Grill Smarter: Healthy, Clean Recipes for a Better BBQ
"There is something about grilling that brings people together. It’s not just about the food, it’s the experience."
—Guy Fieri
Grilling is one of those things I’ve always loved, but recently, I’ve started thinking more about how to make it a little healthier. I’ve experimented with a few methods that not only keep things flavorful but also keep the harmful stuff like toxins and processed oils at bay. These recipes are all paleo-friendly, packed with clean ingredients, and easy to throw on the grill. It’s all about grilling smarter, not harder, so let’s dive into some tasty meals that nourish your body and your taste buds.
I recommend saving this article and going down the list, one by one, trying each recipe out. Scroll to the bottom of for a list of ingredients used in these recipes to keep on hand for easy access.
A summertime meal on my Blackstone griddle
Healthy Grilling Recipes
1. Grilled Chicken Skewers with Lemon and Rosemary
Simple, flavorful, delicious. The marinade helps break down tough proteins while adding antioxidants to fight harmful compounds that form during grilling.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
2 tbsp avocado oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the avocado oil, lemon juice and zest, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
Serve with a side of grilled veggies or a fresh salad.
Tip: Use a marinade with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, which are loaded with antioxidants that help reduce carcinogen formation during grilling.
2. Grilled Veggie Medley
Vegetables are naturally free of HCAs and PAHs, so they make a perfect base for grilling. This veggie medley is packed with antioxidants and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
2 zucchini, sliced into rounds
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 yellow onion, sliced
8 oz mushrooms, cleaned and halved
2 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
In a large bowl, toss the veggies with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
Remove from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Tip: Keep the grill heat at medium to avoid charring and creating harmful compounds. The veggies should be tender, but not blackened.
3. Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Dill
Salmon is rich in omega-3s, which are anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy. This grilled salmon recipe, with its garlic and dill marinade, is simple but packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets, skin on
3 tbsp avocado oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix the avocado oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
Brush the salmon fillets with the marinade and let them sit for at least 20 minutes.
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish is flaky.
Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a light salad.
Tip: Grilling with the skin on helps retain moisture and protects the delicate fish from overcooking.
4. Grilled Steak with Herb and Spice Rub
Steak can be a delicious and satisfying part of a healthy diet, especially when you choose grass-fed beef. A dry rub, made from spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic, adds flavor without the harmful sugar and additives found in marinades.
Ingredients:
2 grass-fed ribeye steaks (or your preferred cut)
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Rub the spice mixture all over the steaks.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more well-done.
Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh green salad.
Tip: Resting your steak after grilling helps lock in the juices and reduce oxidative reactions that increase free radicals.
5. Grilled Chicken Thighs with Avocado and Cilantro
Chicken thighs are an excellent option for grilling—they are juicy and flavorful, especially when marinated in a zesty avocado and cilantro mix. This recipe is ideal for quick, satisfying meals with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 ripe avocados, mashed
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the mashed avocado, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Rub the mixture onto the chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Grill the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve with a side of grilled veggies or a fresh cucumber salad.
Tip: Always grill chicken with the skin on to keep it moist and flavorful, and remember to flip it frequently to avoid charring.
6. Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Oil and Cinnamon
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants and make for a great side dish. This recipe uses a touch of coconut oil and cinnamon for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into ½-inch rounds
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Brush the sweet potato slices with melted coconut oil and sprinkle with cinnamon and salt.
Grill the sweet potatoes for 3-4 minutes per side, until tender and slightly charred.
Serve as a side dish or a healthy snack.
Tip: Grill the sweet potatoes on a lower heat to make sure that they cook through without burning.
7. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon and Garlic
Shrimp is a quick and healthy grilling option, packed with protein and healthy fats. The lemon and garlic marinade adds flavor while keeping it light and fresh.
Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let them sit for at least 20 minutes.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until opaque and fully cooked.
Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or over a fresh salad.
Tip: For even cooking, be sure to skewer the shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
8. Grilled Banana Pancakes
I only started making breakfast on a grill once I got a Blackstone griddle. While bacon and eggs may be the most obvious thing to cook, these pancakes are a frequent flyer as well. They’re light, naturally sweet, and easy to make.
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas, mashed
4 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Coconut oil for greasing
Instructions:
Preheat your griddle to medium heat.
In a bowl, mash the bananas and mix with eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, almond flour, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Consider an immersion blender.
Lightly grease the griddle with coconut oil.
Pour small circles of batter onto the griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of almond butter.
Tip: Keep the heat moderate to prevent burning, and flip gently with a spatula to maintain the pancakes' structure.
9. Grilled Beef Kebabs with Bell Peppers and Onions
These flavorful beef kebabs are a great source of protein and can be paired with fresh grilled veggies for a complete paleo meal.
Ingredients:
1 lb grass-fed beef, cut into cubes
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 yellow onion, cut into chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Toss the beef cubes and vegetables in the marinade and let sit for 30 minutes.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the beef, peppers, and onions onto skewers.
Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning frequently, until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
Serve with a side of grilled zucchini or a fresh green salad.
Tip: Use lean cuts of grass-fed beef for healthier kebabs, and keep the veggies slightly crisp to retain their nutrients.
10. Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado and Cilantro Lime Dressing
A light, refreshing meal, perfect for warm weather. This grilled chicken salad is easy to prepare and loaded with healthy fats from avocado and a burst of flavor from cilantro lime dressing.
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup mixed greens
1 tomato, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium heat and brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
In a bowl, mix the dressing ingredients and set aside.
Once the chicken is cooked, slice it and toss it with the greens, avocado, tomato, cilantro, and dressing.
Serve immediately for a light, healthy meal.
Tip: For extra flavor, top with a handful of pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Multitasking
Commonly Used Ingredients to Keep on Hand for Healthy Grilling
Food
Grass-fed and pasture-raised meats (Butcher Box, US Wellness Meats)
Wild-caught seafood (Butcher Box, local sources if possible)
Organic vegetables
Oil
Seasonings
Related:
