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Take a break from the usual with these summer grilling ideas. From burgers and tacos to steaks and salads, this list has it all. Perfect for fun summer nights!

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Step away from the same old burgers and hot dogs. These new, delicious ideas are quick, creative, satisfying, and made for summer fun.
And yes, you can easily make them, even as a beginner cook!
Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is perfectly toasted. Once done, pair it with sweet potato fries and watermelon slices.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Beet Flatbread
This flatbread salad will make you fall in love with vegan dishes even more.
Main ingredients include beets, raw almonds, agave, balsamic vinegar, and vegan feta crumbles.
Get The Recipe: Beet Flatbread
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
These mushrooms are a fantastic meat-free main with deep umami flavors and a juicy, steak-like bite.
You can serve them whole, sliced, or stuffed with your favorite fillings.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Spanish Pork Skewers (Pinchos Morunos)
These pork skewers are a vibrant addition to any summer grilling lineup.
They’re marinated in a blend of spices and seasonings like paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon.
Get The Recipe: Spanish Pork Skewers (Pinchos Morunos)
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Asian Pork Burgers With Spicy Mayo and Pickled Veggies
These burgers are made with ground pork, green onions, fish sauce, garlic, and other simple ingredients.
They deliver a delightful balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors!
Get The Recipe: Asian Pork Burgers With Spicy Mayo and Pickled Veggies
Grilled Tuna Steak
You’ll never go wrong with Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
This recipe combines thick tuna steaks with tomatoes, capers, olives, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Tuna Steak
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Veggies
Let these kabobs be your go-to option whenever you need something fun and flavorful.
Serve on a wooden board with a drizzle of lemon juice, and pair with herbed couscous.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Veggies
Grilled Cabbage Steaks
Cabbage never tasted this good. This dish is also vegan and gluten-free, so you’ll undoubtedly enjoy it even beyond summer.
It’s seasoned with smoked paprika and onion powder.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Cabbage Steaks
Grilled Steak Tacos
Summer nights call for tacos with smoky flavors.
Try this recipe. Feel free to explore various garnishes like avocados, Mexican cheese, and white onions.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Steak Tacos
Grilled Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
Craving comfort food from the grill?
These sandwiches layer grilled chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, and marinara.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
Grilled Chimichurri Tofu
Even meat-lovers will appreciate this flavorful grilled recipe. The delicious bonus?
It’s the chimichurri sauce made with red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Chimichurri Tofu
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Grilled Pork Chops with Marinade
In search of more easy pork chop recipes?
This grilled option comes with mouthwatering tropical flavors, thanks to pineapple slices, brown sugar, soy sauce, and seasonings.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Marinade
Grilled Potatoes
Tired of the usual potato salad? Just grill potatoes this time and drizzle them with garlic aioli or herbed sour cream.
You can also prep them ahead to save time.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Potatoes
Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad
Salads are such a huge hit at summer parties! Check out this version.
Main ingredients include orzo, zucchini, green onions, red pepper, and broccoli.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad
Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
In the mood for some bold flavors? This grilled skirt steak is so good!
It offers a juicy, slightly smoky bite with red chili pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and black pepper.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Greek Grilled Octopus with Lemon Sauce
If you’re thinking of preparing tasty seafood dishes for your guests, you’ve come to the right place.
This option is incredibly delicious, with bright, tangy notes.
Get The Recipe: Greek Grilled Octopus with Lemon Sauce
Grilled Flank Steak
Forget store-bought trays and last-minute salads. This main has a slightly sweet, tangy, and savory flavor profile everyone will love.
You can add sprigs of rosemary for a more aromatic meal.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak
Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs
These grilled drumsticks are marinated with barbecue sauce, grape jelly, garlic, and ground black pepper.
Once ready to serve, brush them with extra warm BBQ sauce and garnish with green onions.
Get The Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs
Grilling Marinated Steaks
No summer grilling list is complete without a great marinated steak.
Feel free to use your favorite marinade and then serve the steaks with tasty sauces like pistachio pesto or creamy Dijon sauce.
Get The Recipe: Grilling Marinated Steaks
Bison Burger with Caramelized Onions
This bison burger will stand out at your summer cookout!
They’re also customizable, so you can explore fun variations. Serve it with hot sauce or even replace ketchup with BBQ sauce.
Get The Recipe: Bison Burger with Caramelized Onions
Smoked Hot Dogs on a Pellet Grill
Take your hot dogs up a notch with this smoky twist on a backyard favorite.
Hosting a huge get-together? Set up a hot dog bar with a tray of gourmet toppings.
Get The Recipe: Smoked Hot Dogs on a Pellet Grill
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Grilled Chicken Kabobs
These grilled chicken kabobs are simple, juicy, and loaded with flavor.
Aside from chicken breasts, you’ll need red onions, bell peppers, and balsamic vinegar.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Prawns
Explore these prawns and get dinner on the table fast.
They’re ready in around 10 minutes with honey, lime juice, chili sauce, and olive oil.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Prawns
Grilled Beef Kabobs
This meal brings together hearty steak and vibrant veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms.
You can also use any type of steak for this recipe.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Beef Kabobs
Grilled Prosciutto, Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Whether you’re feeding a few friends or a whole crowd, this gluten-free dish is a great option.
It works as a starter or meatless main, with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Prosciutto, Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
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Don’t be surprised if people start asking for your “secret” recipe!
One of the best things about these summer meals is that you can always experiment with different marinades.
Start with pantry staples like soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
25 Summer BBQ Side Dishes That’ll Be Gone in Minutes
Need some new ideas for summer BBQ side dishes? These recipes feature simple ingredients like cucumbers, pasta, corn, and cheese. So easy yet satisfying!
Read it here: 25 Summer BBQ Side Dishes That’ll Be Gone in Minutes
25 BBQ Appetizer Ideas That Are Shockingly Easy and Ridiculously Tasty
You won’t let anyone down with these BBQ appetizer ideas. They’re easy to make and so tasty they’ll be gone before the grill has a chance to heat up.
Read it here: 25 BBQ Appetizer Ideas That Are Shockingly Easy and Ridiculously Tasty
Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Ready to level up your summer meals? These meals are light, delicious, and made for sunny days:
- 25 Backyard BBQ Food Ideas That Aren’t Burgers (or Boring)
- 25 BBQ Dinner Ideas That Bring the Smoke, Spice, and Sizzle
- 25 Easy Side Dishes for BBQ That’ll Vanish Before You Finish Grilling
- 25 Summer Salad Ideas That Taste Like Sunshine in a Bowl
- 25 Sides for BBQs That Will Level Up Your Next Cookout