18 Healthy Ways to Lighten Up Your Next BBQ
Nothing says summer like a backyard BBQ. But when all of your friends and fam are watching their weight (it is swimsuit season, after all), it’s always nice to have lighter menu options. Just because you’re cooking healthy doesn’t mean you can’t chow down on a juicy burger. We’ve rounded up 18 killer recipes to incorporate into your cookout that are still robust in flavor. So fire up the grill and get cookin’!
1. Warm Red Potato Salad: This super simple seven ingredient potato salad is a low fat way to get your carb fix. Olive oil and vinegar dress up this side dish (no mayo here!). (via Saveur)
2. Black Eyed Pea Ceviche: Make this yummy ceviche in the morning so it can soak up all of the tangy lemon dressing by the time your guests arrive. This vegan recipe is one even meat-eaters will love. (via Fork You — No Fork You)
3. Turkey-Spinach Sliders: We all know that replacing ground beef with lean, ground turkey is a serious calorie saver. To cut back even more of the fat, skip the bun and mayo and serve these in a lettuce wrap. (via Bon Appetit)
4. Paleo BBQ Sauce: This recipe for homemade BBQ sauce may include a bit of butter and molasses, but it’s a much healthier option than one you’d pick up at your local market. Plus, it shows you how to make four different variations depending on your palate. Slather this Paleo-friendly sauce on some chicken, fish or a lean protein for an extra barbecue kick. (via Fed + Fit)
5. Summer Coleslaw: Instead of dousing your cabbage in mayo, opt for this Asian-inspired slaw made with sesame oil and lemon. It’s a lighter (and much tastier) way to eat your veggies. (via Alkaline Sisters)
6. Grilled Halloumi + Peach Skewers: If you haven’t had halloumi cheese, you don’t know what you’re missing. This recipe allows you to grill up cubes of cheese, people. Grilled cheese! But, like, a way healthier version. (via My New Roots)
7. Grilled Asparagus With Pesto: One of our fave veggies to grill is asparagus because it’s simple to do and beyond good. This recipe features a cilantro pepita pesto to pour over the top. It’s a pretty dish to look at, plus it’s good for ya. (via Sprouted Kitchen)
8. Crudité With Roasted Red Pepper Dip: Fill small cups or shot glasses with a flavorful dip and some raw vegetables for dipping. Your guests (or family) will love having something to carry around with them — something to snack on that doesn’t pack on the calories. (via Add a Pinch)
9. Quick Refrigerator Dill Pickles: Skip the jarred pickles and opt for ones that you can make yourself. This easy recipe shows you how. (via A Couple Cooks)
10. Grilled Romaine Salad: Yes, your salad can (and should) be grilled. Top off the charred romaine with some toasted pumpkin seeds, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or some lite feta for an extra bite. (via Kristin Schell)
11. Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers: All you need is 20 minutes to marinate these babies before you throw another shrimp on the barbie. Shrimp is a tasty, healthy protein choice. (via Closet Cooking)
12. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: We know what you’re thinking, but you can actually make a figure-friendly version of a pulled pork sammie. If you’ve got a slow-cooker, just set it and forget it! (via Skinny Taste)
13. Grilled Avocados With Black Bean Pico de Gallo: While we can’t deny the delishness of guac and chips, these grilled avocados filled with a protein-packed salsa are a crazy-good alternative. (via A Southern Fairytale)
14. Grilled Chicken With Lemon-Cucumber Relish: It’s no secret that grilled chicken is the go-to protein for peeps that are watching their waistlines. This recipe definitely doesn’t skimp out on flavor, though. A creamy yogurt sauce is drizzled over the top for a light and refreshing twist. (via Better Homes + Gardens)
15. Skinny Mexican Grilled Corn: What’s a good BBQ without some corn on the cob? Instead of packing on the butter (and the pounds), this one’s topped with spices and Greek yogurt. (via The Cookie Rookie)
16. Grilled Beet Burgers: Not only are these vegetarian beet burgers beautiful, but they taste awesome, too! You definitely won’t miss the meat in these big, juicy burgers. (via Green Kitchen Stories)
17. Watermelon Cantaloupe Fruit Cake: Don’t forget about dessert! Even if you’re not celebrating someone’s birthday, this sweet layer cake is the perfect healthy ending to your backyard feast. (via Brit + Co)
18. Healthy Popsicles: Another fun after-dinner option are these totally delicious yogurt pops. If you’re not a fan of blueberries or strawberries, feel free to replace the fruit with others like raspberries, peaches or blackberries. (via Brit + Co)
What healthy recipes are you grillin’ up this summer? Talk to us in the comments below or on Facebook!
