Light Up the Grill with These Healthy Recipes

It’s grilling season! Enjoy these healthy recipes for the grill.

Take a break from the standard hot dogs and hamburgers and go for these healthier choices that burst with flavor. You can create delicious meals with grilled meats, vegetables and fruits.

Protein

Tip: Choose lean meats, such as chicken, fish and ground turkey. If you’re making delicate seafood, wrap it in foil packets to help keep its shape.

Grilled Asian Salmon (serves 4)

1. In a bowl, combine:
   1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
   2 finely chopped scallions
   2 teaspoons olive oil
   1 teaspoon grated ginger
   Salt and pepper to taste
2. Cut two 3-inch-long slits into the skin side of four salmon fillets. Slice halfway through the fillets.
3. Spoon the cilantro mixture on the salmon into the slits. Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
4. In a new bowl, combine:
   2 teaspoons lime juice
   2 teaspoons soy sauce
   2 teaspoons honey
5. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up on a medium-high grill for four minutes.
6. Turn the fillets over. Brush them with the lime mixture and grill for another three minutes.

Vegetable 

Tip: To prevent sticking while grilling, coat your veggies with light oil.

Grilled Carrots with Avocado (serves 4)

1. In a bowl, create a marinade of:
   3 tablespoons lemon juice
   2 teaspoons honey
   1/4 cup olive oil
   1 red chili, sliced thinly
   2 tablespoons grated ginger
2. Scrub 10 carrots and slice them in half lengthwise. Place them on a baking sheet and coat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt.
3. Grill the carrots for 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re tender and lightly charred.
4. Add the carrots to the marinade and toss to coat.
5. Serve with two avocados, sliced or cubed.

Dessert

Tip: Try grilling firm fruits, such as apples, bananas and pineapple directly on the grill. Or, place them in foil packets for a steaming effect.

Berrylicious Grilled Plums (serves 4 to 8)

1. In a large bowl, combine:
   4 tablespoons melted butter
   2 tablespoons chopped ginger
   3 tablespoons sugar or honey
2. Cut four plums in half and remove the pits. Add the plums to the mixture and coat them.
3. On a 12-inch sheet of foil, place the plums cut-side up. Toss one cup of raspberries or blackberries on top.
4. Fold up and close the foil packet. Grill it on medium-high heat for 15 minutes, or until the plums are tender and the berries are juicy.
5. Serve with ice cream or yogurt.

Want more healthy recipes? Check out our suggestions for watermelon as well as French fries.