Grilling season is synonymous with burgers and hot dogs, but if you’re ready to shake up your backyard cookouts, there’s a whole world of grillable foods waiting to be discovered. From fresh vegetables and seafood to inventive meat alternatives, these options bring exciting flavors and textures to the table—no boring burgers required. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a casual weekend warrior, exploring beyond the usual staples can transform your grilling game and impress friends and family alike.
Vibrant Vegetables That Shine on the Grill
Grilled vegetables are a delicious way to add color, nutrition, and smoky flavor to your meals. Think beyond the typical corn on the cob and embrace options like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and asparagus. These veggies char beautifully and develop complex flavors when kissed by the grill’s heat.
Bell peppers, sliced thick, become sweet and tender, while zucchini and eggplant soak up smoky notes that complement their mild flavors. Asparagus spears, brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, cook quickly and offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. For a heartier option, portobello mushrooms stand in as meat substitutes with their meaty texture and rich taste. Try marinating them beforehand in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs for an extra punch.
Grilled vegetables make perfect sides or can be layered into wraps, salads, or even grilled vegetable sandwiches, proving that grilling doesn’t have to revolve around meat.
Seafood: Light, Elegant, and Quick to Cook
Seafood is another exceptional grilling choice, providing light yet flavorful options that cook quickly and pair well with a variety of seasonings. Shrimp, scallops, salmon, and whole fish like trout or branzino are fantastic choices for the grill.
Shrimp skewers are a perennial favorite. Marinated in garlic, lemon juice, and chili flakes, they cook in just minutes and develop a delicious smoky crust. Scallops, when grilled properly, get a caramelized sear on the outside while staying tender inside—a real treat. Whole fish, when stuffed with herbs and grilled over an open flame, infuse the meat with aromatic flavors and produce an impressive presentation.
For those who want to keep things simple, salmon fillets brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper are a reliable go-to. Pair with fresh citrus or a homemade salsa verde to elevate the dish.
Grilled seafood brings a sophisticated flair to your cookout and offers lighter options for those seeking something beyond traditional grilled meats.
Innovative Plant-Based and Meat Alternatives
With plant-based diets on the rise, many grillers are exploring meat alternatives that can stand up to the heat and deliver on taste and texture. Beyond the usual veggie burgers, grilled tofu, tempeh, and seitan have become favorites.
Tofu’s mild flavor allows it to soak up marinades beautifully, whether you prefer spicy, tangy, or sweet. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate in your favorite sauce before grilling to get a crispy outside and tender center. Tempeh, with its nutty flavor and firm texture, grills up nicely and holds marinades well, making it perfect for skewers or slabs.
Seitan, often called wheat meat, boasts a chewy, meat-like texture and grills with a satisfying char. It’s especially popular with barbecue sauces or smoky dry rubs.
These plant-based options not only cater to vegetarians and vegans but also provide exciting new textures and flavors for everyone to enjoy around the grill.
Creative Skewers and Kabobs
Skewers or kabobs are the ultimate grillable food that offers versatility and ease. By threading a combination of proteins, vegetables, and even fruits onto a skewer, you can create endless flavor combinations that suit any palate.
Try classic combinations like chicken with bell peppers, onions, and pineapple for a sweet-savory treat. Beef or lamb paired with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes is a crowd-pleaser, as is shrimp with zucchini and red onion.
Don’t overlook vegetarian kabobs—chunks of halloumi cheese, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers make a colorful and satisfying option that grills perfectly.
The beauty of kabobs is that they cook quickly and evenly, making them ideal for both experienced grillers and beginners who want tasty results with minimal fuss.
Unexpected Grill Stars: Fruits and Desserts
Grilling isn’t just for savory foods. Many fruits develop a new level of sweetness and complexity when grilled, adding a surprising twist to your cookout. Pineapple, peaches, nectarines, and watermelon all caramelize beautifully over high heat.
Pineapple slices, when grilled, become tender and smoky, perfect for topping burgers, serving with grilled chicken, or eating as a dessert. Peaches and nectarines, sliced in half and grilled until warm and soft, can be served with a drizzle of honey and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple but unforgettable dessert.
Watermelon, grilled in thick slices, takes on a smoky flavor and firmer texture, making it a unique addition to salads or served on its own with a sprinkle of sea salt and lime juice.
Grilled fruits offer an elegant way to end a meal or add contrast to savory dishes, proving that grilling’s possibilities extend far beyond the expected.
Elevating Your Grill Game with Marinades and Rubs
No matter what you’re grilling, the right marinade or dry rub can transform the flavor profile and make your dish stand out. Ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs, citrus, soy sauce, honey, and chili peppers are kitchen staples that add complexity and balance.
Marinades work well for meats, seafood, tofu, and vegetables, tenderizing and infusing them with flavor. Dry rubs—made from spices like smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar—create a flavorful crust and are especially great for firm vegetables, tofu, and seitan.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with international flavors. Try a Korean-inspired marinade with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, or a Middle Eastern rub with sumac, coriander, and cumin. These layers of flavor add depth to grilled foods and make every bite exciting.