Grab Your Skewer: Healthy BBQ Recipes for Your Next Cookout

It’s easy to fall into the boring ol’ routine of cooking the same thing day in and day out, especially once you finally make healthy eating habits stick, which is why organizing a BBQ can really push you to think outside the box (or the kitchen).

We already covered the essential BBQ tips and tricks, but now it’s time to talk healthy BBQ recipes to cook on the grill. They might be healthy, but you’ll still get the usual barbecue classics like steaks, burgers and chicken legs — just revamped, summery versions that’ll leave you feeling satiated, not weight down.

Read on for some healthy BBQ dinner ideas that’ll please the entire family and make great leftovers. Find the full recipes in the 8fit app, with the option to multiply the portions for a big crowd.

Healthy BBQ recipes from the 8fit app

Steak with charred corn salad

Let’s start off with a classic beef steak that you can enjoy seasoned simply, i.e. with salt and pepper, then cooked on the grill until it’s done to your liking. Pair it with our tangy Mexican-inspired salsa made with grilled corn on the cob, avocado, cilantro and lime juice.

Chargrilled chicken with cauliflower & chickpea salad

This chargrilled chicken dish will give you a rich, roasted flavor with a good zing. Avoid making the common mistake of overcooking your skinless chicken breasts by buying high-quality meat and to let them rest after cooking them on hot coals. That way, they rest in their own juices for a bit before making their way onto a plate. Chop big slices of cauliflower to grill, then chop them smaller and mix with chili-lemon chickpeas.

Balsamic glazed salmon salad

Fish can be a tricky food to cook on the grill, but fresh salmon has that beautiful skin to keep it from sticking — simply place it skin down and wait for the heat to work its magic. If you’re using skinless salmon, the flesh will be too delicate to add directly to the grill, so just add a sheet of aluminum foil in between. Enjoy with a refreshing strawberry salad on the side.

Quinoa burgers

Vegetarians, rejoice! Here’s a protein-rich veggie burger you can whip up from scratch. Made with quinoa, almond, eggs, spring onion, and bell peppers, this burger beats anything from the frozen food aisle. Simply combine the ingredients, form patties and grill on both sides. Top with a garlic-parsley yogurt dip and enjoy with cucumber slices on the side.

Lamb & feta burger

This one is super easy but tastes gourmet. Combine ground lamb with feta, eggs, and breadcrumbs, before being shaping the mixture into burgers. Brush lightly with some oil and grill until browned, taking care that it doesn’t turn black. Enjoy with cucumber and carrot slices and a spoonful of yogurt. It’s one of our favorite healthy BBQ recipes.

Sheet pan Spanish chicken with sweet potatoes & peppers

Instead of using a sheet pan, you can cook this Primal Gourmet chicken recipe directly on the grill after having marinated it in herbs. The cut of chicken is skin-on which, yes, has a slightly higher fat content, but it also has more iron and healthy skin and joint-protective collagen. For the veggies, chop them up and grill them in some aluminum foil. Top the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish of fresh parsley.

Whitefish burger with mango salsa

For this fish burger (served with a bun this time!), you can either blend the fish in a food processor or chop it finely by hand. We actually favor the texture of chopped fish — even though it requires a bit more effort — because it means distinct bites of fish in each bite. Put your patty on a toasted bun and finish with a dollop of our mango salsa for that tropical touch.

Tofu & pineapple skewer

This skewer recipe only requires five ingredients, simple prep, and just 10 minutes total. After soaking everything in a curry marinade, thread the tofu, pineapple and red onion on a skewer to grill. Grilling fruit may seem unusual, but juicy fruits like pineapple caramelize perfectly on the grill. The result? An irresistible summer treat.

Lentil & chickpea burgers

Even meat-lovers will crave this crispy vegetarian burger. Chickpeas and lentils make up the bulk of the burger and are loaded with all the fiber and protein you need in a meal — plus, they help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. Top with a spiced lemon yogurt and a simple salad for an added health and flavor boost.

Give ones of these healthy BBQ ideas a try and sign up for 8fit for even more.