101 Fun Grilling Recipes to Fire Up Your Summer Cooking
Fun summer grilling recipes for dinner! These easy bbq dinner ideas include unique and flavorful ways to grill meat, seafood, veggies, and more!
One of the best parts of summer is food on the grill!
The smoky flavor, slight char, and aesthetic grill marks really help us embrace the season.
It can be easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to grilling dinner though.
Regular ol’ hamburgers and chicken breasts can get old fast!
That’s why I put together this list of easy dinner recipes for the grill.
You’ll feel so inspired to cook outside more often …
… and have SO many fun ideas to add to your summer meal plan.
Pair any of these summer dinners with a fun cookout side dish or two, and dive into your delicious warm-weather meal.
These summer grilling dinners includes recipes for:
- Flavorful chicken breasts, thighs, wings, and drumsticks
- Grilled steak of all kinds
- Unique taco and Tex-Mex recipes
- Pork chops, pork loin, lamb, ans sausage
- Fun burgers for a crowd
- Healthy seafood meals
I even threw in a few side dishes you can make right on the grill, so there’s no need to dirty your kitchen at all.
Okay, let’s check out these unique summer grilling recipes!
(☀️ Looking for more delicious summer recipes? Try one of these unique summer desserts, easy summer appetizers, simple picnic food ideas, crowd-pleasing bbq side dishes, or fun summer charcuterie boards!)
This healthy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken is simple to prepare and packed with flavor! The topping makes it so refreshing, and really takes it up a notch. Grilled Pork Chops with Rosemary Dijon Marinade are perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a quick meal (with fewer dishes to clean up after!). Add some steamed green beans or a simple green salad and rice or heat-and-serve mashed sweet potatoes to round out the meal. What makes the Ultimate Cheeseburger so delicious? Aside from the crispy bacon, mega-juicy burgers, and grilled onions, the secret is definitely in the homemade burger sauce. Grilled New York Strip with Chimichurri Sauce is such an amazing summer meal! It’s so simple to make and the entire thing comes together in 15 minutes or less., and sauce really takes it to the next level. Greek Marinated Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce uses a simple Mediterranean marinade that creates a flavorful chicken. Grilled and topped with a tangy Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce, you will absolutely love this healthy, protein packed summer meal. Grilled pizza tastes nothing like a store-bought pizza! Crispy edges with smoky flavor hold the pizza toppings of your imagination. This grilled pizza recipe has a pesto sauce, with smoked mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and vine ripe tomatoes on top. Yogurt and Indian spices like turmeric and garam masala are used to marinate these tasty chicken kabobs. Plus, skewering alongside veggies means you don’t have to worry about making a separate vegetable dish to go with, making this a quick and easy option for summertime meals. If you love tacos as much as I do, you’re going to adore these Grilled Pork Tenderloin Tacos! They’re flavor-packed, easy to make, and feature a delicious homemade salsa verde. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is a delicious, healthy meal that packs big flavor. With fresh tomatoes, garlic, balsamic, and Italian Seasoning, this will be your new go-to grill dinner for company or any weeknight. Featuring juicy grilled sirloin, peppery arugula, crunchy romaine and cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, creamy avocado, piquant red onion, and tangy blue cheese crumbles all tossed in a homemade basil vinaigrette. This deliciously filling Grilled Steak Salad is a colorful celebration on a plate. Fire up the grill and get ready to devour this spicy Southwest Burger with chipotle mayo, topped with cooling guacamole and fresh pico de gallo. The juicy burger patty is mixed with green chiles, crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, and taco seasonings for a spicy, smokey, and bold flavored Tex-Mex burger. Shrimp Foil Packets are a delicious healthy-ish meal with all your favorite summer veggies. Ready in just 12 minutes on your grill, campfire or even in the oven, this is great meal prep for all your future campouts, Sunday cookouts, or simply great weeknight dinners. This Beer Brats recipe cooks on the grill in one pan from start to finish. Grilled bratwurst with tangy sauerkraut piled on toasted buns are the perfect choice for tailgating and backyard barbecues! Chicken Pineapple and Bacon Kabobs are such an easy summertime food, full of tropical flavors. Loaded with all things delicious, they’ll quickly be devoured by your family or party guests! Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops can be made any time of the year in the oven, but they’re especially good on the grill! Grilling them up alongside some veggies is an easy, complete meal with no cleanup. Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs are perfectly sweet and smoky and are the ultimate way to enjoy chicken during grilling season! Marinated and glazed in a simple BBQ marinade, this sticky grilled chicken makes for such a quick, easy and delicious meal. Grilled Carne Asada is such a tender, juicy and delicious way to cook a beef steak. Great for street tacos, burritos, and burrito bowls too! However you serve, this tasty beef recipe is certain to be one of your new favorite Mexican dishes. Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Lime Chicken is packed with flavor and makes for a fantastic and fresh summer meal! With grilled corn and a lightly sweet cilantro lime dressing, this is a must-try salad recipe. These juicy Mediterranean Beef Kebabs are packed with flavor and one of our favorite dinners during grilling season. Serve them with a big salad, rice, or Naan bread for a satisfying meal you’ll make again and again. Perfectly cooked juicy burgers topped with blue cheese crumbles and frizzled onions placed on lettuce sitting on toasted buns with honey spicy sriracha sauce slathered on the bottom bun. It’s the ultimate gourmet burger to add to your grilling menu. Grilled Shrimp Tacos are a real summertime staple! These tacos feature shrimp marinated in a sweet and spicy lime marinade and grilled to a smoky perfection. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapenos, red onion, tomato, queso fresco, and fresh lime juice. Super easy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a seriously flavor-packed favorite. Full of protein, it’s substantial enough to enjoy as a main but still feels light and fresh. A juicy Grilled Greek Lamb Burger Bowl is hard to beat! Accompanied by a garlicky tahini sauce over savory orzo, this Greek burger pairs well with a fresh tomato cucumber salad, lemons, extra virgin olive oil, and herbs. Orserve the burgers with all their toppings in a brioche bun, perfect for your next barbecue gathering. Delicious and easy Miso Grilled Chicken will be your new summer weeknight go-to. Juicy chicken thighs are tossed in a punchy, sweet and salty marinade then grilled to perfection. The smoky flavor you get from slow cooking a pork roast is the best way to achieve tender pulled pork for sandwiches and more! This easy recipe will give you foolproof fall apart pork every single time. Spicy Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad is what dinner dreams are made of! Featuring juicy marinated and grilled spicy chicken breast, fresh greens, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and tortilla strips all drizzled with a spicy southwest salad dressing. This grilling season, bring out the lobster! These incredibly easy Grilled Lobster Tails with Bourbon Sauce are grilled to perfection and coated with a bourbon butter sauce. Margarita Chicken has all the fantastic flavor of the popular cocktail cooked right into the chicken, plus a little kick from jalapeno peppers. Tequila, lime, and orange all come together to create the best ever grilled chicken. Grilled Chuck Roast is a great way to prepare roast beef for a delicious weeknight meal, Sunday dinner or to meal prep for sandwiches. Made with a quick garlic and onion dry rub and grilled with hardwood smoke for the best roast you have ever tried. These low carb foil packets make a great dinner and only take 30 minutes to cook in the oven or the grill. You’ll love that there’s only a few ingredients! Prepare this delicious Salmon Sandwich almost effortlessly by grilling or baking. Either way, you'll end up with a restaurant-quality sandwich ready in under 30 minutes. Jack Daniel’s Marinated Pork Chops are soaked in a fabulous mixture of Jack and spices. The red chili pepper gives these pork chops a little heat, but the whiskey adds such an amazing smoky and sweet flavor that you really have to try! Think you don’t like salmon? This deliciously marinated Grilled Salmon just might make you a believer. It’s actually beyond simple to grill, and the marinade adds so much flavor. Spicy Mustard Relish is easy and tastes amazing with grilled brats. You can also try it on sandwiches, in potato or macaroni salad, and on kielbasa sausages. Have you ever grilled oranges? This recipe for Grilled Swordfish with Grilled Oranges & Fennel is a fantastic - and easy - introduction to grilling citrus fruit. If you’re already firing up your grill to cook your main dish, why not cook your side dish right there, too? These ultra-easy Grilled Potatoes are tender and fluffy, with lots of yummy, golden-brown spots. Grilled Chicken Wraps are perfect for a quick and light summer meal. They’re so easy and inexpensive to make, and the flavors are incredible! Plus, who doesn’t love a ranch chicken combination? Blow away your taste buds with this Mexican Street Corn with Tajin. It’s easy to get the taste of authentic elote at home with a few simple ingredients! Smoky, spicy, and ready to party, these Chipotle Grilled Chicken Tacos are a great way to capture those festive summertime party vibes. Tender, smoked chuck roast is grilled to perfection with a flavorful rub and sweet BBQ sauce. Enjoy these mouthwatering Burnt Ends as a main course, side or appetizer. Kick off the grilling season with this Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken. Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy thanks to homemade yogurt marinade. Perfect for outdoor entertaining! Grilled Pierogies are made with dumpling wrappers and a cheesy, smooth potato filling. While it is customary to boil or pan fry your pierogies, grilling them gives them a summery touch with their smoky, crispy grill marks and soft interior. Hobo Foil Packet Dinners have a whole burger covered in cheese and bacon on top of thinly sliced vegetables. Warm and savory, they’re folded up in aluminum foil and are then cooked on the grill, campfire or in the oven for a hearty meal outside or in. Bring Korean BBQ home with this Korean Kimchi Chicken. Chicken thighs are marinated in an Asian-style sauce with the flavors of kimchi, gochujang and soy. They are continuously basted with an amazing, flavorful sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill! Jalapeño peppers stuffed with a cream cheese mixture wrapped in crispy bacon, grilled and then coated in bbq sauce. These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a great appetizer that only requires a few simple ingredients. Flavored with a simple, flavorful marinade, this tender, juicy Grilled Flank Steak with a delicious smoky char turns an ordinary meal into a steakhouse experience! This Grilled Halloumi Sandwich is a satisfying weeknight dinner, ready in only about 15 minutes! Halloumi cheese slices and onions are grilled (or pan-fried) and layered with tomatoes, lettuce, and a quick garlicky mayo. Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms with sausage and smoked Gouda cheese are easy to prepare and cooked on your grill in minutes. With succulent juicy mushrooms and savory sausage filling, these grilled mushrooms with cheese are SO full of smoky delicious flavor. Tender and delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Potato foil packets are hearty and delicious. Great for grilling or cooking over a campfire, but is also really tasty baked in the oven too. Grilled Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze and Goat Cheese is fast and delicious and looks gourmet. You only need 4 ingredients and a few minutes to make this amazing and simple side dish that everyone will love. Say goodbye to boring, these Turkey Burgers are thick, juicy, and packed with flavor. Add your favorite toppings for a delicious burger that rivals any restaurant! Fire up the grill, because it’s time to make Basil Pesto Grilled Chicken Thighs! Tender, juicy chicken thighs are made flavorful with bright basil pesto, zesty lemon, and just a touch of salt and pepper. This is the summertime entree of your dreams! It’s always a good time for a hearty, flavorful steak sandwich! Tender and juicy strips of steak are sandwiched between soft garlic butter toasted ciabatta buns and topped with cooked mushrooms and golden onions. All it takes is 15 minutes and a grill to make this incredible Grilled Garlic Bread. You may never make it in the oven again! Blackstone Smash Burgers are the ultimate summer burger! They are smashed to perfection on the Blackstone griddle with just salt and pepper to keep that delicious beef flavor. This recipe is so easy to make and the taste is phenomenal. Stuffed Mini Peppers are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish. They are made with small bell peppers that are halved and filled with a flavorful cheesy filling, and can be baked or grilled. Sure to please everyone at your next gathering! Taco Tuesday is calling for Achiote Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chipotle Sauce! Chicken is marinated in a delicious achiote marinade, then grilled and placed in tortillas with homemade creamy chipotle sauce and your favorite taco toppings. Grilled Mushrooms are the perfect grilled side dish or steak topping. They go from grill to table in 10 minutes. Easy, delicious, and loaded with flavor, these Juicy Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken Drumsticks combine both a little citrus zest and a little smoky tequila. It’s a mouthwatering dish that is easy enough for a weeknight summer dinner or to impress your friends at a cookout. Grilled Steak Fajitas are a delicious summer meal made easy on the barbecue. Flank steak is marinated in a savory fajita sauce and served with sautéed peppers and onions in soft tortillas. Grilled Swordfish with Tomato Olive Salsa is healthy, quick to make, and looks (and tastes) fancy enough for guests. This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken kebab recipe features chunks of chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy huli huli sauce with peppers, onion, and pineapple. It's an easy flavorful dish that's perfect for summer grilling. Discover the hidden gem of the vegetable world with this simple Grilled Artichoke recipe - get ready for smoky flavor and a surprisingly tender bite! This delicious recipe will walk you through how to get the nice, crispy texture that you will love. Easy Grilled Chicken Wings require only 4 ingredients and are ready in just over 30 minutes. They turn out perfectly golden brown with crispy skin and juicy, tender meat every time. Try them slathered with hot honey bbq sauce or enjoy them as plain salt and pepper wings. Lamb Kabobs are a unique and fun summer recipe. Fresh cubes of lamb are lightly marinated in savory herbs and seasonings and then grilled with colorful veggies to tender perfection! They’re healthy, packed with flavor, and best of all, an easy meal that everyone loves. Grilled Zucchini and Squash is a simple recipe that tastes great and has endless options. Zucchini and yellow squash are paired with a marinade that comes together in a snap, then grilled until tender and slightly charred. Serve with fresh herbs, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a little crumble of feta. Loaded with shellfish, sausage and rice, Grilled Seafood Paella is one impressive dish to serve a crowd. Made entirely on the grill, this recipe is packed with flavor and is incredibly easy to make. Smoked, grilled, or fried, Bacon Wrapped Pickles are a delicious salty snack or garnish for a bloody mary. Tender & juicy Grilled Tri-Tip on a gas grill is the ultimate steak lover's meal. The seasoned roast is cooked slowly resulting in perfect slices of beef with rich & delicious flavor. It's easy enough for a quick weekday meal but special enough for a fancy cookout. Easy Grilled Green Beans are the perfect side dish for your next barbecue! With only 4 ingredients, they’re an easy and cheap side for all kinds of grilled meat. This epic Portobello Mushroom Burger is easy, balsamic marinated and stacked high with arugula, sliced tomato, slices of red onion, cheese and pickle. Then it gets placed in a toasted brioche bun and smothered in Smoky Homemade Chipotle Sauce. Super easy Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple makes for a perfect side dish or even a dessert this summer. With just a couple simple ingredients like butter, vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon, you can whip it up and toss it on the grill in no time at all! Make tender and juicy, perfectly Grilled Ribeye steak every time with this easy ribeye recipe. Minimal prep time and only 9 ½ minutes grill-time and you'll be ready to settle in around the dinner table for a meal that's sure to have your taste buds salivating. Grilled Lamb Kofta is one of the most popular street foods in Turkey. Made with minced lamb and aromatic spices such as coriander and paprika, it is extremely easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Grill up some summer Peach and Ricotta Crostini appetizer bites in under 30 minutes. This dish is elegant and perfect for entertaining, without much effort on your part. Grilled Beer Can Chicken is a fun and unique way to grill a whole chicken. Your friends and family think you are a prize-winning BBQ Pit Master! These easy teriyaki chicken kabobs are so full of flavor! The recipe uses a simple soy sauce (or tamari) based marinade where part of it is reserved for thickening and then brushing on as a glaze later after grilling. Brisket Stuffed Poblano Peppers are stuffed with smoked brisket, cheese and tomatoes grilled until the flavors combine into a hearty and delicious meal. They taste every bit as good as anything you’d order at a restaurant! Cedar Plank Salmon is so tender, flaky, and infused with the most intoxicating smoky aroma. This is my favorite way to prepare grilled salmon, and once you take your first bite it won’t be hard to see why! Veggie Skewers made with zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers are grilled to perfection and drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar and brushed with a fresh garlic herb sauce. Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings have a crazy delicious dry rub, and the Ancho adds heat without being over the top. And if you’re not a fan of heat, simply cut back the Ancho or leave it out altogether. Grilled Barramundi is perfect for summertime! Pair this hearty white fish with easy grilled radishes to add a burst of color and flavor with a bright, peppery radish top pesto. Ready in just half an hour! Grilled Tomahawk Steak is the ultimate dinner for meat lovers! It’s tender, juicy and grilled to perfection, and it makes a show stopping presentation for your next cookout, holiday or special gathering. Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks are the main entree you need in your life. Not only does it pack a flavorful punch, but it’s very simple and easy to make a little or a lot. The crisp yet tender chicken marinated in a sweet tangy sauce will quickly become a favorite for any occasion. Bursting with flavor, these Grilled Shrimp are incredibly easy to prepare and cook in virtually no time at all. They’re perfect for a simple summer appetizer or main dish. Chicken shawarma skewers will be your absolute favorite dinner to grill all summer long! Chicken kabobs are generously seasoned with a stunning mix of bold spices, fresh lemon juice and a good amount of garlic! Potato Bites grilled on the BBQ are flavorful and tender thanks to the foil packet. They are cooked in 30 minutes and each packet can be uniquely flavored ahead of time. Fire up that grill and cook a perfectly seasoned filet of Mahi Mahi over high heat until those moist flakes separate easily with a fork. A little oil and great tasting seasonings make this mahi mahi one of the best pieces of fish you can grill. How do you turn an ordinary Grilled Chicken Sandwich into something amazing? You make an incredible chicken sandwich sauce to go on top! The Garlic Parmesan Mayo is what really makes this sandwich extra delicious. Indian Street Corn on the Cob will really elevate your next backyard barbecue! Charred corn gets a makeover with zesty lime, and bright spices. Succulent and tangy Vietnamese grilled chicken is a spicy blend of citrus, turmeric, and salty sweetness. Learn the method of reverse searing on these amazing Grilled T-Bones. The smoky garlic dry rub really takes them over the top! Grilled Caesar Marinated Chicken is a delicious way to jazz up boring chicken breasts. A tangy, homemade caesar dressing makes the perfect marinade packed with garlic, lemon, zesty capers, and of course parmesan cheese. Get ready to sink your teeth into juicy, flavorful Short Ribs! These delicious beef ribs are grilled until bone tender and make an incredible meal for a special occasion. The best part about this simple recipe is that it requires very little effort to prepare. This Grilled Side of Salmon is cooked with an easy spice rub and topped with grilled pineapple. It's the perfect way to make fish the main meal at your summer cookouts! Smoky grilled chicken skewers, marinated in ginger, garlic, coconut cream, and soy sauce is the basis for these delicious Thai Coconut Skewers. They get finished with a sweet coconut cream glaze and served with a simple peanut sauce. Big on flavor, and super easy to throw together! These amazing Steak & Potato Foil Packets are perfect for grilling, camping or the oven. Your main course and side dishes together in one tasty package. BBQ Lamb Chops are infused with the rich tastes of rosemary, garlic, and lemon. So decadent delicious, and perfect for when you want to impress your guests. Change up your burger game with these Chicken Burgers in Pita Pockets with Tzatziki Sauce. Grill the burgers inside the pita for a deliciously crispy “bun”. 12 Hour Hold Texas-Style Smoked Brisket gives you the most moist, juicy and melt-in-your-mouth brisket you’ve ever tasted. This recipe replicates the time tested method the barbecue restaurants in Texas use to craft their award-winning briskets. Delicious foil packet Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Veggies make for an easy summer weeknight meal, especially when made on the grill. Best of all, no cleanup!Summer Grilling Recipes
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
Grilled Pork Chops with Rosemary Dijon Marinade
Ultimate Cheeseburger
Grilled New York Strip with Chimichurri Sauce
Greek Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce
Two Cheese Pesto Tomato Grilled Pizza
Marinated Indian Chicken Kabobs
Pork Tenderloin Tacos
Bruschetta Chicken
Easy Grilled Steak Salad
Southwest Burger with Chipotle Mayo
Shrimp Foil Packets with Summer Veggies
Beer Brats
Chicken, Pineapple and Bacon Kabobs
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops
BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
Grilled Carne Asada
Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Lime Chicken
Mediterranean Beef Kebabs
Honey Sriracha Blue Cheese Burgers
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Greek Lamb Burger Bowl
Miso Grilled Chicken
Easy Pulled Pork
Spicy Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
Lobster Tails with Bourbon Sauce
Margarita Chicken
Grilled Chuck Roast
Sausage Broccoli Foil Packets
Salmon Sandwich
Jack Daniel’s Double Kick Pork Chops
Easy Marinated Grilled Salmon
Grilled Brats with Mustard Relish
Grilled Swordfish with Grilled Oranges & Fennel
Grilled Potatoes
Grilled Chicken Wraps
Grilled Mexican Street Corn
Grilled Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Burnt Ends
Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled Pierogies
Bacon Cheeseburger & Potato Hobo Dinner
Korean Kimchi Chicken
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Easy Grilled Flank Steak
Grilled Halloumi Sandwich
Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms
Honey Garlic Chicken Potato Foil Packets
Grilled Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze and Goat Cheese
Juicy Turkey Burgers
Basil Pesto Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled Steak Sandwich
Grilled Garlic Bread Recipe
Blackstone Smash Burgers
Stuffed Mini Peppers
Achiote Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Grilled Mushrooms
Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Grilled Steak Fajitas
Grilled Swordfish with Tomato Olive Salsa
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Kebabs
Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Aioli
Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
Lamb Kabobs
Grilled Zucchini and Squash
Grilled Seafood Paella
Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pickles
Grilled Tri-Tip
Easy Grilled Green Beans
Epic Portobello Mushroom Burger
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
Best Grilled Ribeye
Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofta
Grilled Peach and Ricotta Crostini
Beer Can Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Brisket Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Cedar Plank Salmon
Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Grilled Barramundi with Radishes
Grilled Tomahawk Steak
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Grilled Shrimp
Chicken Shawarma Skewers
Potato Bites
Flame Grilled Mahi Mahi
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
Grilled Indian Street Corn
Vietnamese Grilled Chicken
Grilled T-Bones
Grilled Caesar Marinated Chicken Breast
Beef Short Ribs
Grilled Side of Salmon with Pineapple
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
Steak & Potato Foil Packets
BBQ Lamb Chops
Chicken Burgers in Pita Pockets
Texas-Style Smoked Brisket
Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Veggies Foil Packs
I hope this list of fun things to grill has given you tons of inspiration for recipes to add to your summer meal plan.
These hot weather dinners are easy, but offer so much flavor!
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