Summer is here, and that means it’s BBQ season! Explore these delicious recipes to keep you on track with your goals with healthier alternatives for your next family BBQ.
Navigating Summer BBQ Season
Gathering with family and friends around the grill is a cherished tradition, but it doesn’t have to derail your healthy eating habits. Say goodbye to the usual potato salad and chips, and embrace a variety of mouthwatering and nutritious alternatives.
In this blog post, we’ll explore healthier options that will delight your taste buds while keeping you on track with your goals. So fire up the grill, and let’s get cooking!
Bean Salad Instead of Potato Salad
Swap out the traditional potato salad laden with mayonnaise for a refreshing and protein-packed bean salad. Prepare a colorful medley of kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, or any other legumes of your choice. Toss them with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette for a satisfying and fiber-rich side dish.
Grilled Mushrooms Instead of Grilled Corn
While corn on the cob is a BBQ staple, grilled mushrooms offer a delightful alternative. Marinate portobello or cremini mushrooms in a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then grill them to perfection. The meaty texture and rich flavor of grilled mushrooms make them a satisfying choice for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Grilled Acorn Squash Instead of Potatoes
Step away from the traditional potato dishes and explore the world of grilled acorn squash. Slice acorn squash into wedges, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite spices, and grill until tender. The natural sweetness and vibrant colors of grilled acorn squash will add a delicious twist to your BBQ spread.
Lettuce Wraps Instead of Bread Buns
For a lighter and lower-carb option, consider ditching the bread buns and wrapping your favorite grilled meats or veggies in crisp lettuce leaves. Lettuce wraps provide a refreshing crunch and allow you to savor the flavors without the extra calories. Add your choice of condiments and enjoy a guilt-free BBQ experience.
Fresh Watermelon Instead of a Popsicle
When it comes to dessert, skip the sugar-laden popsicles and opt for juicy, hydrating fresh watermelon. Slices of chilled watermelon are not only a delicious and refreshing treat but also a great source of vitamins and antioxidants. Indulge in this naturally sweet delight without any regrets.
Colorful Bean Salad
- Prep Time: 10 – 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 – 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing and protein-packed side dish.
Grilled Marinated Mushrooms
- Prep Time: 10 – 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 – 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
4 large portobello mushrooms
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the stems from the portobello mushrooms and gently scrape out the gills using a spoon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Brush both sides of the mushrooms with the marinade.
- Place the mushrooms on the grill, gill-side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes.
- Flip the mushrooms and continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the mushrooms and serve as a delicious and meaty alternative to grilled corn.
Grilled Acorn Squash Wedges
- Prep Time: 10 – 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 – 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
2 acorn squashes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Cut the acorn squashes in half, remove the seeds, and slice each half into wedges.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush both sides of the acorn squash wedges with the spice mixture.
- Place the wedges on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until they are tender and grill marks appear.
- Remove from the grill and serve the vibrant and sweet grilled acorn squash wedges as a flavorful alternative to potatoes.
Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Veggies
- Prep Time: 10 – 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 – 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Lettuce leaves (such as romaine, butter lettuce, or iceberg)
Grilled vegetables of your choice (such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions)
Condiments of your choice (such as hummus, tahini sauce, or spicy mayo)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, and separate them to create cups.
- Grill the vegetables of your choice until tender and lightly charred.
- Slice the grilled vegetables into thin strips.
- Fill each lettuce cup with a variety of grilled vegetables.
- Drizzle with your preferred condiments.
- Roll up the lettuce leaves, securing the fillings.
- Serve the lettuce wraps as a lighter and carb-free option for enjoying grilled meats or veggies.
Chilled Watermelon Wedges
Ingredients
1 small watermelon
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into wedges, removing the rind.
- Place the watermelon wedges in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
- Arrange the chilled watermelon wedges on a platter.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
- Serve the refreshing and hydrating watermelon wedges as a healthy and guilt-free alternative to popsicles.
Recipe 5: Chilled Watermelon Wedges
Ingredients:
- 1 small watermelon
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the watermelon into wedges, removing the rind.
- Place the watermelon wedges in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
- Arrange the chilled watermelon wedges on a platter.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
- Serve the refreshing and hydrating watermelon wedges as a healthy and guilt-free alternative to popsicles.
Enjoy these plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free BBQ recipes that provide a range of delicious and healthier alternatives to traditional BBQ dishes.
As you embark on the BBQ season, remember that making healthier choices doesn’t mean depriving yourself. Embrace these delicious alternatives that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your goals. From vibrant bean salads and grilled mushrooms to flavorful acorn squash and refreshing lettuce wraps, there are countless ways to enjoy a healthier BBQ experience. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and celebrate summer with nutritious and mouthwatering delights. Share your favorite healthy BBQ ideas in the comments below and reward yourself with choices that contribute to your overall well-being. Happy grilling!
More Healthy Alternatives for Your Next Summer BBQ (click on the graphic to view the recipe)
Committed to your success,
P.S. Looking for a refreshing alternative to ice cream, push pops, or popsicles? Turn one of the twenty smoothies recipes from the Sip and Shine Smoothie Guide into a healthier ice cream or popsicle to beat the summer heat!
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