June is here! And so is warmer weather finally, which means more time to enjoy our outdoor spaces. It’s also time to kick off outdoor grilling season.
Before you pull out your tried and true recipes and fire up that grill, hold your tongs and consider doing something new this season. Perhaps it’s time to change things up a little and introduce your family and friends – and yourself – to some new flavors that could become new favorites.
Check out our list of Six on the Grill that offers a something for everyone from the carnivores to the veggie lovers, the meat-and-potatoes guy (or gal) to the gourmet-leaning faction.
Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini
(editor note: Photo credit to Café Delites)
A super easy way to impress your cookout guests right away is with this fresh and light Italian appetizer that’s both sweet and savory. Fresh ingredients: cherry tomatoes, baby bocconcini (small mozzarella balls), basil leaves, garlic cloves (for rubbing on the bread) and avocado. You can toast the bread and melt the cheese right on the grill. While your guests wait the 20-ish minutes for them, they can enjoy a glass of chilled white wine which pairs perfectly with this appetizer.
Full recipe here. https://cafedelites.com/grilled-avocado-caprese-crostini/
Grilled Corn and Poblano Chile Salad
(editor note: Photo credit to Bon Appetit)
Usually, we are all about the main dish (i.e., where’s the meat), but this side dish has us so excited we had to move it up and tell you about it first. This one’s got some kick to it with the Poblano chile and hot sauce, but you can certainly adjust that to your heat preference. The beauty of this is that there is no pre-soak or pre-shucking of the corn – just throw whole ears on the grill and the husks and silk will come right off.
Full recipe here: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/grilled-corn-and-poblano-chile-salad
Pounded Flank Steak with Zucchini Salsa
(editor note: Photo credit to Bon Appetit)
Now we’re getting down to it. Meat… that you get to pound with a mallet first. If that doesn’t get you excited, we’re not sure what will. Just a couple of minutes with the mallet, a couple of minutes on the grill each side, and you’ve got a flavorful piece of meat. The zucchini salsa is also super quick and easy, which you make a day ahead, cover and chill.
Full recipe here: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/pounded-flank-steak-with-zucchini-salsa
Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken
(editor note: Photo credit to Bon Appetit)
Marinating chicken in yogurt is an Indian technique that makes for very tender and delicious chicken. This recipe takes more planning and prep time because it calls for a brined chicken with the backbone removed even before the yogurt marinate, but the prep time is mostly inactive, and the result is absolutely worth it.
Full recipe here: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/yogurt-marinated-grilled-chicken-2
Spiced Salmon Kebabs
(editor note: Photo credit to Bon Appetit)
There are two great things about this recipe. First, salmon is among the types of fish that contains vitamin B6, which is needed to make the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. And of course, good sleep is important for all of us. Secondly, we love the simple but oh-so helpful tip in this recipe about using two skewers to prevent the fish from flipping and turning.
Full recipe here: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/spiced-salmon-kebabs
Smokey Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
(editor note: Photo credit to Good Life Eats)
One more side that is more like a treat really. We said we’d satisfy the meat-and-potatoes fans among the crowd so this one is for them. And for the hard-working grill master, potato wedges cook quickly on the grill and go well with burgers, brats, chicken or even fish. It’s a win-win! You just can’t go wrong with this easy side.
Full recipe here: http://www.goodlifeeats.com/smokey-grilled-sweet-potato-wedges/
