**The content on Healthy Farmhouse is based on our family’s personal experiences and may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Prior to checking out our favorite healthy grilling recipes or reading any other health-related information on this site, I encourage you to read our full Health Disclosure to learn more.
Conventional Summertime Grilling
Grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook in summer!
However, it can also produce some of the most unhealthy meals.
Many Americans tend to lean on classic grilled foods such as hot dogs and hamburgers, with traditional summer side dishes such as chips and store-bought potato salad.
If leaving the conventional behind is your health goal for the summer, this one is for you!
Healthy Summertime Grilling
While grilling can sometimes get a bad rap due to the carcinogens it may produce, it can deliver some health benefits as well.
From reducing fat content to preserving certain vitamins and minerals lost during other cooking methods.
That said, most people choose the grill during the summer simply because it’s convenient and they like the flavor it provides.
Not going to lie, that’s totally me, you guys!
I absolutely love leaning on our grill for summertime meals.
It tends to mean less work on my part (my husband is the grill master), it doesn’t add unnecessary heat from cooking in the house, and it tastes so darn good!
Selecting lean cuts of meat, grilling hearty vegetables, and not overcooking your meat are simple ways to avoid extra carcinogens and reap the benefits of healthy grilling!
Healthy Grilling Recipes
My daughter started a dramatic new diet recently, and it was a wake-up call for our entire family.
This diet change was a must for resetting her leaky gut and hopefully providing some relief to her Hashimoto’s.
So, needless to say, our family was on the prowl for more gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free options for summer grilling.
Check out the 7 healthy grilling recipes I can’t wait to try this summer!
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Wholesome Burgers
Since burgers are a classic American meal for summertime, I knew they had to be at the top of my list!
Not going to lie, burgers are one of our favorite things to grill, too, you guys!
However, with my daughter’s new diet limitations, it’s time for us to skip the traditional and opt for leaner meats and more health-conscious options.
First, we tried simple turkey burgers with zero frills, and she devoured them.
Next up on our try list are these chicken burgers – via Golden Grace Kitchen.
These are served with fresh pico and a dairy-free jalapeno avocado aioli which sounds so freaking good, you guys!
Ready to mix up your burger game with something fresh and lean? Check out our full list of healthy burger recipes next time you get in a grilling rut!
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Lean Chicken
Chicken is a staple in our home, and we are always on the lookout for new chicken recipes!
However, up until recently, most of our chicken dishes have been made in the oven or the Instant Pot.
It’s typically pretty quick and easy to just toss some half-frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, and it tends to be my go-to.
That said, we’ve been branching out the past few months and have made some pretty awesome grilled chicken creations!
This grilled lemon pepper chicken recipe – via Make it Skinny, Please, is definitely one I’m looking forward to trying out this summer!
I’m a huge fan of the lemon pepper flavor combination and lean on it for our Instant Pot meals often.
If you’re ready to try something lean and delicious, try one of these healthy grilled chicken recipes for your next summer meal!
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Nutritious Veggies
While vegetables should be a staple in everyone’s diet, not everyone thinks to toss them on the grill when they fire it up.
I’ve actually been a huge fan of grilled veggies for some time, as we have been grilling zucchini and pineapple (yes, I know that’s technically a fruit) for years!
That said, we also typically stick to super simple grilled veggies.
For example, we toss our zucchini in some avocado oil and herbs while we just grill up our pineapple plain.
That’s why I’m so excited about this one, you guys!
I’m a huge fan of all the things included in these grilled vegetables – via Small Town Woman.
From the balsamic vinegar and the honey to the great mixture of vegetables!
Whether you want to replace your entree or use it as a side dish, these grilled veggie ideas can help you get started on your next healthy grilling creation!
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Refreshing Fish
I simply couldn’t talk about healthy grilling recipes without mentioning fish, you guys!
While fish is a big staple entree in our home, we haven’t technically tossed any on the grill just yet!
I can master fish in the oven or on the stovetop, but the grill??
It just feels intimidating to me for some reason.
That said, I’m actually pretty excited to try some grilled seafood recipes this summer!
Since I already have a freezer full of salmon and cod, I figure that’s a great place to start, and this grilled cod recipe – via Corrie Cooks, sounds like a super simple option, you guys!
Once I’ve tackled the fish in my freezer, though, I think I might take it up a notch.
Let’s just say we recently bought a house on the lake, and there is a lake full of trout waiting to hit my grill.
Whether grilled salmon recipes are more your style or you’d rather try a wider variety of grilled seafood, leaning on refreshing fish is a great healthy option for summer meals!
Other Healthy Grilling Recipes to Try
While swapping out the conventional grilled foods for more wholesome burger choices, lean chicken entrees, nutritious grilled veggies, and refreshing fish options is great, there are a few other healthy recipes I can’t wait to grill up!
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Grilled Mushrooms
I absolutely love mushrooms and can hardly wait to try out these grilled portobello mushrooms – via Strength and Sunshine, you guys!
You can cook these up as a healthy alternative to traditional steaks, or lean on them as a hearty side dish.
Either way, they are a great option for summertime grilling!
Since they are naturally vegan and gluten-free, they make a great option for allergy-conscious families — like us!
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Grilled Cheese
Haha, ok, so hear me out.
I’m not talking about that stove top stuff, I’m talking about just cheese, you guys!
When I first came across this grilled halloumi – via Chef’s Pencil, my jaw dropped.
What a unique idea!
I had never actually heard of halloumi before I came across this recipe, and now I can’t stop thinking about it.
Not only does it sound good because, hello, it’s cheese, but it also includes other incredible ingredients such as pistachios and oranges!
I’m not even sure where to buy this cheese yet, but as a cheese lover, I can not wait to give this one a try!
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Grilled Kabobs
Ok, so I have technically made kabobs on many occasions, and I almost chose not to include them on the list simply because they are more of a traditional summer food.
That said, I decided I needed to include this one for one reason — it just looks so darn good!
While yes, beef is not technically a lean meat, it does have its benefits!
Red meat is a great source of both protein and iron.
So if kabobs are something you’re into, I highly suggest giving these Mediterranean beef kabobs – via A Cedar Spoon, a try!
These kabobs include lots of health-conscious ingredients such as veggies, herbs, spices, garlic, and lemon!
Cooking Healthy Grill Recipes
If you are ready to give cooking healthy grill recipes a try, I am right there with you!
My main goal for the summer is to cook at home as often as possible and to lean on healthier meal options — including our weekend grill nights.
These are some of the simple, healthy grilling tips I picked up recently and will be leaning on all summer long!
Happy grilling, you guys!
