Now that summer is in full force, grilling is the go-to cooking method. The typical grilled foods can get boring, so get creative and try some foods you wouldn’t normally think of to grill.
From savory to sweet, here are 14 foods you should be grilling this summer instead of meat:
1. Pizza
Photo by Sophie Maschinot
Instead of baking your pizza in a boring oven, get creative by grilling it. Place it on the grill for a crispier, airier, and smokier crust. Try this grilled pizza recipe to get you started.
2. Corn
Photo by Tiare Brown
Corn is a staple food for summer. It goes perfectly with all your BBQs, pool parties, and fun summer nights. Try these five easy ways to spice up your corn on the cob the next time you feel in the grilling mood.
3. Eggplant
Photo by Sabrina Congel
Eggplant just recently became one of my favorite vegetables (even though it’s actually a fruit) and now I’m obsessed. This vegetable-masquerading fruit may seem intimidating at first, but once you learn how to use it, you will be exposed to a whole new world of delicious recipes.
4. Zucchini
Photo by Sabrina Congel
Zucchini is an extremely versatile food that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. If you discover a love for zucchini and want to experiment with more ways to eat it, try zucchini linguini.
5. Polenta
Photo by Sabrina Congel
Polenta is an Italian comfort food, similar to grits in the South. It’s a great base food, so you can top it or pair it with anything your heart desires.
6. Avocado
Photo by Sabrina Congel
I love avocados. Who doesn’t? Take your avocado game to a whole new level by grilling them. Because they’re naturally bowl-shaped, you can fill ’em up with all your favorite fixings.
7. Romaine Lettuce
Photo by Sabrina Congel
Grill romaine lettuce heads for a new spin on leafy greens. Eat it straight off the grill drizzled with olive oil and seasonings or chop it up for an interesting take on caesar salad.
8. Brie
Photo by Christine Pritula
Grilled brie is the perfect appetizer for any summer BBQ or maybe just for snacking if you’re feeling fancy. Serve the brie with some grilled bread, crackers, or sliced veggies to make it slightly healthy.
9. Pineapple
Photo by Alex Shapiro
Pineapple is tasty on its own, but try grilling it for a fun and simple dessert on a warm summer night. But first, you should probably learn how to cut a pineapple.
10. Banana Boat
Photo by Sabrina Congel
These grilled banana boats are positively decadent. Fill up the bananas with whatever toppings you want, wrap them in foil, and pop them on the grill for a warm, gooey, healthier dessert. If you don’t have a grill, you can make these in the toaster.
11. Strawberries
Photo by Grace Bodkin
Coat some fresh strawberries in balsamic vinegar, roll in granulated sugar, and grill until warm. Serve over ice cream, and now you’ve got a unique dessert to impress your family and friends. Try these other easy fruit desserts on the grill.
12. Pound Cake
Photo by Sabrina Congel
Grilled pound cake goes perfectly with summer berries. You could even top it with the grilled strawberries or peaches from this list.
13. Watermelon
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Who knew you could grill watermelon? Not me. Challenge society’s perception of watermelon and try grilling them, and you’ll be surprised at how good they taste.
14. Peaches
Photo by Hannah Cooper
Grilled peaches are another perfect summer dessert made right on your grill. The grilling brings out the juiciness and sweetness in the peaches. Serve with ice cream, pound cake, or anything else that sounds yummy.
Happy grilling!