By: Jem Hanan, Contributing Blogger
When most people think of a BBQ, they picture meat piled high and maybe a lonely bowl of potato salad sweating in the sun. But what if your next cookout could be just as flavorful and surprisingly healthy? What if every food group had a starring role on your grill?
This summer, we’re throwing a backyard bash that’s colorful, nourishing, and still completely crave-worthy. We’ve handpicked four standout recipes that are fresh, balanced, and grill-friendly. Each one spotlights a different food group, so your plate ends up as vibrant as it is satisfying.
1. Grilled Vegetables – Vegetables
Source: Food Network (inspired by Giada De Laurentiis)
Ingredients:
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1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
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1 yellow squash, sliced
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 Japanese eggplant, sliced
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8 cremini mushrooms, halved
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8 asparagus spears
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2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
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3 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep vegetables: Toss all vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Grill: Heat grill to medium-high. Place vegetables directly on the grill or on skewers. Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and charred.
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Serve: Enjoy hot as a side or main dish.
2. Buttery Grilled Shrimp – Protein (Seafood)
Source: Taste of Home (adapted for health)
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil (or light butter for a healthier option)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tbsp chopped parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Marinate: In a bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 15 minutes.
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Skewer: Thread shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.
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Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
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Serve: Enjoy immediately as a protein-packed main or appetizer.
3. Grilled Halloumi & Pineapple Burger with Zingy Slaw – Dairy/Grains (Veggie Option)
Source: BBC Good Food
Ingredients:
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8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced
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4 pineapple slices (fresh or grilled)
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1 cup shredded cabbage
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1 carrot, grated
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1 tbsp Greek yogurt
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp honey or maple syrup
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1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
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4 whole grain buns or lettuce cups for wrapping
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Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
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Slaw: Mix cabbage, carrot, yogurt, vinegar, honey, and mint. Chill until ready to serve.
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Grill: Brush halloumi and pineapple with olive oil. Grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until charred.
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Assemble: Place halloumi and pineapple on buns or in lettuce cups, top with slaw, and serve.
4. Grilled Fruit Skewers – Fruit
Source: fANNEtastic Food (inspired by healthy fruit recipes)
Ingredients:
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2 cups fresh pineapple, cubed
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2 large peaches, pitted and quartered
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1 cup watermelon, cubed (optional)
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1 tbsp honey (optional)
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1 tsp lime juice
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1 tsp fresh mint, chopped
Instructions:
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Skewer: Thread pineapple and peaches (and watermelon if using) onto skewers.
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Grill: Heat grill to medium. Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly charred.
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Finish: Drizzle with honey and lime juice if desired, sprinkle with mint, and serve as a light, healthy dessert
So the next time you fire up the grill, think beyond the burger. These recipes prove that a healthy BBQ doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, just getting a little creative with your ingredients. By bringing color, balance, and freshness to the table, you can turn any cookout into something that nourishes as much as it delights. Whether you’re craving smoky veggies, zingy slaw, or caramelized fruit, your summer plate has never looked (or tasted) better. Here’s to a season of smart grilling, vibrant flavors, and meals that everyone can feel good about.
