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Home » Recipe Collections

19 grilled recipes that go way beyond burgers and hot dogs

Published: Aug 2, 2026 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

The grill can do a whole lot more than cook the usual backyard staples. These recipes bring smoky flavor, fresh ingredients, and plenty of variety to summer grilling, from satisfying mains to creative favorites. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts when you want to mix things up. Once you try them, burgers and hot dogs may not be the first things you reach for.

Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

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

Grilled fish tacos with garlic cilantro lime slaw balance texture and flavor. The grill gives the fish a firmer finish, making it fit well into the taco format.
Get the Recipe: Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

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 brings out a nutty flavor that’s hard to get from other methods. The grill softens them to a good texture, and the lemon tahini sauce pairs well with the result.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Artichokes

Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers

An image of Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers.
Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Thai spicy basil chicken skewers use bold seasoning and cook cleanly over the grill. The heat locks in flavor and adds just the right amount of char.
Get the Recipe: Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers

Grilled Ham Steak

Top view of a Grilled Ham Steak on a wooden board.
Grilled Ham Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled ham steaks with rosemary maple Dijon glaze cook quickly and need little prep. The grill helps the glaze caramelize, making the dish more robust.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ham Steak

Italian Steak

Overhead image of sliced italian steak with sauce on a plate.
Italian Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grilled Italian steak uses simple seasoning and a short cooking time. The grill sears the outside and keeps the inside juicy, which works well for a no-hassle dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Steak

Grilled Corn Salad

A bowl of Grilled Corn Salad.
Grilled Corn Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This corn salad uses grilled corn that takes on a better texture and stronger flavor over direct heat. The citrus-spiced dressing complements it, making it work well for outdoor meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad

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.

Grilled rack of lamb with za’atar paste is simple to prepare and makes a strong centerpiece for outdoor meals. The grill helps seal in juices while enhancing the flavor of the seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb

Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

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

Lamb chops with peach honey glaze and grilled peach salad bring together meat and fruit in one plate. The grill brings out deeper flavor in both components.
Get the Recipe: Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots

A plate of Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots and a side of greens with a slice of avocado.
Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled lamb kebabs with dried apricots keep things simple while balancing sweet and savory. The grill adds a light char that works well with the fruit.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots

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 with a dry rub work well over open heat. The grill forms a crisp crust that matches the richness of the cut.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Grilled Scallop Skewers

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

Grilled scallop skewers cook fast and work well for seafood. The grill highlights their sweetness, and the citrus garlic butter adds contrast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallop Skewers

Grilled Asparagus

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

Grilled asparagus uses just a few ingredients and comes together in under half an hour. The grill brings out its natural taste, making it a fast and useful vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

New York steak with herb scallion topping cooks quickly and fits well into group settings. The grill adds a char that balances with the freshness of the topping.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

Grilled Pepper and Chicken Kebabs

Grilled Pepper and Chicken Kebabs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grilled pepper and chicken kebabs cook evenly and help keep prep simple. The grill boosts flavor and speeds up the cooking process, making them a good option for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pepper and Chicken Kebabs

Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops

Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled bay scallops with zucchini, corn, and tomatoes cook in a garlic basil butter. The grill keeps the scallops tender while bringing out the vegetables’ flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Grilled Veggie Kabobs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Grilled veggie kebobs take just a few minutes to cook and are easy to assemble. The grill brings out the flavor of the vegetables and makes them a solid side or main dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs

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 with cherry balsamic glaze and orzo make for a light pasta salad. The grill deepens the flavor of the vegetables, helping them hold up in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad

Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers

Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple cider grilled chicken skewers use a simple marinade that balances sweet and savory. The grill chars the outside just enough to add contrast and pairs well with cheese-based sides.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers

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 make and works across a range of grilled meats. It helps boost flavor with minimal effort, which is useful when prepping for the grill.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

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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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