17 grilled dinners perfect for long summer nights

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Summer’s here, and it’s hot. But you know what’s hotter? A lineup of 17 grilled dinners that’ll make you the star of your backyard. Imagine being the grill champ your dog thinks you are. Just think about the neighbors peeking over the fence, wishing they were invited. So grab your spatula – it’s game time!

Smoked whole chicken on Ninja Woodfire Grill.
Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For those who think corn can’t be the star of the show, think again. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs will have everyone gathering around the grill, eager for a taste. A twist on a street food favorite, this dish is all about bringing that creamy, spicy kick to your backyard. It’s a hands-on, messy treat that embodies the fun of summer eating.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Smoked chicken wings with pickles on a black plate.
Smoked Dill Pickle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wings on the grill? Absolutely, but with a twist. Smoked Dill Pickle Wings are a game-changer, combining that smoky flavor with a tangy punch. It’s an unexpected mix that’ll have guests talking and coming back for just one more wing. Perfect for when you want to shake things up a bit.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Imagine the sweetness of peaches and the juiciness of tomatoes coming together. Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes is summer in a bowl, offering a fresh, vibrant alternative to the usual side dishes. This is how you get people excited about a salad at a barbecue. It’s all about celebrating the season’s best produce.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, you just need to go big, and Smoked Carver Ham is your ticket there. It brings that hearty, smoky flavor to the table, promising to keep everyone full. This dish is about making a statement and letting the grill do all the talking. Best enjoyed with a side of your favorite summer moments.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

A plate of chicken wings on a white plate with a slice of mango.
Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

We know that wings are a crowd-pleaser, but when you add a twist like in Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings, you’re on to a winner. Sweet, spicy, and perfectly charred, they’re an upgrade from the typical. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around and start a conversation. A guaranteed hit!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Take your burger game to the next level with Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. It’s the combo you never knew you needed until now. Juicy burgers enveloped in crispy bacon, ready to steal the show at any grill party. Simple, yet so effective, proving that sometimes, wrapping your food in bacon is all you need to do.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Grilled Beef Finger Meat on a wooden cutting board.
Grilled Beef Finger Meat. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Beef Finger Meat is all about showing the beef’s natural flavors with a touch of smoke and char. This dish is a tribute to the simple pleasures of grilling. It’s meaty, fulfilling, and just what you want on a plate after a day in the sun. Great for when you want to keep things straightforward but delicious.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Traeger Smoked Turkey

A smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board.
Traeger Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Level up your poultry game with Traeger Smoked Turkey. This is not your typical holiday bird. It’s a smoky, tender delicacy that fits right in with summer’s laid-back vibe. It’s about bringing a touch of sophistication to your grill with minimal fuss. Your backyard barbecue just got a gourmet upgrade!
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

A plate of sliced grilled steak topped with a green herb sauce, served on a white rectangular dish.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Crowd-pleasing doesn’t even begin to cover Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. This is the dish for when you want to impress without the stress. The chimichurri adds a bright, herby contrast to the richly flavored steak, making each bite a celebration. It turns an ordinary evening into something special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Smoked Brisket Chili

Two bowls of smoked brisket chili, tomatoes, and bread.
Smoked Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says chili is just for winter? Smoked Brisket Chili will make you rethink that with its deep, smoky flavors and hearty texture. It’s a warm embrace on a cool summer night, perfect for when the sun dips and the conversation flows. A comforting bowl that’s anything but typical.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled pork chops with pineapple salsa on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa is a ticket to a tropical escape without leaving your backyard. The juicy, grilled pork paired with the bright, sweet, and tangy salsa is a match made in heaven. This dish is all about balance, bringing a bit of sweetness to your savory. It’s a summer must-try that’ll leave everyone smiling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Smoked Beef Tenderloin

A sliced smoked beef tenderloin on a white plate.
Smoked Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Treat yourself and your guests to Smoked Beef Tenderloin. It’s a dish that’s all about luxury without pretension. This tender, flavorful cut becomes even more irresistible with a hint of smoke. It’s the kind of meal that requires minimal garnish, letting the meat’s quality speak for itself. Ideal for a special summer evening.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Tenderloin

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Lunchtime during summer has a new champion: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. It’s light, it’s fresh, and it’s bursting with flavors – exactly what you want when the sun is shining. Tomato, mozzarella, and basil bring that classic Caprese magic, while the chicken keeps it irresistible. This is as fun to eat as it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Smoked New York Strip Roast

A piece of smoked New York strip roast meat on a cutting board next to a knife.
Smoked New York Strip Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked New York Strip Roast brings that fancy dinner vibe right to your backyard. It’s about enjoying the good life one bite at a time, with the smoky flavor adding an extra layer of indulgence. This dish is a reminder that sometimes, the best nights out are actually nights in. It will change your dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Smoked New York Strip Roast

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A quick trip to the shores of the Mediterranean, no passport required is Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. It’s light, it’s flavorful, and it’s incredibly easy to whip up. The kind of dish that lets you spend less time grilling and more time chilling with friends and family. It’s the essence of summer dining: effortless and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb

Whole cooked leg of lamb on a board with a knife.
Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a dash of the exotic to your grill with Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb. This dish is about broadening your backyard barbecue horizons. It offers a rich and flavorful alternative to the usual suspects. The smoky flavor adds depth, making each bite a savory treat. It’s a meal that promises to take center stage.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb

Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken

Smoked whole chicken on Ninja Woodfire Grill.
Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Finally, Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken puts a classic spin on your grill game. This is about going back to basics and doing it incredibly well. The smoke and char transform the humble chicken into a masterpiece of flavors. It’s the perfect way to cap off a long summer day, fulfilling and simple, like summer itself.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken

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