5 Healthy Backyard BBQ Recipes

It’s that time of year again – time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious backyard BBQ recipes! If you’re looking for something a little healthier than your average burger or hot dog, check out these five DishQuo recipes. From grilled vegan dinners to BBQ chicken, there’s something for everyone here. So get grilling!

What is healthy to eat at a BBQ?

At a backyard BBQ, it can be tempting to load up on all of the delicious barbecue favorites: juicy burgers topped with melted cheese and creamy coleslaw, delightfully sweet corn on the cob, and tender slices of grilled steak. While there’s nothing wrong with indulging occasionally in these crowd-pleasing summer staples, it is important to remember that they may not always be the healthiest choice. Instead, opt for foods that are lighter but still full of flavor.

Some great options for a backyard BBQ include fresh salads loaded with nutrient-rich vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Grilled fish is another healthy option – it provides plenty of protein without being high in calories or saturated fat. And if you’re craving something sweet, try grilling fruit such as peaches or pineapple for a healthier alternative to sugary desserts like ice cream or cake. With these healthy choices, you can enjoy all the fun of a backyard barbecue without compromising your diet!

What are 5 foods that are good for grilling?

When it comes to backyard grilling and summer barbecues, there are a few foods that are perfect for cooking over the flames. Some of these include chunks or skewers of protein such as chicken, fish, beef, pork, and tofu. Other tasty options include veggies like bell peppers, corn on the cob, mushrooms, and asparagus. Grilled fruit is also a great option for summertime backyard get-togethers; try pears, peaches, pineapple, or strawberries with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. 

Whatever foods you choose to grill this summer, make sure to use healthy ingredients and cook them with care. With the right balance of flavor and nutrition, your backyard barbecue will be a hit with friends and family alike!  If you need a few recipes to get started, check out these from the DishQuo meal planning app.

1. Grilled Tempeh with Vegetable Salsa

Vegans don’t have to be left out at a BBQ.  Tempeh is fermented soy, a high protein alternative to meat.  It’s dense enough to grill and pairs well with summer vegetables like bell pepper and red onion.  

Ingredients:

• • 1/2 zucchini squash, cut into thick rounds
  • ½ cup butternut squash, cut into thick rounds
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, quartered
  • ¼ cup red onion, minced
  • 2 oz canned sweet corn kernels, drained
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ navel orange, juiced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 4 oz original tempeh, cut into 4 slices

Directions

1. 1. Combine half of the oil, orange juice, salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a mason jar.
   2. Shake vigorously and set aside.
   3. Season the tempeh with salt, pepper, remaining oil, and chili powder.
   4. Let it marinate for 5 minutes.
   5. Meanwhile, grill the zucchini, yellow squash, and green bell pepper for 2 minutes on each side in a preheated griller.
   6. Place the grilled vegetables in a salad bowl.
   7. Pour the orange vinaigrette together with sweet corn kernels and minced red onions.
   8. Mix well until all the vegetables are coated with the vinaigrette.
   9. Grill the tempeh for 4 minutes on each side.
   10. Top the salad with the grilled tempeh.
   11. Serve immediately.

2. Grilled Burger Bowl

Get your burger fix with this healthy summer recipe.  Skip the bun and throw the burger into a flavorful and colorful vegetable plate.  A little apple thrown in, gives a sweet summer bite without adding tons of sugar.

Ingredients:

• • 4 oz turkey burger patty
  • 1/2 zucchini squash, cut in half lengthwise
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, quartered lengthwise and deseeded
  • 2 oz butter lettuce, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 honeycrisp apple, with the skin on

Directions

1. 1. Place the turkey burger patty on a plate, season with salt, and ground black pepper.
   2. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and rub into the turkey burger patty; set aside.
   3. Grill the turkey burger patty for 5 minutes on each side.
   4. Grill the zucchini and red bell pepper for 10 minutes until grill marks are formed.
   5. Chop up the grilled vegetables and transfer them to a large salad bowl.
   6. Add butter leaf lettuce, pumpkin seeds, and cucumber slices.
   7. In a small mason jar, shake the lemon juice, olive oil, remaining salt, and pepper vigorously.
   8. Pour the lemon dressing into the salad bowl.
   9. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
   10. Add thin slices of apples into the salad.
   11. Add the grilled turkey burger and serve immediately.

3. Grilled BBQ Chicken Tacos

Who doesn’t love tacos in summer?  Our BBQ chicken tacos are a crowd-pleaser.  Keep it healthy by skipping heavy toppings like processed cheese.  Opt for thinly sliced cabbage and carrots instead.  It will add a satisfying crunch to this soft taco recipe and keep you energized for a backyard round of pickleball. 

Ingredients:

• • 1 whole wheat tortilla
  • 1 cup fresh cabbage, shredded
  • 4 oz whole carrots, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp barbecue sauce
  • 4 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper 

Directions

1. 1. Season the chicken with salt and ground black pepper.
   2. Combine olive oil with barbecue sauce.
   3. Pour the mixture over the seasoned chicken.
   4. On a hot pan-grill, grill the chicken for 8 minutes, turning it every 2 minutes to prevent it from burning.
   5. Remove from the grill and slice thinly.
   6. Place the sliced grilled chicken on a serving plate.
   7. Add shredded cabbages and sliced carrots.
   8. Reheat the whole wheat tortilla for a minute on each side.
   9. Cut the reheated tortilla into pieces and place it on the serving plate.
   10. Add a drizzle of lemon juice and serve immediately.

4. Grilled Watermelon Arugula Salad

Ever grilled watermelon?  Today’s the day.  Sure, it’s refreshing and a summer stable just sliced up.  But take this healthy salad recipe next level with a few grill marks.  

Ingredients:

• • 6 oz watermelon chunks
  • 1/2 cup baby arugula
  • ½ cup  red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, deseeded & quartered
  • 8 oz canned black beans, drained
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon, sliced in half 
  • ¼ tsp salt

Directions

1. 1. In a salad bowl, combine arugula, sliced red onion, and black beans
   2. Thread the diced watermelon and red bell peppers in an alternating sequence in wooden or metal skewers.
   3. Drizzle the olive oil over the watermelon skewers.
   4. Grill the skewers for 6 minutes, turning halfway through.
   5. Place the grilled skewers into a serving platter.
   6. In a large bowl, combine arugula, red onions, and black beans.
   7. Place the vegetables in the serving platter together with the grilled watermelon.
   8. Add a splash of lemon juice.
   9. Sprinkle salt into the grilled watermelon.
   10. Serve immediately.

5. Easy Grilled Pineapples

Dessert is a must at any backyard BBQ, but it doesn’t have to ruin your diet.  Grilled pineapple with creamy yogurt tops the meal off.  Got leftovers?  This dessert is healthy enough to be your breakfast the next day too. 

Ingredients:

• • 5 oz pineapple chunks
  • 1 tbsp chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup plain almond Greek yogurt
  • 2 tsp honey

Directions

1. 1. Mix together the walnuts, almond yogurt, and honey in a small bowl.
   2. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer until the pineapples are ready.
   3. Place the pineapple chunks in steel skewers.
   4. Grill the pineapples in a preheated outdoor grill for 5 minutes on each side.
   5. Serve the grilled pineapples with a scoop of yogurt-walnut mixture.

Give your backyard BBQs a healthy makeover with these clean eating recipes. Not only will you and your guests be enjoying great-tasting food, but you’ll also be doing something good for your bodies. Sign up for 2 weeks free at DishQuo meal planning app for access to 2000+ recipes.  We can’t wait to hear what you think of them!