Introduction
Cookouts are a great way to get together with friends and family and enjoy some delicious food. But if you’re looking to make healthier choices, it can be hard to find recipes that are both tasty and nutritious. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 19 healthy recipes to make at your next cookout. From grilled vegetables to salads and sides, these recipes are sure to please everyone at your next gathering. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some delicious and nutritious eats!
19 Healthy Recipes To Make at Your Next Cookout
Cookouts are a great way to get together with friends and family, but they don’t have to be unhealthy. With a few simple swaps, you can make your next cookout a healthy one. Here are 19 healthy recipes to make at your next cookout.
1. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Grilled veggie skewers are a great way to get your veggies in. Simply thread your favorite vegetables onto skewers and grill until lightly charred. Serve with a side of hummus for a delicious and healthy meal.
2. Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon is a great source of healthy fats and protein. Marinate the salmon in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Grilled Fruit Kebabs
Grilled fruit kebabs are a great way to get your fruit in. Simply thread your favorite fruits onto skewers and grill until lightly charred. Serve with a side of yogurt for a delicious and healthy snack.
4. Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a great source of lean protein. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a great way to get your veggies in. Simply brush the corn with olive oil and grill until lightly charred. Serve with a side of butter and herbs for a delicious and healthy side dish.
6. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Grilled portobello mushrooms are a great source of healthy fats and protein. Marinate the mushrooms in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
7. Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is a great way to get your veggies in. Simply brush the zucchini with olive oil and grill until lightly charred. Serve with a side of pesto for a delicious and healthy side dish.
8. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Marinate the asparagus in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
9. Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Grilled sweet potatoes are a great way to get your veggies in. Simply brush the sweet potatoes with olive oil and grill until lightly charred. Serve with a side of Greek yogurt for a delicious and healthy side dish.
10. Grilled Eggplant
Grilled eggplant is a great source of healthy fats and protein. Marinate the eggplant in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
11. Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches are a great way to get your fruit in. Simply brush the peaches with olive oil and grill until lightly charred. Serve with a side of Greek yogurt for a delicious and healthy snack.
12. Grilled Avocado
Grilled avocado is a great source of healthy fats and protein. Marinate the avocado in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
13. Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp is a great source of lean protein. Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
14. Grilled Halloumi
Grilled halloumi is a great source of healthy fats and protein. Marinate the halloumi in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
15. Grilled Tofu
Grilled tofu is a great source of lean protein. Marinate the tofu in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
16. Grilled Eggplant Burgers
Grilled eggplant burgers are a great way to get your veggies in. Simply mix together eggplant, breadcrumbs, and herbs and form into patties. Grill until lightly charred and serve with a side of hummus for a delicious and healthy meal.
17. Grilled Fruit Salad
Grilled fruit salad is a great way to get your fruit in. Simply brush your favorite fruits with olive oil and grill until lightly charred. Serve with a side of Greek yogurt for a delicious and healthy snack.
18. Grilled Veggie Burgers
Grilled veggie burgers are a great way to get your veggies in. Simply mix together your favorite vegetables, breadcrumbs, and herbs and form into patties. Grill until lightly charred and serve with a side of hummus for a delicious and healthy meal.
19. Grilled Fruit Pizza
Grilled fruit pizza is a great way to get your fruit in. Simply brush your favorite fruits with olive oil and grill until lightly charred. Top with a mixture of Greek yogurt and honey for a delicious and healthy dessert.
Labor Day may be around the corner, but there are still a lot of warm late-summer days to enjoy an outdoor cookout before the chilly fall months settle in. Yet that doesn’t mean you have to always settle for the same go-to’s every time you fire up a grill! Sure, burgers and hot dogs work well when you’re cooking for a crowd, but why not surprise your guests with these deliciously tasty recipes the next time you have everyone over?
Between grilling recipes, tasty sweets, and all of the side dishes and appetizers you could ever want, here are some of our favorite healthy recipes to whip up for an outdoor cookout. And if you’re looking for even more Labor Day inspiration, here are our 20 Best Labor Day Recipes for End of Summer Fun.
Why not give that usually grilled chicken sandwich a major upgrade by adding a grilled slice of pineapple? Slather on some teriyaki sauce and serve with sliced red onion and pickled jalapeños on a whole wheat bun.
Get our recipe for Spicy-Sweet Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Sandwich.
Sign up for our newsletter!
Sure, you could just serve a salad…but why not grill it? This recipe has you grilling heads of romaine lettuce, and topped with the usual Caesar salad fixings. Plus, the presentation of this grilled salad is so beautiful, that your guests will be wowed!
Get our recipe for Grilled Caesar Salad.
If grilling salad isn’t your thing, why not make this easy butternut squash pasta salad instead? This veggie-forward pasta salad includes cubes of roasted butternut squash, spring mix, apple, dried cranberries, pine nuts, and a homemade vinaigrette to bring it all together.
Get our recipe for Butternut Squash Pasta Salad.
If you need something for your guests to snack on while you get the grill going, these tasty deviled eggs will keep them satiated. The smoky chipotle powder and paprika paired with bacon will pair perfectly with a bubbly beverage.
Get our recipe for Smoky Deviled Eggs with Bacon.
Looking to turn your cookout into a proper dinner party? Skip the burgers and grill up these pork chops instead, served with juicy peaches that are in season as the summer draws to an end.
Don’t feel like serving burgers? These grilled pork chops will
Get our recipe for Grilled Pork Chops and Peaches.
Speaking of peaches, did you know you can actually throw peaches and apricots onto the grill? Scoop out the pit and serve with a small scoop of ice cream or yogurt, top with granola, and you have the perfect light dessert to finish off your meal.
Get our recipe for Grilled Apricots.
Need a way to use up all of that fresh summer produce? This grilled ratatouille salad calls for zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, bell pepper, and portobello mushrooms all in one. Plus, if you have any asparagus in the freezer from the spring, you can use that up by throwing them into this light side dish as well!
Get our recipe for Grilled Ratatouille Salad.
Want to elevate your cookout offerings? Serve thin slices of flank steak with homemade chimichurri sauce and a side of grilled vegetables. This light meal is satisfying but won’t leave you feeling sluggish compared to a cheesy burger and potato chips.
Get our recipe for Grilled Flank Steak With Chimichurri.
You can never go wrong with a classic potato salad at a cookout! This recipe calls for all kinds of classic potato salad fixings like red onion, pickles, celery, and hard-boiled eggs. If you’re looking to lighten up the salad (and add in some protein) you can swap out a Greek yogurt-based mayonnaise.
Get our recipe for Potato Salad.
Can’t decide between serving guacamole or hummus with your crudités? Why not combine the two flavors with this avocado hummus? This dip is packed with flavor and is perfect with fresh-cut veggies, chips, crackers, and more.
Get our recipe for Avocado Hummus.
You can never go wrong with a pan of brownies at a cookout, especially brownies that are stuffed with raspberry goodness. Not only are these fudgy brownies mixed with 1 1/2 cups of frozen raspberries, but they also have applesauce to make them fluffy, giving these brownies an extra nutritional punch with every bite.
Get the recipe for Easy Fudgy Raspberry Brownies.
Don’t feel like drinking alcohol? These kombucha floats are the perfect mocktail that still brings the fun without the booze. Serve with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream (or dairy-free ice cream), and pop some raspberries and mint into the glass for a refreshing treat to end the day.
Get the recipe for Bubbly Rosé Kombucha Float.
Serving a block of brie with sliced bread is always a fun appetizer, but why not take it up a notch with these melted brie bites? The recipe is easy—you’ll sauté onions, pear, and zucchini together, spread on small slices of toast, then spread gooey baked brie on top. Then serve!
Get the recipe for Melted Brie with Vegetables.
If the grill is already fired up from dinner, why not also grill up some dessert? These fruit kebabs combine peaches, pineapple, and watermelon, and are served with dollops of yogurt and a drizzle of honey for the perfect light, summery dessert.
Get our recipe for Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt and Honey.
Sure, you could serve your shrimp cocktail cold like usual, but have you tried roasting that shrimp instead? Roast the shrimp with olive oil and some Old Bay seasoning, tip into a homemade cocktail sauce, and serve with a frothy beer. With just under 10 ingredients, it makes for an easy and tasty appetizer that your guests are going to glom.
Get the recipe for Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail.
You can never have too many snacks at a cookout, right? These sweet dates are stuffed with creamy blue cheese to compliment the salty bacon and will make your taste buds dance with every bite.
Get the recipe for Bacon and Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates.
If you love a good burger at a cookout but want to try something different, why not try a tuna burger? These burgers
Get the recipe for Tuna Burger with Wasabi Mayo.
And if you can’t imagine not having hot dogs at your cookout, at least give them an upgrade with these Chicago-inspired hot dog combos. Chicago “dragged through the garden” hot dogs are exactly how they sound, topped with lots of veggies, an entire pickle, and celery salt. But never add the ketchup—in Chicago, ketchup on a hot dog is an absolute travesty.
Get the recipe for Chicago Hot Dogs.
Get our recipe for Grilled Hoisin Beef Kebab.
Kebabs not only make for an easy meal for a cookout but a fun activity for your guests as well! Let your guests put together their own kebabs with whatever combination of meat and veggies—these call for sirloin, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, but you could always create a kebab “bar” and offer plenty of fixings for your guests’ liking.