this article to a friend or family member who loves to cook outdoors too. And let me know – which of these recipes made you the most excited to get grilling?