10 Healthier and Still Delicious Backyard BBQ Ideas

Summer is a great time for outdoor gatherings, and nothing beats a backyard BBQ. However, traditional BBQ recipes can be heavy, full of calories, and not the best when it comes to nutritional value. This doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of a beautiful spread of hot dogs, burgers, and steaks. There are many ways to make healthier and still delicious versions of your favorite BBQ dishes. In this blog post, we’re sharing ten of our favorite recipes that will be a hit at your next BBQ.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Grilled veggie skewers are not just colorful and delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients. They are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals which are essential for overall health. Unlike traditional BBQ dishes that often include fatty meats or processed foods, these skewers are low in fat and calories. They’re also highly versatile as you can easily swap out the veggies for your favorites or what’s in season. The olive oil used in this recipe provides healthy monounsaturated fats, while the herbs add flavor without adding extra sodium. This means you can enjoy your BBQ without worrying about excessive calories or unhealthy fats.

1. Cut the bell peppers, zucchini, squash, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
2. Thread the vegetables and cherry tomatoes onto the wooden skewers, alternating as you go.
3. Drizzle the skewers with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs.
4. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the veggies are charred and tender.
5. Remove from the grill and let them cool before serving.

Turkey Burgers

Instead of traditional beef burgers, try swapping them for turkey burgers. Grilled turkey burgers are not just juicy and flavorful, but they’re also a healthier choice. They are a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle development and overall health.

1. In a bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, and your chosen herbs, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into patties (this should make about four medium-sized burgers).
3. Preheat your grill on medium heat and lightly oil the grate with olive oil.
4. Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve on whole wheat buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite burger toppings.

Greek Yogurt Dip

This Greek Yogurt Dip is a healthier alternative to the usual mayo or sour cream-based dips. The Greek yogurt adds a nice creamy texture while providing probiotics that are beneficial for gut health. It also contains less fat and calories than mayonnaise, making it a much healthier choice.

1. In a bowl, combine one cup of plain Greek yogurt with your chosen herbs, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
3. Serve with fresh-cut veggies like cucumbers, carrots, peppers, and celery sticks or as an accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken.

Grilled Chicken Skewers

This dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Grilled chicken skewers are juicy, flavorful, and full of lean protein. They are also a much healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken or processed meat like hot dogs or sausages.

1. Cut the chicken breasts into cubes.
2. Thread the cubes onto wooden skewers, alternating with red onion and bell peppers.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, your chosen herbs, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Brush the mixture all over the chicken skewers.
5. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes on each side until cooked through (or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit).
6. Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes.

Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

For a healthier alternative to traditional pulled pork, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead. They tend to be lower in fat and calories, which can be beneficial for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Plus, when prepared with whole grain bread and loaded with fresh veggies, they deliver a satisfying meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.

1. In a slow cooker, combine two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your chosen herbs.
2. Add enough water or broth to cover the chicken.
3. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Once cooked through, remove from heat and use two forks to shred the chicken.
5. Marinate them in a low-carb bbq sauce as a healthier alternative to regular bbq sauce
6. Serve on whole wheat buns with lettuce, tomato slices, avocado slices optional, and a healthy slaw or mix.

Grilled Fish

Grilled fish is an excellent BBQ option that’s high in protein. It serves as a healthier alternative to beef steaks, offering fewer calories and less saturated fat. It’s also rich in essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart health benefits. Choosing grilled fish over steak can therefore support a balanced diet while still delivering a satisfying and flavorful meal.

1. Choose your favorite types of fish, such as salmon, trout, tilapia, or cod.
2. Brush the fish with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the fish on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through (or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
5. Serve with grilled vegetables or a healthy salad.

Cauliflower Steaks

This is an excellent vegetarian option for those who want something different than veggie skewers. Cauliflower steaks are lower in calories and saturated fat compared to beef steaks. They’re also packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health. As a plant-based option, they’re perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

1. Cut one head of cauliflower into 1-inch steaks.
2. Brush the cauli steaks with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your chosen herbs.
3. Place the steak on the preheated grill over medium heat and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until charred and tender (or until a fork is easily inserted into the cauliflower).
4. Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Grilled Avocado

If you’re a fan of avocado toast, this dish should be right up your alley. Grilled avocado adds a creamy, smoky flavor to your BBQ menu that’s both unique and delicious. It’s packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, contributing to a balanced meal. Plus, it’s versatile, working well as a side dish, a burger topping, or even a dessert when paired with a drizzle of honey (this recipe is for a side dish).

1. Slice one large avocado in half, remove the pit, and brush each half with olive oil.
2. Place on preheated grill over medium heat and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until charred.
3. Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
4. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like feta cheese, tomatoes, cilantro or lime juice.

Veggie Burgers

For all the vegetarians out there, veggie burgers can be a healthier and still delicious option. They are typically lower in fat and calories compared to beef patties. They’re also high in fiber and can be a good source of plant-based protein. Make your own patty with black beans, sweet potatoes, and quinoa.

1. In a bowl, combine one can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup of cooked quinoa, ½ cup of mashed sweet potatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, pepper and your chosen herbs.
2. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Form the mixture into patties (this should make four medium-sized burgers).
4. Preheat your grill on medium heat and lightly oil the grate with olive oil.
5. Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until slightly crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

These mushrooms make for a great meaty substitute. They’re a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and B vitamins, which are essential for maintaining good health. Plus, their meaty texture and robust flavor make them a satisfying substitute without sacrificing taste.

1. Clean the portobello mushrooms and remove the stems.
2. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, salt and pepper to taste.
3. Brush the mixture over each mushroom cap.
4. Preheat your grill on high heat and lightly oil the grate with olive oil.
5. Place the mushrooms on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until tender and lightly charred.
6. Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. Serve with crumbled goat cheese and fresh herbs.

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor when it comes to making healthier BBQ recipes. By swapping out certain ingredients for healthier options, you can still enjoy all your favorite BBQ dishes without worrying about compromising your health. Give these recipes a try at your next BBQ and see how easy it is to make delicious and healthy dishes that everyone will love.