When the weather warms up, the best grilling recipes turn an ordinary evening into a backyard celebration. From juicy charred chicken and steakhouse-worthy flank steak to smoky corn, fresh salads, and warm grilled-fruit desserts, this collection has everything you need for an easy summer cookout that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
We have rounded up 18 of our favorite recipes to fire up the grill, with options for every craving and every guest at the table. Scroll through, find the dishes that speak to you, and click through for the full ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Let’s get grilling!
1. Juicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Smoky, sticky, and impossibly juicy, these BBQ chicken thighs are the kind of crowd-pleaser that disappears first off the grill. A simple spice rub and a glossy barbecue glaze make them an easy win for any cookout.
2. Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Charred flank steak gets sliced thin and showered with a bright, garlicky chimichurri loaded with fresh herbs. It is a steakhouse-worthy main that comes together fast and feeds a hungry crowd.
3. Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon
Cooking salmon on a cedar plank infuses every flaky bite with gentle woodsmoke while keeping the fish tender and moist. It is an effortless way to make grilled seafood feel special.
4. Honey Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Plump shrimp soak up a sweet-and-savory honey garlic marinade, then char on the grill in just minutes. These quick skewers are perfect as an appetizer or a light summer main.
5. Grilled Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Buttery, garlicky lobster tails fresh off the grill turn any backyard dinner into a celebration. They look impressive but take only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes over the flame.
6. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Bright lemon and fresh herbs keep these chicken kabobs tender and full of flavor. Thread them with colorful veggies for a wholesome skewer that is made for warm-weather grilling.
7. Jamaican Jerk Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
A bold jerk marinade brings sweet heat and island flavor to crispy-skinned drumsticks. These are smoky, spicy, and guaranteed to liven up your grill spread.
8. Teriyaki Grilled Pork Chops
Sweet-savory teriyaki caramelizes into a sticky glaze on these juicy grilled pork chops. They are a fast, flavorful main that pairs beautifully with grilled veggies or rice.
9. Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic
Fragrant rosemary and garlic make these grilled lamb chops feel elegant yet easy. A quick sear over high heat gives you a beautiful crust and a tender, rosy center.
10. Grilled Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions
Juicy bratwurst gets piled high with sweet, jammy caramelized onions for the ultimate cookout sandwich. It is hearty, satisfying, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
11. Grilled Turkey Burgers with Avocado Mayo
These lighter turkey burgers stay moist on the grill and get a creamy lift from cool avocado mayo. They are a healthier burger night swap that does not skimp on flavor.
12. Spicy Grilled Corn with Cotija Cheese
Charred sweet corn slathered in a spicy, creamy sauce and crumbled cotija is summer on a cob. This Mexican-style street corn is the side everyone fights over at the cookout.
13. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Tender-crisp asparagus picks up a little char and a bright hit of lemon zest in just minutes. It is the kind of fuss-free green side that rounds out any grilled meal.
14. Grilled Veggie and Halloumi Skewers
Squeaky halloumi holds up beautifully on the grill alongside colorful summer vegetables. These vegetarian skewers are smoky, satisfying, and a guaranteed hit with meat-eaters too.
15. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Warm, caramelized peaches meet creamy burrata and peppery greens in this showstopping summer salad. A drizzle of balsamic ties it all together for a sweet-and-savory starter.
16. Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Smoky grilled corn, buttery avocado, and a zippy lime vinaigrette make this salad a fresh, vibrant cookout side. It comes together quickly and travels well to any picnic or potluck.
17. Grilled Watermelon Wedges with Feta
Grilling watermelon concentrates its sweetness and adds a smoky edge that pairs perfectly with salty feta. This unexpected appetizer is refreshing, gorgeous, and so easy to throw together.
18. Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Juicy peaches turn jammy and golden on the grill, then get crowned with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream. It is the simplest warm-weather dessert and the perfect sweet finish to a cookout.
More Summer Cooking Inspiration
Looking for more ways to make the most of the season? Browse our full collection of Summer Recipes, fire up more dishes from our Fourth of July & Summer BBQ category, or cool things down with a crisp pick from our Salads & Dressings recipes. Happy grilling!
