5 Healthy Barbecue Meals

Fire up the grill—these delicious and nutritious meals are sure to be crowd-pleasers!

Barbecues are a summertime staple, bringing people together over sizzling grills and flavorful food. But while classics like ribs, hot dogs and creamy potato salad taste great, they’re often loaded with unhealthy fats, excess sodium and added sugars. Fortunately, enjoying a barbecue doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health. With a few smart choices, you can fire up the grill and enjoy meals that are delicious and nutritious, whether you are following a low fat, low cholesterol or low sodium diet.

The key to a healthier barbecue is choosing lean proteins, incorporating plenty of vegetables and using lighter marinades and sauces. For healthier grilling options without sacrificing taste, give one of these delicious meals a try:

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Vegetables – Chicken is a lean protein and has less fat than other meats. Cut skinless chicken breasts into cubes and thread onto skewers with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, summer squash and cherry tomatoes. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite herbs. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

Grilled Fish Tacos – Fish like salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. Season the fish with a bit of salt, pepper and lime juice, then grill until flaky. Serve the grilled fish in whole-grain tortillas topped with shredded cabbage, fresh salsa and a squeeze of lime.

Grilled Turkey London Broil – Swap out fatty cuts of meat for lean turkey breast, which is rich in protein and lower in saturated fat. Using a savory marinade made with herbs and a splash of citrus keeps the turkey juicy and full of flavor while helping to tenderize the meat.

Portobello Mushroom Burgers – If you're looking for a meatless option, Portobello mushrooms are a great choice. They have a hearty texture and absorb flavors well. Marinate the mushrooms in balsamic vinegar and herbs for about 30 minutes, then grill until tender. Serve on whole-grain buns with lettuce, tomato and a slice of avocado.

Grilled Vegetable & Quinoa Salad – Grilled vegetables make a great addition to any meal, but when paired with quinoa, they turn into a hearty, protein-rich and nutrient-packed dish. Grill a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus and eggplant, then chop up and toss with cooked quinoa, fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips for Healthier Barbecuing

Whether you choose to try the meals outlined above or prefer other healthy grilling recipes, making these small adjustments to your grilling routine can have a big impact on your health:

Choose lean proteins – Grill chicken, fish, turkey or lean meat instead of fatty cuts of beef or pork. When grilling any animal protein, carcinogenic compounds can form, but cooking meat over a low flame helps reduce the development of these potentially cancer-causing compounds.

Incorporate vegetables – Add plenty of vegetables to your grill for added fiber and nutrients.

Use whole grains – Choose whole-grain buns or tortillas for more fiber and nutrients. Create side dishes with whole grains like quinoa, farro and wild rice as the star of the show.

Mind the marinades – Use marinades made from healthy oils, herbs and spices instead of sugary sauces.

Watch portions – Enjoy your barbecue favorites in moderation to keep your meal balanced.

With these tips, you can enjoy all the flavors you love while keeping your meals nutritious and delicious.

--

^{Copyright 2025 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.}

^{Date Last Reviewed: March 17, 2025}

^{Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor}

^{Medical Review: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT}