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Get ready for some epic grilling adventures this summer with 101 of the best grill recipes all in one place. From bbq meat to veggies and even dessert, we’ve got you covered with over 100 of the best grill recipes and bbq dinner ideas.
We grill at least once a week here in Southern California, and even more in the summer. Along the way I’ve learned a lot of tips and tricks for what to grill, how to grill and what tools to keep on hand. I’ll share those tips below, then we’ll get into the meat of it, literally, with tons of easy grilling recipes.
Table of Contents
Best Grill Recipes for Summer
My favorite thing about having a backyard grill is that I can put pretty much anything on it, from meats to veggies and even fruits! I’ve even put garlic bread on the grill and it came out so hot and crispy with a little bit of smoky char.
Everyone has their favorite grilling recipes – these are mine.
Top 10 Things to Grill:
- Steak
- Pork tenderloin
- Chicken thighs
- Shrimp
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Salmon
- Chicken breast
- Shish-kabobs
- Corn on the cob
Must Have Tools for Grilling
A quick Google search and you’ll find hundreds of grilling tools and gadgets that claim to be the best, but how do you really know? I’ve compiled a list of my own must-haves for every backyard grill-master.
Gas Grill – I am a diehard Weber loyalist and I’ve got a recommendation for both large and small grills. This small grill is ideal for 2-4 people, it’s portable and easy to clean. This full size gas grill is a beast and it’s got plenty of space to cook for a crowd.
Grilling Basket – This Grill Basket is great for all kinds of smaller cut veggies, shrimp, scallops and more delicate fish.
Grill Mat – A Grill Mat is great for keeping marinated foods or sauces from burning.
Gloves – If you have a larger grill and short arms (like me) you want to keep a pair of Grilling Gloves handy to keep from burning your hands when flipping burgers and chicken.
Utensils – At least have a good pair of long tons on hand for flipping.
Top Grilling Tips and Tools
- Always preheat your grill. Just like your oven, your barbecue needs time to come to a safe cooking temperature. The grates get nice and hot and that is what gives you that beautiful sear and char marks we all love to see. This step will also help loosen any stuck on food and helps to keep your food from sticking in the first place.
- Keep the lid closed while cooking. Heat escapes when the lid is open and you’ll be amazed at just how fast that temperature drops. Keeping the grill lid down also helps to prevent flare-ups.
- Monitor the time and temperature. I always keep a timer handy (usually my phone) and a digital meat thermometer so I can keep a close eye on my food and make sure not to overcook it.
Grilled Beef Recipes
Grilled London Broil Recipe
London Broil is a cut of beef that's marinated then and grilled over a high heat. This tender, juicy steak is a budget friendly yet classy weeknight meal.
Grilled Hamburger Sliders
Hamburger Sliders are the perfect mini sized party food. These juicy little grilled burgers are so flavorful and easy and great for summertime picnics.
Grilled Tri Tip Recipe
Grilled Tri Tip is so tender, juicy, and EASY! Learn all about the perfect tri tip rub, and how to marinate, grill, and slice a tri-tip.
Grilled Steak Marinade
Delicious grilled steaks in a rich, savory marinade.
Carne Asada
Marinated and grilled flank steak, sliced and served with rice and beans or stuffed into tacos or burritos.
Korean Short Ribs
These delicious Grilled Korean Short Ribs are so tender and full of flavor! Marinated in a tangy Kalbi style marinade for hours, this juicy short rib recipe is sure to become an instant favorite!
Street Tacos
Inspired by authentic Mexican tacos, these Carne Asada Street Tacos are packed with flavor.
Grilled Hamburgers
Hamburgers are easy to make and perfect for backyard grilling. Learn how to make the juiciest grilled burgers ever with just a few simple tricks!
Balsamic Steak Salad
Juicy grilled steak slices, vegetables, crumbled blue cheese, and a balsamic dressing make this steak salad recipe perfect for summer.
Grilled Steak Fajitas
Steak Fajitas are good, but Grilled Steak Fajitas are better! Tender flank steak makes a great fajita protein with charred peppers and onions- this is an easy dinner that's perfect for a summer get-together.
Rosemary Flat Iron Steak
Grilled Rosemary Balsamic Flat Iron Steak is a real show stopper. Topped with a balsamic, red wine, rosemary and garlic reduction, it will have your guests raving!
Grilled Onion Bombs
Mini seasoned meatloaves sandwiched in between crisp white onion slices are what makes up these delicious onion bombs. They’re a savory, flavorful dinner option that can be grilled, baked, and even cooked over a warm campfire.
Grilled Beef Tenderloin
Beef Tenderloin Recipe: This easy recipe causes our guests to come running when they hear what's on the grill. Using an incredible "rub," this beef tenderloin will be the hero of your table!
Grilled Pork and Lamb
Foil Packet Sausages with Peppers & Onions
Foil Packet Grilled Sausage & Peppers – A satisfying grilled dinner that is perfect for feeding a crowd at a backyard barbecue and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Cajun Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
Get juicy grilled pork chops with a spicy kick using a homemade rub. Simple and flavorful, it's the perfect summer meal!
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri Sauce
Learn how to make an incredibly juicy grilled pork tenderloin marinated in lemon, garlic and spices that cooks on your grill in just about 15 minutes!
St. Louis Ribs
Grilling season is in full swing and these St. Louis Grilled Ribs is one recipe that you need in your barbecue repertoire! These succulent, fall of the bone ribs are always a hit.
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Our BBQ Baby Back Ribs on the Grill will change your grilling game forever! This is the juiciest, most delicious pork rib recipe, that’s fall-off-the-bone tender with barbecue sauce and a homemade dry rub.
Beer Brats
Beer Brats are a summer staple, taste delicious and are super easy to make. Grill brats to char and then simmer with beer and onions.
Cast Iron Grilled Lamb Chops
These Cast Iron Grilled Lamb Chops are juicy, tender and so flavorful!!! I never thought I could get restaurant quality lamb chops at home. Serve them with tzatziki, Greek salad or any Mediterranean side dishes.
Sriracha Mayo Grilled Lamb Chops
These easy, mouthwatering Sriracha Mayo Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops are one of my favorite recipes for summer entertaining! They look and sound impressive, but they take less than 20 minutes of total work aside from the marinating time.
Grilled Chicken
Citrus Grilled Chicken
This Citrus Grilled Chicken is marinated in a delicious combo of orange, lemon, lime and garlic. Throw it on the grill or sear it in a cast iron and finish in the oven. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal and it’s especially good in wraps and salads.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Grilled chicken sandwiches are fast, easy and perfect for summer grilling. Serve on sandwich buns with your favorite spreads and toppings.
Grilled Chicken Marinade
Having a great grilled chicken marinade in your back pocket is essential for summer grilling. This delicious marinade packs a flavor punch without being overpowering, and it’s great with any kind of chicken!
Beer Can Chicken
Learn how to make Beer Can Chicken on the grill. It's guaranteed to be tender and juicy on the inside with a crispy, flavorful skin on the outside.
Easy Grilled Jerk Chicken
Grilled Jerk Chicken is a popular Jamaican dish with an incredible blend of spices and heat. Grill it or bake it for a taste of the islands.
BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Breast
Simple to make yet full of flavor, BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Breast is one of our favorite summer grilling recipes. No marinating and ready in 30 minutes.
Garlic and Lime Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Garlic Lime Chicken Kabobs are perfect for grilling season! Chicken and veggies drizzled with a tangy, creamy garlic lime dressing are the perfect dinner.
Grilled Chicken Satay
Chicken tenders are marinated in a homemade satay, threaded on skewers and grilled to perfection. Serve with a homemade Peanut Sauce!
Grilled Chicken Fajitas
These Chicken Fajitas are so quick and easy to make, with a delicious mix of seasonings. With a flavorful chicken fajita marinade and grilled vegetables, this chicken fajita recipe is a favorite easy meal!
Easy Grilled Chicken Shawarma
A simple delicious recipe for chicken shawarma that can be grilled or baked – full of Middle Eastern flavor. Serve with homemade pita bread and tzatziki or over Israeli Salad.
Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich
This easy Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich recipe is made with grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomato and pesto sauce. Make it for lunch or dinner in less than 20 minutes!
Asian Style Grilled Chicken Tenders
Asian Grilled Chicken Tenders are flavorful and cook fast so they are perfect for serving as a weeknight dinner.
Korean Gochujang Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs are spicy and flavorful, and come together with only a few ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Spatchcock Chicken
Spatchcock Grilled Chicken infuses a whole chicken with a zesty homemade Italian marinade before grilling it to delicious tender perfection! Only 10 minutes of hands-on prep work is needed!
Grilled Cornish Hens
A simple, but elegant recipe for Grilled Cornish hens. The marinade is made with a few simple ingredients and the hens are ready in just 30 minutes.
Turkey Kofta
Healthy flavourful grilled turkey kebabs with savoury yogurt, fresh vegetables, and grilled pita.
Honey Garlic Chicken Potato Foil Packs
Deliciously tender grilled chicken, potatoes and asparagus seasoned with honey, garlic and soy sauce, then wrapped in foil and grilled.
Grilled Whole Chicken
6 simple ingredients make up this full of flavor grilled pomegranate harissa chicken dish.
Chimichurri Chicken
A favorite Chimichurri Chicken Recipe marinated in authentic Argentinian Chimichurri sauce and grilled or pan-fried to juicy perfection.
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken is sweet, tangy and smoky with lovely charred pieces. It smells divine while cooking on the grill and tastes even better!
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are coated in lemon pepper seasoning, grilled to perfection then tossed in lemon pepper butter.
Grilled Harissa Chicken Salad
This grilled harissa chicken salad is spicy, healthy and fresh! The chicken packs some heat that really pairs well with the sweet pineapple and creamy avocado.
Spicy Honey Chicken
Spicy Honey Chicken made with chicken thighs rubbed with a smoky blend of spices and brushed with a sticky sweet honey sauce.
Lemon Soy Grilled Chicken
Lemon soy chicken is a simple, 4 ingredient citrus soy marinade that creates a seriously flavor packed, delicious grilled chicken.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Bang bang chicken kabobs are freshly grilled chunks of juicy chicken slathered in in a sweet & spicy Asian cream sauce.
Turkey Burger
Easy turkey burgers that are so juicy and flavorful. Made with ground turkey and seasoned to perfection, these burgers cook up in only 10 minutes!
Grilled Seafood Recipes
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Grilled Shrimp Tacos are a 15-minute meal that's perfect for your next cookout! Juicy marinated shrimp with a colorful, creamy cabbage slaw.
Grilled Fish Tacos
Grilled Fish Tacos are healthy and flavorful, topped with crunchy cabbage, and our tangy homemade fish taco sauce, all stuffed in a grilled corn tortilla.
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is an easy appetizer or dinner. Grilled shrimp wrapped in bacon is the perfect crowd pleaser that's ready in 20 minutes.
Grilled Salmon Salad
This Grilled Salmon Salad is full of crunchy veggies, grilled salmon and an easy homemade champagne vinaigrette. Easily customized for lunch or dinner!
Grilled Salmon Kabobs
Salmon Kabobs are seasoned with a simple, flavorful marinade with fresh herbs and garlic, then grilled to juicy, flaky perfection.
Grilled Shrimp Pasta Salad
Turn a classic summer side dish into a main course when you serve up a batch of this Grilled Shrimp Pasta Salad! Turmeric-kissed grilled shrimp are tossed in a seasonal pasta salad, complete with asparagus, fresh tomatoes, and summer squash.
Grilled Lobster Tails
Everything you need to know to learn how to grill lobster tails perfectly, including tips & step-by-step photos!
Grilled Red Snapper
This delicious grilled red snapper recipe has a cajun seasoning crust that's bursting with flavor.
Grilled Shrimp Foil Packerts
This 15-minute Lemon Garlic Shrimp Foil Packet is the perfect light & easy dish. It has less than 10 ingredients and can be made on the grill or in the oven.
Pesto Grilled Halibut
This Grilled Halibut Recipe is a perfect introduction to eating fish for kids because halibut is mild and doesn't get mushy.
Grilled Scallops
These grilled scallops are marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic and herbs, then seared to golden brown perfection on the grill. A quick and easy meal option that's simple yet totally satisfying!
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are marinated in lemon, garlic and herbs for the best summer dinner on a stick that’s ready in just minutes!
Grilled Mackerel with Green Goddess Dressing
Grilled Mackerel with Green Goddess Dressing is a super quick and simple, yet incredibly flavorful meal.
Grilled Tilapia
Grilled Tilapia is quick and easy for a great summer dinner in a flash! This flaky white fish recipe is drizzled with a creamy piccata sauce for a decadent dinner in less than half an hour.
Grilled Vegetables and Sides
Grilled Potatoes Recipe
Grilled potatoes are tender, smoky and so flavorful. You just found your new favorite summer side dish!
Grilled Zucchini
Grilled Zucchini, marinated in lemon juice and olive oil, is a healthy summer side dish that everyone loves! It's become a staple in our house and the only vegetable my kids actually beg for!
How to Cook Corn on the Cob
Learn how to cook corn on the cob perfectly tender and crisp every time with these 5 easy methods – bake, boil, grill, steam or microwave.
Grilled Avocados
Velvety smooth avocados are charred and filled with salsa, then topped with melted cheese to make the perfect summer appetizer or side dish. Or, add them to your favorite guacamole recipe for a smoky dip!
Balsamic Grilled Vegetables
These Grilled Vegetables are coated with a balsamic vinegar reduction and grilled until tender and slightly charred. This is the ultimate summer side dish!
How to Make Elote
Mexican Corn (Elote) is the most delicious way to eat corn on the cob – grilled and topped with mayo chili powder, cheese, cilantro and lime.
Grilled Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Want a versatile recipe that goes great on burgers, steaks or a stand alone? These Garlic Butter Grilled Mushrooms are the perfect addition to your meal, and super addicting.
Grilled Pizza
Try this simple method for some of the best grilled pizza you'll ever eat, with a crispy, flavorful crust , melty cheese and all your favorite toppings.
Grilled Cabbage Steaks
A fast and easy cabbage steak recipe with bacon and garlic! Learn how to make oven roasted cabbage steaks or grilled cabbage steaks with 10 minute prep. They are healthy, low carb, gluten-free, paleo, whole30, and totally delicious.
Grilled Lemon Asparagus
Grilled Asparagus is the best simple and healthy side dish! It’s covered in lemon butter and grilled to perfection.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Sweet Potatoes have a simple seasoning for a simple and healthy side dish prepared on your grill.
Grilled Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
This delicious Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread is crunchy on the outside and loaded with melted cheese, butter and garlic.
Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables
These delicious grilled Mediterranean vegetables are a perfect side dish! They're char-grilled to perfection and topped with herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Grilled Artichokes
Grilled Artichokes are the perfect summer snack or appetizer! They're extremely easy to make with minimal ingredients and served alongside a creamy lemon garlic aioli sauce that you're sure to love!
Grilled Mushrooms
These grilled mushrooms are button mushrooms threaded onto skewers then grilled to golden brown perfection and brushed with garlic butter. An easy low carb side dish option!
Smoked Whole Roasted Cauliflower
We are elevating everything you’ve ever known about grilling with this vegan smoked whole roasted cauliflower.
Grilled Eggplant Recipe
Grilled Eggplant is a healthy and flavorful side dish with crispy-edged that pairs well with many meals. It is super easy to prepare with just a few basic ingredients.
Grilled Shishito Peppers
This Japanese shishito pepper recipe uses only 3 ingredients and togarashi seasoning.
Grilled Broccoli
Cooking broccoli on the grill gives it a smoky flavor and charred edges, and this is the easiest grilled broccoli recipe! Learn how to grill broccoli perfectly — fresh, frozen, direct on the grill, or in foil.
Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Onions
Just 3 ingredients and less than 35 minutes for until these Hasselback Italian-style Grilled Baked Potatoes with onions are on your picnic table.
Grilled Halloumi
Grilled Halloumi cheese is a firm, white, salted cheese that won't melt on the grill. With its golden brown and crispy exterior and soft, savory center, Halloumi makes a perfect vegetarian main dish or appetizer.
Grilled Burrata Caprese Bread with Pesto
Grilled Burrata Caprese Bread is THE summer must have. Loaded with creamy burrata, pesto and sweet summer tomatoes. It’s basically Summer on a plate.
Grilled Baked Potatoes
Grilled Baked Potatoes are creamy and fluffy inside, with delicious crispy skin on the outside and a hint of smoky flavor. The perfect side dish for all your BBQs, summer cookouts, entertaining, and more!
Grilled Corn Salad with Feta Dressing
This Grilled Corn Salad recipe is fresh and easy, made with roasted corn, avocado, tomatoes and tossed in a lemon feta cheese dressing.
Grilled Summer Squash
Grilled summer squash is lightly seasoned, perfectly tender and a simple but delicious way to enjoy all the varieties of squash, from zucchini to yellow squash.
Grilled Stuffed Poblano Peppers
These Grilled Vegan Stuffed Poblano Peppers are an absolutely delicious and spicy spin on traditional stuffed peppers.
Grilled Desserts
Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple has a simple, sweet brown sugar glaze that transforms fresh pineapple slices into your new favorite side dish or dessert!
Grilled Peaches
Grilled Peaches are simple and rustic, and a perfect side dish or dessert for summer. Topped with a smoky honey butter, there's deliciousness in every bite!
Grilled Blueberry Dessert Pizza
Grilled Blueberry Dessert Pizza is a perfect dessert for your next cookout! Prep your ingredients ahead of time and bring everything together in just 10 minutes!
Grilled S’Mores
Learn how to make easy grilled smores and enjoy an ooey gooey treat when grilling. We have all the tips and tricks to make easy smores on the grill.
Grilled Watermelon
Grilled watermelon is sweet, with a subtle smokiness that's simply irresistible.
Grilled S’Mores Banana Boats
These S'mores Banana Boats are a classic campfire treat! Grilled Banana topped with gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs!
Spicy Grilled Cantaloupe
Grilled cantaloupe is really next level and the combination of the smoked paprika and the honey really makes it a taste treat sensation!
Grilled Pound Cake with Grilled Cherries
Try this BBQ dessert idea for grilled pound cake with whipped cream and grilled fruit. Swap out the cherries for whatever grilled fruit you like and enjoy baked morsels all summer long!
Grilled Balsamic Strawberries
Grilled strawberry fruit skewers are perfect for summer. Paired with a chocolate and espresso balsamic drizzle, they are perfect as a grilled dessert or appetizer.
Grilled Brie Stuffed Figs
A simple grilled fig appetizer. The figs are grilled, stuffed with brie, then given a delicious honey drizzle.
Grilled Apple Crisp
Smoky undertones make this Grilled Apple Crisp an unforgettable dessert! This versatile Easy Apple Crisp can be grilled or baked.
Time to Grill!
Does this huge list have your mouth salivating like it does mine? We’ve worked up an appetite gathering all of these recipes, and we’d love it if you would share and tag us on social media @yellowblissroad or #yellowblissroad.
What are some of your favorite grilling recipes? Let us know in the comments below!
