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20 Must-Try Grill Recipes for Perfect Summer BBQs

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

This juicy chicken dish is marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mix, making it a refreshing option for summer BBQs.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, marinate for at least 1 hour, then grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Serve with a fresh salad.

2. BBQ Ribs with Homemade Sauce

Fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in a tangy homemade BBQ sauce make for a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering.

  • 2 racks of baby back ribs
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Mix sauce ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes. Rub ribs with salt and pepper, grill for 3-4 hours, basting with sauce every 30 minutes.

3. Grilled Vegetable Skewers

These colorful skewers are a perfect side dish or a vegetarian main course, showcasing the best of summer produce.

  • 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 8 cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Thread vegetables onto skewers, brush with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.

4. Grilled Shrimp Tacos

These tacos are a delightful twist on traditional BBQ fare, featuring marinated shrimp and fresh toppings.

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup slaw mix
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Lime wedges for serving

Marinate shrimp in olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, then serve in tortillas topped with slaw and avocado.

5. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn grilled in its husk retains moisture and flavor, making it a simple yet delicious BBQ side.

  • 4 ears of corn, husked
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • Salt to taste

Soak corn in water for 30 minutes, then grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt before serving.

6. Spicy Grilled Sausages

Bring a kick to your BBQ with these spicy grilled sausages, perfect for those who love a bit of heat.

  • 4 spicy sausages (like chorizo or Italian)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Brush sausages with a mix of olive oil, mustard, and honey. Grill over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, turning until evenly browned. Serve with crusty rolls and your choice of toppings.

7. Grilled Pineapple with Honey

This sweet treat adds a tropical twist to your BBQ dessert offerings, perfect for summer evenings.

  • 1 ripe pineapple, sliced into rings
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Brush pineapple rings with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon. Grill for 3-5 minutes on each side until caramelized. Serve with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

8. Teriyaki Grilled Salmon

This flavorful salmon dish is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection, making it a healthy yet scrumptious option.

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Mix marinade ingredients and soak salmon for at least 30 minutes. Grill salmon skin-side down for 6-8 minutes, brushing with marinade. Serve with steamed rice and veggies.

9. Grilled Stuffed Peppers

These vibrant stuffed peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, beans, and spices, making them a hearty option for your grill.

  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Mix rice, beans, corn, spices, and half the cheese. Stuff peppers and top with remaining cheese. Grill on medium heat for 15-20 minutes until peppers are tender.

10. Grilled Caprese Salad

This fresh salad brings together the classic flavors of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, enhanced by a quick grill.

  • 2 large tomatoes, sliced
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Brush tomato and mozzarella slices with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side. Layer with basil, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper.

11. Grilled Flatbreads

These homemade flatbreads are perfect for serving with dips or as a base for grilled pizzas.

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup warm water

Mix flour, salt, and olive oil in a bowl. Gradually add water until dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes, then let rest for 30 minutes. Roll out and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.

12. Grilled Eggplant with Garlic and Herbs

This savory side dish highlights the rich flavors of grilled eggplant, perfect for pairing with your main course.

  • 2 medium eggplants, sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and tender.

13. Grilled Chicken Fajitas

These flavorful chicken fajitas are marinated and grilled to perfection, served with soft tortillas and fresh toppings.

  • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Combine chicken, bell pepper, onion, olive oil, and taco seasoning in a bowl. Grill for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.

14. Grilled Zucchini and Squash

This simple yet delicious side dish showcases the natural sweetness of summer squash, grilled until tender and flavorful.

  • 2 zucchini, sliced
  • 2 yellow squash, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toss zucchini and squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and grill marks appear.

15. Grilled Margherita Pizza

This classic pizza is a must-try on the grill, featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a delicious summer meal.

  • 1 pizza dough
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Olive oil for brushing

Roll out pizza dough and brush with olive oil. Grill on one side for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Flip, spread with marinara, and top with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Grill for an additional 5-7 minutes.

16. Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan

This elegant side dish is simple yet impressive, with grilled asparagus drizzled with balsamic and topped with Parmesan cheese.

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

Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove from grill, sprinkle with Parmesan, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

17. Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms

These flavorful stuffed mushrooms make for a fantastic appetizer or side dish, packed with herbs and cheese.

  • 12 large mushrooms, stems removed
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Mix cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley in a bowl. Stuff each mushroom with the mixture and grill for 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.

18. Grilled Potato Wedges

These crispy potato wedges are a satisfying side for any BBQ, seasoned to perfection and grilled until golden brown.

  • 4 large potatoes, cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toss potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and cooked through.

19. Grilled Peach Salad

This refreshing salad combines sweet grilled peaches with mixed greens, nuts, and cheese for a delightful summer dish.

  • 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
  • Balsamic vinaigrette for dressing

Grill peach halves for 3-4 minutes until caramelized. Toss greens with feta, walnuts, and grilled peaches. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette before serving.

20. Grilled Chocolate Banana Boats

This fun and easy dessert is perfect for summer BBQs, combining chocolate and banana for a sweet ending to your meal.

  • 4 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Slice bananas lengthwise, leaving the peel on. Fill with chocolate chips and marshmallows. Wrap in aluminum foil and grill for 5-7 minutes until chocolate is melted. Serve warm.

Conclusion

These 20 must-try grill recipes are sure to elevate your summer BBQs and impress your friends and family. From savory meats to fresh vegetables and delightful desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and savor the flavors of summer!

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20 Must-Try Grill Recipes for Perfect Summer BBQs

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