8 Light & Flavorful Dinners To Kick Off Grilling Season
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The second the weather even pretends to be warm enough, the grill is out. And while I love a good burger as much as the next person, sometimes you want something a little lighter – but still full of flavor.
These recipes are perfect for those early grill-season nights when it’s finally nice enough to eat outside but you’re not quite in full summer BBQ mode. Think juicy grilled chicken, bright veggies, fresh herbs, and sauces you’ll want to spoon over everything. They’re easy, delicious, and won’t leave you feeling like you need a nap right after dinner.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
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Skewers just feel like summer – especially when they’re brushed with a sticky homemade teriyaki sauce and finished on the grill. These are super juicy, full of flavor, and perfect for warm-weather dinners when you want something easy but still kind of impressive. Full recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Grilled Balsamic Chicken
This one’s a weeknight go-to for a reason. The balsamic marinade adds just the right amount of tang, and the chicken cooks up tender and juicy on the grill. Keep it simple with a side of grilled summer veggies or slice it over rice and call it dinner. Full recipe: Grilled Balsamic Chicken
Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Herby, garlicky chimichurri on grilled chicken is basically what grill season is all about. This recipe doubles up by using the sauce as both marinade and topping – and once you try it, you’ll want to put it on everything! Full recipe: Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Chicken Teriyaki Burgers
If you’re looking to switch up burger night, these are it. Ground chicken, teriyaki sauce, grilled pineapple, and sweet onions all piled onto a toasted bun. They’re sticky, sweet, a little smoky – and basically built for summer! Full recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Burgers
Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
Light, fresh, and full of color – these tacos come together quickly and taste like something you’d get at a beach shack (in the best way). The mango salsa is sweet and spicy and pulls everything together. Full recipe: Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
This isn’t your average chicken sandwich. The chicken is marinated, grilled, and topped with sweet onions and a creamy sun-dried tomato aioli that takes it to another level. Great with chips, salad, or just eaten over the sink. (No judgment.) Full recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Tacos on the grill? Always a yes. These are made with cumin-lime marinated chicken thighs and topped with a creamy cilantro slaw that adds crunch and brightness. They’re simple, flavorful, and endlessly repeatable. Full recipe: Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Balsamic Chicken Salad
When it’s too hot to cook but you still want something filling, this salad comes to the rescue. Grilled chicken, creamy burrata, juicy tomatoes, peppery arugula – all finished with a drizzle of balsamic. It’s light, fresh, and checks all the boxes. Full recipe: Balsamic Chicken Salad
