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Home » Recipe Collections

The best grilling recipes to kick off summer 2026

Published: May 14, 2026 by Jeanna Duka · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Grilling season officially feels back the moment the first burgers hit the flames. These recipes go beyond the basics with smoky meats, flavorful vegetables, fresh marinades, and cookout favorites everyone wants during summer 2026. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or cooking for family, these dishes bring serious warm-weather energy. It’s the perfect excuse to keep the grill running all weekend.

Grilled Green Beans

A plate of Grilled Green Beans with a slice of lemon and a spoon.
Grilled Green Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled green beans are done in about 15 minutes, making them a reliable side dish. The grill adds a slight char while keeping the beans tender, complemented by a garlic soy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Green Beans

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Greek Chicken on a white plate with lemon slices.
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Greek chicken brings out Mediterranean seasoning with bold flavors. The grill cooks the chicken quickly and keeps it moist, perfect for a summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Close-up image of grilled veggie kabobs on a dish.
Grilled Veggie Kabobs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Grilled veggie kebobs cook quickly and soak up lemon and herb dressing. The grill adds color and flavor, making them a straightforward option for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos

A close-up image of Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Coleslaw.
Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grilled fish tacos with garlic cilantro lime slaw provide a crunchy, tangy contrast. Grilling firms the fish and adds light char, fitting well with the taco style.
Get the Recipe: Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos

Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops

Two plates of Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops with Summer Vegetables.
Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled bay scallops combined with zucchini, corn, and tomatoes in garlic basil butter come together fast. This simple dish suits a quick grilling session on a warm day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops

Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers

A close-up of Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce.
Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple cider grilled chicken skewers balance sweet and savory with a cider marinade. The grill adds a char that pairs nicely with a rich Gouda cheese sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers

Grilled Artichokes

Overhead image of grilled artichokes with a dip and lemon slices on a plte.
Grilled Artichokes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilling artichokes enhances a nutty taste and texture that other methods don’t achieve. The lemon tahini sauce pairs well with the grilled vegetable for a fresh, satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Artichokes

Grilled Peppers

An overview of a bowl of Grilled Peppers.
Grilled Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Grilled peppers cook quickly and are easy to prepare, making them a versatile side or topping. The grill draws out their sweetness and adds a light char for many different meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb

A plate of Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb.
Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Rack of lamb seasoned with za’atar paste is a simple grilling choice that impresses. The quick grilling process locks in flavor, fitting well for a summer evening meal.
Get the Recipe: Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb

Grilled Foil Packet Adobo Potatoes

A close-up image of Grilled Foil Packet Adobo Potatoes with a fork.
Grilled Foil Packet Adobo Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Foil packet potatoes cooked on the grill are a straightforward side with enhanced flavor from adobo seasoning. The heat brings out additional layers that work well with various main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Foil Packet Adobo Potatoes

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Close up photo of grilled boneless pork chops.
Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This seasoning mix is easy to prepare and enhances grilled meats without extra effort. It’s a practical choice for making the most of your grilling time.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus on foil-lined baking sheet with lemon slice.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This grilled asparagus dish comes together in about 25 minutes with just five ingredients. The grill brings out the fresh, natural taste of asparagus while cooking it quickly with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Baby Bok Choy

A plate full of Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled baby bok choy cooks fast and adds a green touch to your plate. The grill crisps the leaves slightly while keeping the core tender, making it a practical side for any grilling session.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Italian Steak

Italian Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grilled Italian steak is straightforward to prepare, with simple seasoning that lets the meat’s flavor stand out. Using the grill ensures a juicy, tender result without much work.
Get the Recipe: Italian Steak

Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots

Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled lamb kebabs combined with dried apricots create a sweet and savory pairing. The grill adds a charred finish to the meat while enhancing the apricots’ sweetness, making this a flavorful grilling choice.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots

Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken grilled with pineapple salsa takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The grill caramelizes the pineapple and seals in the chicken’s juices, creating a well-rounded grilled meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled Corn Salad

Grilled Corn Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This corn salad uses grilled corn to improve texture and flavor. Grilling the corn is quick and easy, and it pairs well with a fresh cumin-orange dressing, fitting perfectly with outdoor cooking.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad

Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad

Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled summer vegetables tossed with Montmorency tart cherry balsamic glaze and orzo form a refreshing pasta salad. The grill adds a slight char to the veggies, making them a solid option for grilling.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad

Stovetop Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken skewers with lemon wedges on skewers.
Stovetop Chicken Souvlaki. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Stovetop chicken souvlaki is seasoned with oregano, garlic, and lemon zest. Though cooked on the stove, it replicates flavors that would be enhanced by grilling for a quick Mediterranean-style meal.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Chicken Souvlaki

Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers

Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Thai spicy basil chicken skewers deliver bold flavors that are heightened on the grill. The herbs develop a rich profile, making the skewers a vibrant choice for grilling.
Get the Recipe: Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Ninja Grilled Tomahawk Pork Chops on a white plate.
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Tomahawk pork chops seasoned with dry rub grill over woodfire, which deepens the crust and flavor. This method creates a bold, hearty dish suited for outdoor cooking.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Grilled Pepper and Chicken Kebabs

Grilled Pepper and Chicken Kebabs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grilled pepper and chicken kebabs are quick to prepare and cook evenly. The grill enhances the flavor of both ingredients while keeping cleanup and prep straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pepper and Chicken Kebabs

Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb chops glazed with peach honey paired with grilled peach salad combine sweet and savory elements. Grilling deepens the flavor of both meat and fruit for a balanced plate.
Get the Recipe: Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

Stovetop Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

Cooked chicken chunks on skewers in a grill pan.
Stovetop Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Teriyaki chicken kabobs cooked on the stovetop mimic the grilled texture and flavor. This alternative works well when outdoor grilling isn’t an option but the grilled taste is still desired.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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