Healthy BBQ Recipes: Nutritious Dishes for Memorial Day Gatherings

The Arizona sun is heating up, which can only mean one thing; It’s time for the pool, accompanied by a great outdoor barbecue. Lucky for us, Memorial Day is just around the corner, and we’re going to give you three healthy meals you can grill for you and your family during your next pool day!  

Grilling Tips:

Before we get into the festive food, let’s cover some essential grilling tips to ensure your barbecue is a success:

1. Preheat your grill: Make sure your grill is preheated before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
2. Clean your grill: A clean grill not only prevents food from sticking but also ensures your dishes taste their best.
3. Opt for lean proteins: Choose lean cuts of meat like chicken breast, turkey burgers, or fish for a healthier BBQ experience.
4. Add flavor with marinades and rubs: Instead of relying on heavy sauces, use flavorful marinades and rubs to enhance the taste of your grilled dishes without adding excess calories.
5. Incorporate vegetables: Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn taste delicious when grilled and add essential nutrients to your meal.
6. Control portion sizes: Keep an eye on portion sizes to prevent overeating and ensure everyone can enjoy a variety of dishes.

Now, let’s fire up the grill and dive into some healthy and delicious BBQ recipes:

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers:

• 
• Ingredients:
  1. 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  5. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  6. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.

1. Grilled Vegetable Platter:

• Ingredients:
  1. Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, onions, etc.)
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Cut vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  3. In a bowl, toss vegetables with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place vegetables on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until tender and lightly charred.

1. Grilled Salmon with Dill Sauce:

• Ingredients:
  1. 4 salmon fillets
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 lemon, juiced
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. Fresh dill, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Brush salmon fillets with the marinade and sprinkle with chopped dill.
  4. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

This Memorial Day, take your barbecue to the next level with these healthy and delicious recipes. By incorporating lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and flavorful marinades, you can enjoy a nutritious feast without sacrificing taste!