Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, which means summer is basically here and so is grilling season. This is the time of year when the grill stops collecting dust and finally earns its spot in the backyard. No one wants to cook inside when the weather is decent and the kitchen feels like a sauna. These grilled dinners are made for hot days, hungry people, and enjoying life outside.
Citrus Grilled Shrimp Skewers
These shrimp skewers are quick to prep and fast to grill, which makes them perfect when it’s too hot to think. The citrus marinade keeps things fresh and light, while brushing them with extra herbs after grilling gives them a punch of flavor that works great on sticky summer nights.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled Bay Scallops with Summer Vegetables
This dinner keeps everything on the grill, so there’s no cleanup nightmare waiting. The scallops stay tender, and the mix of zucchini, corn, and tomatoes works well with the garlic basil butter. It’s a smart choice when you want something that feels put-together without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bay Scallops with Summer Vegetables
Grilled BBQ Short Ribs
These short ribs are rubbed down with spices, cooked low and slow, then hit with sauce at the end. They come out rich and meaty with a grilled pineapple salsa that makes them feel a little extra without being fussy. They’re a strong pick when you want to show off a little without heating up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Short Ribs
Grilled Halloumi Burgers
These lamb burgers are stacked with fresh herbs, grilled onions, and a thick layer of sun-dried tomato pesto. The grilled halloumi adds salty flavor and texture that holds up on a hot day. It’s not your usual burger, but it’s still easy enough for a weeknight cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Burgers
Grilled Ham Steak
Grilled ham is underrated, and this version proves why it belongs in your rotation. The maple Dijon glaze caramelizes just enough over the heat to balance the saltiness of the ham. It’s simple to make and perfect when you want something a little different that still works on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ham Steak
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
This stuffed chicken packs a lot into every bite with ham, pineapple, and melted cheese under a sticky teriyaki glaze. It’s a bold, sweet-savory combo that holds up well to grilling and makes for a solid dinner when you want something fun without extra prep.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Grilled Pork Chops with Grapes & Fennel
Pork chops cook up quickly on the grill, and pairing them with grilled grapes and fennel gives you a full meal without needing anything else. It feels a little elevated but still works for a casual night on the patio.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Grapes & Fennel
Grilled Scallop Skewers
These scallops get skewered and grilled until just done, then topped with a tomatillo plum salsa that’s bright and summery. It’s a lighter option that still feels satisfying and works great when the heat makes heavier meals unappealing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallop Skewers
Grilled Stuffed Avocados
These avocados are charred just enough to soften, then loaded with steak, grilled corn, peppers, and scallions. You can eat them as-is or add rice to stretch them out. They’re great for a casual outdoor dinner that doesn’t feel boring.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Stuffed Avocados
Harissa Grilled Pork Chops
A coating of harissa gives these pork chops solid flavor and a little kick. Serving them with a peach and tomato salad brings balance and keeps it seasonal. It’s a great way to work in fruit without turning dinner into dessert.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Grilled Pork Chops
Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops
Lamb chops get brushed with peach honey glaze and paired with grilled peaches and watercress. This meal works well when you want to grill something that feels a little special without dragging out a dozen ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops
Grilled Apricot Lamb Kebabs
Lamb kebabs and dried apricots make a great pairing on the grill. These cook fast and hold up well, which makes them perfect when you don’t want to babysit the grill all night.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Apricot Lamb Kebabs
Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb
A rack of lamb sounds fancy, but this one comes together fast with a za’atar paste and the grill does the rest. It’s a bold, flavorful option when you want something that feels impressive but doesn’t take a ton of effort.
Get the Recipe: Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb
Grilled Venison Backstrap
Venison backstrap gets marinated overnight and grilled the next day until juicy and tender. It’s a great use for wild game and holds up well on the grill without drying out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Venison Backstrap
Indian Steak Kabobs
These kabobs are marinated in spices and paired with a cooling yogurt dip. The potatoes and steak cook together on the skewer, making cleanup easy. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a great option when you’re feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Indian Steak Kabobs
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
These chicken skewers use thighs for extra flavor and stay juicy on the grill. The bang bang sauce adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness. They’re perfect for a casual dinner or even as a party snack that doesn’t need a fork.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Turkey Legs
Turkey legs get coated in a blueberry balsamic sauce and grilled until sticky and charred in all the right places. This is the kind of dinner that feels like a summer fair without leaving your backyard.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Turkey Legs
Beef Kafta
These Middle Eastern-style beef skewers come together fast and pack in a ton of flavor. Serve them with rice, chopped veggies, and maybe some hummus on the side. They’re a great pick when you’re tired of plain burgers.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Flank steak cooks quickly and doesn’t need much to shine. The chili butter melts over the top and adds bold flavor without weighing things down. It’s on the table in 20 minutes and works great for last-minute grilling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken
This chicken gets hit with lime, chile, and sea salt for a simple, flavorful dinner that comes off the grill juicy and charred. It’s easy to prep ahead and cook fast when the day gets away from you.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
This chicken is marinated in a maple mustard sauce that sticks and caramelizes on the grill. It’s packed with flavor and works great with simple sides like grilled veggies or corn on the cob.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken