19 Grilling Ideas for Backyard Meals and Summer Plates
A warm July meal can start at the grill, especially when you want dinner to feel like it belongs outside. Pick a main for the center of the plate, or choose a side when the rest of the meal is already set. Serve it with drinks, salads, or a few extra bites from the grill.
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Jumbo shrimp, bell peppers, red onion, and portobello mushrooms make Grilled Shrimp Kabobs a 53-minute appetizer or main with 4 servings, including marinating time. Garlic, olive oil, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper build the marinade before the skewers cook over medium heat. They fit backyard meals because seafood and vegetables come off the grill together. Serve with rice, salad, grilled zucchini, or lemon wedges.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Cavatappi and charred vegetables make Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies a 40-minute salad with 4 servings. Zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, basil, lemon, and parsley fill the bowl. It fits summer plates as a cool side, though the vegetables are charred under the broiler. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature with chicken, salmon, or burgers.
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Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Red curry paste, lemongrass, and peanut sauce make Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers a 1-hour 5-minute main with 4 servings. Boneless chicken thighs, ginger, garlic, lime, sesame oil, fish sauce, wooden skewers, fresh herbs, chopped peanuts, peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, and honey build the skewers and sauce. They fit the title because the chicken cooks directly on skewers. Serve with rice, cucumber salad, or grilled vegetables.
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Charred Grilled Asparagus
Thick asparagus spears and lemon make Charred Grilled Asparagus a 10-minute side with 4 servings. Extra-virgin olive oil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice keep the prep short while the grill adds char. It fits backyard meals because the side cooks quickly beside seafood, chicken, steak, or burgers. Serve warm with grilled salmon, pork chops, shrimp kabobs, or a pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Charred Grilled Asparagus
Flaky Grilled Salmon
Lemon herb butter and salmon fillets make Flaky Grilled Salmon a 30-minute main with 4 servings. Olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon zest, butter, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs coat the fish before and after grilling. It fits summer plates because salmon gives the grill a lighter main that still feels complete. Serve with asparagus, Mexican street corn, grilled potatoes, pasta salad, or charred peppers.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Grilled Salmon
Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Zucchini, red onion, mushrooms, bell pepper, and eggplant make Grilled Veggie Kabobs a 40-minute appetizer with 4 servings. Lemon, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, basil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper build the dressing. They fit grilling menus because the vegetables thread onto skewers and cook right beside the mains. Serve with salmon, pork chops, chicken thighs, or halloumi skewers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Beef Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce
Sirloin, vegetables, and chimichurri make Beef Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce a 35-minute main with 4 servings. Beef sirloin, red bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, olive oil, curry powder, parsley, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper build the skewers and sauce. They fit backyard meals because meat and vegetables cook together on the grill. Serve with corn, potatoes, flatbread, or salad.
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Charred Mexican Street Corn
Sweet corn, cotija, and Tajin make Charred Mexican Street Corn a 30-minute side with 6 servings. Vegetable oil, sour cream or crema, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and cilantro finish the grilled ears. It fits summer plates because corn belongs beside almost any grilled main. Serve with pork chops, chipotle chicken, hot dogs, burgers, salmon, or beef kabobs.
Get the Recipe: Charred Mexican Street Corn
Grilled Pork Chops
Soy sauce, Dijon, and brown sugar make Grilled Pork Chops a 25-minute dinner with 4 servings after marinating. Olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and bone-in pork chops round out the short ingredient list before the meat goes over the grill. They fit the main-dish section because pork chops give the backyard table a clear grilled plate. Serve with corn, asparagus, grilled potatoes, zucchini, or pineapple.
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Charred Grilled Potatoes
Baby yellow potatoes and lemon-herb oil make Charred Grilled Potatoes a 30-minute side with 4 servings. Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and chopped herbs season the potatoes after a quick boil. They fit backyard plates because potatoes can share space with steak, chicken, or salmon. Serve hot from the grill with extra herbs or a dipping sauce.
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Copycat Smash Burger
Ground beef, cheddar, and brioche buns make Copycat Smash Burger a 25-minute main with 4 servings. Salt, pepper, vegetable oil, lettuce, tomato slices, spicy mayo, and pickles complete the build. It stretches the grilling title because the main method uses a cast iron skillet, though the instructions also allow a regular grill. Serve with grilled potatoes, corn, onion rings, peppers, or a cold pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger
Grilled Zucchini
Zucchini, garlic, and Italian seasoning make Grilled Zucchini a 10-minute side with 4 servings. Olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley keep the ingredient list short while the grill softens and marks the slices. It fits summer plates because it cooks fast and pairs with nearly every main in the lineup. Serve with chicken thighs, salmon, shrimp kabobs, pork chops, or burgers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Lemon-thyme chicken and bacon make a Grilled Chicken Sandwich a 3-hour 20-minute recipe with 4 servings, including marinating time. Chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, oregano, sandwich rolls, cheddar, tomato, lettuce, mayonnaise, and mustard build the grilled sandwich. It fits backyard meals as a full handheld dinner. Serve with grilled corn, potatoes, peppers, zucchini, or pasta salad.
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Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Chimichurri
Halloumi, zucchini, and bell pepper make Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Chimichurri a 25-minute main with 4 servings. Olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper build the marinade and sauce. They fit the skewer section because the cheese and vegetables cook directly on the grill. Serve with pasta salad, grilled eggplant, or charred peppers.
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Grilled Chicken Thighs
Parsley, cilantro, and garlic make Grilled Chicken Thighs a 1-hour 10-minute main with 4 servings, including marinating time. Boneless skinless chicken thighs, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper build the chimichurri-style marinade. They fit backyard dinners because the thighs stay sturdy on the grill. Serve with corn, potatoes, grilled zucchini, peppers, or pasta salad.
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Grilled Eggplant
Eggplant slices, garlic, and Italian seasoning make Grilled Eggplant a 25-minute side, appetizer, or light main with 4 servings. Olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley season the rounds before they cook over gas or charcoal heat. It fits the summer plate theme because the vegetable is sturdy enough to sit beside meat or seafood. Serve with salmon, chicken sandwiches, kabobs, halloumi, or pasta salad.
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Juicy Grilled Hot Dogs
Hot dogs and buns make Juicy Grilled Hot Dogs a 16-minute main with 6 servings. Ketchup, mustard, and fried onions are listed as toppings, while the hot dogs cook directly on the grill for 5 to 7 minutes. They fit backyard meals because they are quick, casual, and easy to scale. Serve with grilled potatoes, street corn, peppers, pasta salad, or zucchini.
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Charred Grilled Peppers
Bell peppers and olive oil make Charred Grilled Peppers a 15-minute side with 4 servings. Sea salt, black pepper, optional oregano, and optional garlic keep the seasoning simple while the grill brings out sweetness and char. They fit summer plates because the peppers can top burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, or bowls. Serve warm with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, salmon, or halloumi skewers.
Get the Recipe: Charred Grilled Peppers
Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Chipotle in adobo and lime makes Chipotle Grilled Chicken a 25-minute main with 4 servings. Boneless skinless chicken thighs, garlic, onion powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper build the fast marinade before the pieces cook over medium-high heat. It fits backyard meals because the chicken works as a main, taco filling, or bowl topping. Serve with Mexican street corn, peppers, rice, tortillas, or pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken
