Grills are hot, the drinks are cold, and it’s time to actually enjoy cooking outside. These summer grilling recipes make the most of sunshine and minimal cleanup. No need to mess with complicated prep or fancy ingredients, just bold flavors and solid results. Backyard or balcony, the grill deserves a little action. If you’re ready to stop phoning it in with the same tired burgers, keep reading.
Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita (Copycat)
This copycat grilled chicken is topped with cherry tomatoes, lemon butter, and a touch of pesto for a fresh and simple meal. The flavors are light but still satisfying, especially in warm weather. Since it comes together quickly, it works well for gatherings or weeknight grilling. Add this to your list of go-to summer grilling recipes.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita (Copycat)
Weber Kettle Grilled Porterhouse Steak
A porterhouse steak brings together both strip and filet in one impressive cut. When grilled over charcoal, it turns out juicy with just the right amount of smoky flavor. It’s great for cookouts when you want something straightforward but still bold. Try it with just salt, pepper, and a hot fire for the best results.
Get the Recipe: Weber Kettle Grilled Porterhouse Steak
Grilled Chicken Wings
These chicken wings are marinated in simple Asian-style ingredients and grilled until crisp. The skin turns golden while the inside stays juicy. You can serve them with dipping sauces or keep them plain. They fit right into any list of summer grilling recipes that are easy to prep and fun to eat.
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Grilled Stuffed Double Thick Pork Chops
These thick pork chops are packed with savory filling and then grilled until golden and juicy. The result is rich and satisfying without being heavy. Pair them with fresh vegetables or grilled corn. This is one of those summer grilling recipes that feels a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Stuffed Double Thick Pork Chops
Grilled Tomahawk Steaks
Grilled tomahawk steaks are cooked low and slow, then seared to finish with a crisp crust. The size and shape make them ideal for sharing at casual get-togethers. Despite how large they look, they’re easy to manage with the right heat. Just add salt and let the meat speak for itself.
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Grilled Korean Style Ribs
These short ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled quickly for big flavor. The meat cooks fast, making it great for last-minute meals. They go well with rice or simple sides. Add them to your summer grilling recipes if you want something a little unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Korean Style Ribs
Smoked Leg of Lamb
This smoked leg of lamb comes out juicy and tender with a light smokiness. It’s ideal when you want to serve something outside of your usual burgers and brats. Slice it thin for sandwiches or serve it with roasted vegetables. It’s a good pick for weekend grilling.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Leg of Lamb
Baby Back Ribs
These ribs are slow-cooked over low heat until they’re tender and easy to slice. A final glaze adds a sticky finish with just enough sweetness. They’re perfect for a casual gathering or backyard cookout. You’ll want to keep this on your list of summer grilling recipes for any rib fan.
Get the Recipe: Baby Back Ribs
Smoked Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
This pork tenderloin is rolled with Gouda, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and prosciutto. After a slow smoke, it’s juicy, flavorful, and easy to slice. It makes a good centerpiece for a dinner outdoors. It also holds up well if you’re grilling for a group.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Grilled Red Snapper
Red snapper cooks quickly on the grill and holds together well, especially when paired with a light salsa. You can keep it simple or add your favorite seasoning mix. This dish is lighter than traditional barbecue and perfect for hot days. It’s one of the most reliable summer grilling recipes if you want to include seafood.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Red Snapper
Veggie Skewers
I threw zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions on the grill, brushed them with garlic herb sauce, and added a splash of balsamic. They cooked up with just the right amount of char. The flavor held up even after cooling a bit, so they’re great for making ahead. You can serve them with grilled meat or just keep them as a solid side.
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Greek Burgers
I made these for a cookout and they definitely stood out. The combo of feta, tomatoes, and cucumber gave the burgers way more flavor than the usual kind. I skipped the ketchup and added tzatziki instead, so good. People actually asked for the recipe, which never happens.
Get the Recipe: Greek Burgers
Grilled Scallops
I wrapped scallops in prosciutto and grilled them until the edges crisped up. They cooked fast, and the salty meat paired well with the tender scallops. No need for a dipping sauce, they had enough flavor on their own. These are ideal when you want something a little extra but still easy.
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Grilled Bratwurst
I followed a simple method and got juicy, golden brats without fuss. You can cook them straight on the grill or simmer in beer first if you’re feeling fancy. Either way, they turn out great. I like mine with mustard and grilled onions, but go wild with toppings.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bratwurst
Grilled Corn
I grilled fresh corn and tossed it with black beans, zucchini, and feta. The smoky flavor came through in every bite, especially when the feta started to melt a little. It worked as a side dish but could also pass for a light main. Super easy, especially if you’re already grilling.
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Grilled Hawaiian Pork
I skewered pork chunks with pineapple and peppers, then let them sit in a sweet marinade. Once grilled, they turned out juicy and just a little caramelized. You can serve these over rice or eat them right off the stick. Either way, they disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Pork
Vegetable Orzo Salad
I grilled a bunch of veggies, chopped them up, and tossed them into orzo pasta with vinaigrette. The mix of textures turned out better than I expected, especially with the slight char on the zucchini. This works cold or room temp, so it’s great for potlucks. Leftovers even held up well the next day.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Orzo Salad
Frozen Burgers
I skipped thawing and threw the frozen patties straight on the grill. As long as you flip them often, they cook through and stay juicy. Seasoning halfway through really helps. It’s a good backup plan for last-minute meals.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Burgers
Banana Boats
I split a banana, filled it with chocolate and marshmallows, then wrapped it in foil and let it sit over the fire. It got warm and gooey in just a few minutes. You don’t need plates, just eat it right from the foil. It’s messy but totally worth it.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Pineapple Teriyaki
I grilled tofu, pineapple, and onions, then tossed them in a sweet-spicy glaze. It worked really well over rice, but you could throw it into a wrap too. The tofu soaked up the sauce nicely. This one’s fast, filling, and perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Teriyaki
