Guilt-free outdoor summer fun!
One of the best things about summer is an outdoor barbecue. We can fire up the grill and enjoy meals with friends and family under the golden sunshine. Typical barbecue fare includes burgers, hot dogs, and all kinds of rich, meaty dishes. And of course there’s loads of BBQ sauce to make everything extra-juicy. While delicious, a lot of these items rank low on the nutritional scale. To make summer fare nutritious and delicious, we’ve made a list of 10 healthy BBQ recipes for the summer! With these clean-eating options, you can choose when to indulge and when to stick to your diet.
Our 10 healthy BBQ recipes include classics such as corn on the cob, cole slaw, and BBQ chicken, as well as untraditional alternatives like fruit and cheese kabobs, turkey burgers, and grilled pizza. This menu has something for everyone!
Entrees
Tender, juicy chicken is skewered with zucchini, bell peppers, and onion, then marinated with a sweet and savory sauce. These skewers take only minutes on the grill, making them perfect for hungry guests who just can’t get enough!
This marinated chicken is imbued with lemongrass, lime, and garlic, then basted with annatto oil. The result is an exceptionally juicy Filipino chicken perfect for summer barbecues.
Shrimp are another tasty skewer option. For this simple recipe, marinate the shrimp a few hours before cooking, grill for a few minutes, and drizzle with fresh lime juice. Serve and enjoy!
4. Turkey Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta
It’s a great idea to offer a lighter burger option at your BBQ. These turkey patties are made with lean meat, sun-dried tomatoes, and low-fat feta cheese. They’re under 250 calories, with only 5 grams of carbs. They’re a tasty yet healthy alternative to beef burgers.
5. Grilled Pizza with Mozzarella, Basil, and Tomato
This grilled pizza is miles healthier than any delivery option, and it’s a great vegetarian barbecue entree that even meat lovers will adore. The combination of melted mozzarella, basil, and fresh tomato is the perfect crowd-pleaser. Grill the pizza and serve hot!
Appetizers & Sides
Corn on the cob is best kept simple. This recipe uses four basic ingredients: corncobs, basil leaves, olive oil, and sea salt. Delicious, healthy, and satisfying, it’s a must-have at summer barbecues.
7. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are another favorite barbecue appetizer. If you want to serve this traditional dish at your party but don’t want to commit to the calories, try our lightened-up version. This recipe uses Greek yogurt instead of mayo, keeping the creamy consistency and rich flavor without the added fat. Add lemon juice for tang and honey for sweetness and you’ve got yourself a new and improved barbecue appetizer!
8. Grilled Apples, Pears, & Parmigiano Reggiano Skewers
Combine sweet and savory with these fruit and cheese kebabs. Layers of apple, pears, and cheese are grilled and drizzled with light balsamic vinegar. It’s a sweet and unusual appetizer. Your guests will be clamoring for seconds!
9. Skinny Sweet and Tangy Cole Slaw
Cole slaw is a barbecue must-have, but the traditional mayo recipe is packed with unnecessary fats and calories. This lightened up version brings the perfect sweet and tangy combination using apple cider vinegar and pure maple syrup.
10. Red Cabbage and Apple Slaw
Another slaw option is this healthy recipe made with shredded red cabbage, apple cubes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey. Light in calories and full of flavor, it’s an eye-catching side for any barbecue.
Love the dishes? Need more summer food ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment about this article or anything else on the site in the section below.
