Summer’s here and that means firing up the grill! But BBQ doesn’t have to equal heavy, calorie-laden meals. I’ve rounded up ten lighter BBQ recipes that deliver big flavor without the guilt, plus seven refreshing salad sides that pair perfectly with your grilled goodies.
These recipes use smart swaps and fresh ingredients to keep things tasty but trim.
1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken chunks marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs create magic on the grill. The citrus tenderizes the meat while adding bright flavor.
Thread with colorful bell peppers and red onions for a complete meal on a stick. Kids love eating food on sticks!
2. Cedar Plank Salmon With Maple Glaze
Cooking salmon on cedar planks adds smoky depth without extra calories. The natural oils in the fish keep everything moist while the sweet maple glaze caramelizes beautifully.
Soak your plank for at least an hour before grilling. The steam created helps cook the fish evenly.
3. Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Meaty portobello caps satisfy burger cravings with a fraction of the calories. Marinate them in balsamic vinegar and garlic for extra punch. The mushrooms develop a steak-like texture when grilled.
Top with goat cheese and arugula for a gourmet vegetarian option that even meat-lovers request!
4. Spicy Turkey Burgers With Avocado
Ground turkey breast makes a leaner burger base. Mix in diced jalapeños, cilantro, and lime zest for flavor without fat. The creamy avocado topping adds healthy fats.
Serve on thin whole grain buns or wrapped in lettuce leaves for an even lighter meal option!
5. Grilled Shrimp And Pineapple Skewers
Sweet meets savory in this tropical combo. Shrimp cooks quickly and has minimal calories while pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
A light brush of honey-lime glaze adds flavor without heaviness. The natural sugars create gorgeous grill marks on both the seafood and fruit!
6. Buffalo Cauliflower “Wings”
Cauliflower florets transform into spicy finger food when grilled and tossed in buffalo sauce. The vegetable soaks up flavors brilliantly while staying crisp-tender.
Serve with light blue cheese yogurt dip. These plant-based “wings” disappear fast at parties and contain a fraction of the calories of chicken wings!
7. Zucchini Ribbon And Feta Flatbreads
Whole grain flatbreads crisp up perfectly on the grill. Top with thin zucchini strips, minimal cheese, and fresh herbs for a pizza-like treat. The high heat caramelizes the vegetables’ natural sugars.
Cut into small squares for party appetizers or enjoy as a light main dish with a side salad!
8. Cilantro-Lime Grilled Corn
Fresh corn needs minimal doctoring to shine. Skip the butter bath and instead brush with olive oil, lime juice, and chopped cilantro after grilling. The natural sugars in corn caramelize over flames.
A light dusting of cotija cheese adds salty punch without the calories of traditional butter-soaked versions!
9. Teriyaki Vegetable Packets
Foil packets steam veggies to perfection while allowing smoky grill flavor to penetrate. Mix broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and water chestnuts with a light homemade teriyaki sauce.
The sealed environment locks in moisture. They make cleanup a breeze and can be customized to use whatever vegetables are in season!
10. Spice-Rubbed Flank Steak
Lean flank steak proves a little meat goes a long way. A dry rub of smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder creates big flavor without added fats. Slice thinly against the grain after grilling.
This cut stretches to feed many when served as part of grain bowls or wrapped in lettuce cups!
11. Watermelon And Cucumber Salad
Cool, hydrating cubes of watermelon pair surprisingly well with cucumber and mint. The sweet-savory combo refreshes on hot days. A light rice vinegar dressing keeps things bright.
It gets better as it sits, making it great for make-ahead BBQ planning!
12. Grilled Romaine Caesar
Grilling romaine hearts adds smoky depth to an otherwise ordinary salad. The heat slightly wilts the outer leaves while keeping the core crisp. A lighter yogurt-based dressing replaces heavy mayo versions.
Top with a sprinkle of good Parmesan and whole grain croutons for the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent!
13. Rainbow Slaw With Citrus Dressing
Vibrant vegetables create a nutrient-packed alternative to mayo-heavy coleslaw. Red cabbage, carrots, yellow peppers, and kale hold up well in the heat.
The orange-lime dressing stays fresh for hours. This crunchy side brings color and texture contrast to smoky grilled proteins!
14. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Protein-rich chickpeas make this salad substantial enough to satisfy. Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta create a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
A simple olive oil and lemon dressing keeps things light. It travels well to picnics and actually improves after sitting for an hour!
15. Grilled Sweet Potato And Black Bean Salad
Sweet potato slices develop caramelized edges on the grill, adding smoky-sweet flavor to this substantial side. Black beans provide protein and fiber to keep you full.
A chipotle-lime dressing ties everything together. Feel free to make it as a vegetarian main dish for non-meat eaters at your BBQ!
16. Strawberry Spinach Salad With Grilled Chicken
Fresh summer berries add natural sweetness to balance the savory grilled chicken topping. Baby spinach provides a tender base full of nutrients.
A light balsamic vinaigrette brings everything together. Add a few sliced almonds for crunch without the calories of croutons!
17. Asian Quinoa Salad
Protein-packed quinoa makes this side dish extra filling. Edamame, shredded carrots, and bell peppers add color and crunch. The ginger-sesame dressing offers bold flavor without heaviness.
Gluten-free option that satisfies guests with dietary restrictions while pleasing everyone else too!