The grill is your go-to summer cooking tool, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of burgers and hot dogs. That’s why our roundup of easy grill recipes is perfect for when you want to switch up your dinner menu. Not only did we find the best food to grill, but also kid-friendly grill recipes like shrimp skewers and sweet potato wedges. We’ve also included a unique take on the classic French Dip and a recipe for grilled chicken thighs that we’re sure will take a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
If you’re looking for other easy dinner ideas for summer, check out our favorite no-cook and cold dinner ideas, the best rotisserie chicken recipes, and the best kid-friendly pasta salad recipes.
Easy Grill Recipes to Use as Sides
Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan and Lemon
This entire recipe from Spend with Pennies takes 10 minutes from start to finish, and if your kids like asparagus, they’ll beg for you to make it each time you use the grill. Use thick spears to ensure they cook evenly, and using a grill basket eliminates the chance the asparagus will slip through the grates.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic addition to any grillout. This version from Erin Clarke at Well Plated is one of the best we’ve seen. She offers tips like why it’s important to soak your corn before grilling and includes Mexican corn and a traditional grilled version, so there’s a cob for everyone in your family.
Grilled Avocado
Is there a bad way to eat an avocado? We don’t think so. While you might not have thought this was one of the best foods to grill, the result is smoky and delicious. Fill it with cowboy caviar, feta cheese and tomatoes, or eat it plain!
Green Beans in Foil
Kids will usually try a green bean or two if they aren’t super picky, and this easy grill recipe can be wrapped up in foil and tossed on the grill next to your main dish. Get the recipe from Gimme Some Grilling.
Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet Potatoes are another healthy side that most kids are willing to sample. Toss them with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper and throw them on the grill—that’s it! Get the recipe from Eating Bird Food.
Garlic Soy Portabella Mushrooms
If you’re a vegetarian household, this is an easy grill recipe that tastes great and has a steak-like texture. Get the instructions for the marinade and how-to tips from Spend with Pennies.
Easy Main Course Grill Recipes
Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter
Salmon is one of those easy grill recipes that is always a family favorite. This version from Natasha’s Kitchen takes just six ingredients (including the fish), is ready to eat in 30 minutes, and tastes amazing.
Foil Pack French Dip Sandwiches
Who knew it was possible to make this classic sandwich on the grill! The hardest part of this recipe is making the au jus sauce, and even that’s a breeze. Get the recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.
Grill Pizza
You don’t need a fancy outdoor pizza oven when you’ve got a grill! You can use a pizza stone or bake it on the grill like Tastes Better From Scratch suggests. The best part? You can make them as big or as small as you want, so that everyone can add their favorite toppings.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
One of the things we love about cooking shrimp on the grill is how quickly they’re ready to eat. You can’t go wrong with this recipe from Feel Good Foodie that has just a few ingredients but tons of flavor.
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Chicken Satay is always popular with kids, as it requires little fingers to eat it! We love this recipe from Damn Delicious because not only is it easy for busy parents to make, even on a weeknight, but the homemade peanut sauce is so good you’ll never use a storebought version again.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
With near-perfect reviews, this easy grill recipe for pork tenderloin from Creme de la Creme needs just 30 minutes of marinating time before tossing it on the coals. Be sure to let it rest before slicing!
Veggie Beef Tin Foil Packets
Campfire food can be made at home, too! Foil packets are genius because there’s no cleanup, and you can add just about anything you want to the mix. Get this easy grill recipe from Completely Delicious.
Carne Asada for Street Tacos
I think we can all agree that tacos are a family-favorite dinner idea. But these authentic Carne Asada street tacos from Natasha’s Kitchen are something special. The marinade is perfection, and grilling takes less than 10 minutes. A win-win on a busy weeknight!
Grilled Chicken Thighs
There are a lot of easy grill recipes out there for chicken thighs. But this one from Spend with Pennies? It has some of the highest reviews we’ve seen, and it happens to be a personal favorite of mine. The marinade comes together in seconds, and you can marinate anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours.
