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Summer Bounty: Grilling and Chilling with Seasonal Ingredients
- Theresa Wilson
- Jul 25
- 6 min read
Summer is the season of abundance, where vibrant produce and warm evenings invite us to embrace outdoor cooking at its finest. From juicy stone fruits to garden-fresh vegetables, the grill enhances their natural flavors while adding a hint of smokiness. Whether you're hosting a lively backyard barbecue or savoring a quiet meal on the patio, summer’s bounty provides endless inspiration for effortless and delicious cooking. With the right ingredients and simple techniques, you can create vibrant dishes that capture the essence of the season.
The Best Seasonal Ingredients for Summer Grilling
One of the joys of summer cooking is the availability of fresh, local produce. Here are some of the best seasonal ingredients to throw on the grill:
Corn on the Cob – Sweet and juicy, grilled corn develops a smoky char that enhances its natural sweetness. Try brushing it with herb butter, sprinkling it with chili lime seasoning, or topping it with crumbled cheese for a Mexican-inspired twist.
Zucchini & Summer Squash – These versatile vegetables grill beautifully with a light coating of olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper. For extra flavor, try marinating them in balsamic vinegar or adding a sprinkle of parmesan before serving.
Peppers – Whether you opt for bell peppers or spicier varieties, grilling brings out their natural sweetness and adds a slight smokiness. They work great as a side dish, in fajitas, or blended into smoky salsas.
Tomatoes – Grilled tomatoes intensify in flavor, making them perfect for salads, bruschetta, or a topping for grilled meats. For a deeper flavor, try cherry tomatoes skewered and lightly charred.
Stone Fruits (Peaches, Plums, Nectarines) – Their natural sugars caramelize on the grill, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness for desserts or even savory dishes like grilled peach salsa or paired with prosciutto.
Seafood – Fresh summer seafood like shrimp, salmon, and scallops take on a deliciously smoky flavor when grilled.
Halloumi – This firm cheese holds its shape on the grill and develops a crispy, golden exterior while staying soft inside, making it a perfect addition to summer meals.
Easy and Flavorful Grilled Recipes
1. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
A refreshing, sweet, and savory salad that highlights the best of summer.
Ingredients:
2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
4 cups arugula or mixed greens
1 ball of burrata cheese
¼ cup toasted almonds
2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Lightly brush the peaches with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized.
Arrange greens on a plate, tear the burrata over the top, and add the grilled peaches.
Sprinkle with toasted almonds, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately as a light appetizer or side dish.
2. Grilled Corn with Garlic Herb Butter
An easy side dish that’s a summer staple.
Ingredients:
4 ears of corn, husked
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until slightly charred (about 10 minutes).
In a small bowl, mix butter, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan.
Brush the hot corn with the garlic herb butter and season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately with extra butter on the side.
3. Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Fresh Herbs
A simple yet flavorful main course that pairs perfectly with summer sides.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Juice of 1 lemon
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium heat and grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
4. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers (Plant-Based Option)
A hearty and flavorful alternative to traditional burgers.
Ingredients:
4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
4 burger buns
Toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, or your choice
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the mushrooms in the mixture for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium heat and grill mushrooms for 4-5 minutes per side until tender.
Serve on toasted buns with desired toppings.
5. Grilled Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon
A simple, caramelized summer dessert.
Ingredients:
1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, mix honey, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Brush pineapple slices with the mixture and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
Serve warm, alone, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
6. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Glaze
A light, flavorful seafood dish perfect for summer.
Ingredients:
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup fresh orange juice
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Serve with extra citrus slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
7. Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers
A delicious vegetarian option packed with smoky, salty flavors.
Ingredients:
8 oz halloumi cheese, cut into cubes
1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Thread halloumi, zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion onto skewers.
Brush with olive oil and season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly charred.
Serve with a drizzle of lemon juice or yogurt dip.
Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Grilling
Marinate proteins ahead of time – Letting chicken, beef, or tofu marinate overnight enhances flavor and tenderizes the meat.
Pre-chop veggies – Slice zucchini, peppers, and other grill-friendly vegetables in advance for quick and easy cooking.
Prep side dishes – Make sauces and dressings, like chimichurri or garlic butter, ahead of time to save time during grilling.
Refreshing Summer Drinks to Pair with Grilled Dishes
1. Cucumber Mint Lemonade
A crisp and cooling blend perfect for hot days.
Ingredients:
1 cucumber, sliced
½ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup honey or simple syrup
4 cups cold water
Fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Blend the cucumber with a cup of water, then strain.
In a pitcher, mix cucumber juice, lemon juice, honey, and the remaining water.
Stir well, add ice, and garnish with fresh mint.
2. Watermelon Basil Cooler
A hydrating and slightly herbal drink with a refreshing twist.
Ingredients:
4 cups watermelon, cubed
¼ cup fresh lime juice
1 tbsp honey
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Blend watermelon, lime juice, honey, and basil until smooth.
Strain if desired and pour over ice.
Garnish with extra basil leaves.
3. Sparkling Peach Iced Tea
A lightly sweet, bubbly tea perfect for summer sipping.
Ingredients:
2 ripe peaches, sliced
4 cups brewed black tea, chilled
1 tbsp honey or sweetener of choice
1 cup sparkling water
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Blend peaches with honey until smooth.
Stir the peach mixture into the chilled tea.
Pour over ice and top with sparkling water before serving.
Summer Berry Sangria (Alcoholic)
A fruity, refreshing drink perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
1 bottle of red wine (or white for a lighter version)
1 cup orange juice
½ cup brandy
¼ cup honey or simple syrup
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
Sparkling water (optional)
Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a pitcher, combine wine, orange juice, brandy, and honey.
Add the fresh fruit and stir well.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve over ice with a splash of sparkling water if desired.
Bringing It All Together
Grilling with seasonal ingredients not only enhances their natural flavors but also keeps cooking light, fresh, and full of variety. Whether it's sweet summer corn, juicy peaches, or fragrant herbs, the grill elevates these ingredients to new heights. Plus, grilling outdoors makes cooking a social and enjoyable experience, perfect for backyard gatherings or quiet evenings under the stars.
So fire up the grill, relax with a refreshing drink, and enjoy the simple pleasures of summer cooking! What are your favorite summer grilling recipes? Let me know in the comments!
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