Nothing says summer quite like outdoor grilling. With so many delicious seasonal foods available, including tomatoes, eggplant, and watermelon, your dining choices are limitless. If you’re searching for something new to throw on the grill for a patio party with friends – or perhaps just a cozy dinner for two with that special someone in your life – then consider some of the options provided below.
Meats and More
- Grilled Chicken Breasts – If you’re short on time, chicken is the way to go. Add a flavor kick by coating it in a marinade of lemon juice, rosemary, garlic, and olive oil before grilling. The trick is not overcooking the chicken. You want it tender and moist so, depending on the size of the breasts or cutlets, cooking 4 to 5 minutes on each side should do the trick. Use a meat thermometer to check for an inner temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
- Fish Tacos – Fragile fish fillets have a bad habit of sticking to the grill, so choose a type of fish you can cook whole – skin and all – like red snapper or trout. Slip it inside some warm tortillas and coat with salsa for a delicious taco dinner!
- Grilled Pizza – To make the perfect pie, flatten some store-bought pizza dough with a rolling pin and grill on both sides. Next, add your favorite tomato sauce and toppings and return the pizza to the grill. It doesn’t take long to get the edges crisp, so watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Tip: Don’t go overboard with the toppings or your pizza will be mushy.
Vegetables and Fruits
- Spicy Watermelon – Cut watermelon into wedges and gently coat each side with a mixture of honey, salt, cayenne pepper, and lime juice. Grill the wedges until grate marks develop on each side.
- Herbed Eggplant – Slice up the eggplant and brush each side with a dash of pepper, minced garlic, parsley, basil, and olive oil marinade. Keep at room temperature for at least a couple of hours before placing on the grill. Cook each side of the eggplant slices until they are soft and toasty brown.
Don’t Forget Dessert!
- Shortcake Skewers – Cut a store-bought angel food cake into one-inch cubes. Slice some strawberries in half and skewer the cake and strawberries with wooden skewers presoaked in water. Grill until lightly browned on each side and serve with whipped topping.
This is just a small sampling of ways you can create a feast that will delight your family and friends all summer long. The possibilities are endless. All it takes is a little ingenuity and a passion for grilling!