12 High-Protein Grilled Recipes for a Healthy Summer Feast
You're looking to fire up the grill for a healthy summer feast, and you're on the right track with high-protein options like chicken breast and salmon fillet. You'll also consider steak, tuna steaks, and lamb chops, which offer a boost of protein to support your balanced diet.
But what other grilled recipes will you discover to elevate your summer cooking, and how will you pair them with nutritious vegetables?
Article Includes
1. Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
Grilled chicken breast recipe with a smoky flavor and juicy texture.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat with the marinade.
- Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
2. High Protein Steak Options
Grilled steak with high protein content, perfect for a healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ribeye steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
3. Salmon Fillet Grill Recipes
Grilled salmon fillet with a sweet and tangy glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the salmon fillets on the grill and brush with the honey-soy glaze.
- Close the grill lid and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until cooked through.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
4. Shrimp Skewer Ideas
Succulent shrimp skewers with flavorful marinades and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and paprika.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer.
- Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
5. Veggie Burger Alternatives
Grilled portobello mushroom burgers offer a hearty, high-protein veggie alternative.
Ingredients
- 4 large portobello mushrooms
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 whole-grain hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and red onion, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and oregano.
- Brush the mixture onto both sides of the mushrooms.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill the mushrooms for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender.
- Serve on whole-grain hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
6. Turkey Burger Recipes
Savor a juicy turkey burger with a twist of flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey breast
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and any other desired toppings
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped onion, grated cheese, olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Use your hands to mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each part into a ball.
- Flatten each ball into a patty about 3/4 inch thick.
- Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the burgers are cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill.
- Once the burgers are cooked, assemble the burgers with your desired toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
7. Grilled Tuna Steaks
Grilled tuna steaks are a healthy and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 4 tuna steaks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 lemons, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest.
- Brush the mixture on both sides of the tuna steaks.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill the tuna steaks for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
- Remove from grill and serve with lemon wedges.
8. Chicken Sausage Grill
Savory chicken sausage grilled to perfection with a smoky flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken sausages
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of bread
- Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Brush the mixture onto the chicken sausages.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill the sausages for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Grill the slices of bread for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
- Serve the chicken sausages on the grilled bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
9. Protein Rich Lamb Chops
Tender and flavorful lamb chops perfect for any barbecue gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lamb chops
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
- Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the lamb chops.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill the lamb chops for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach desired doneness.
- Let the lamb chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Grilled Fish Tacos
Delicious grilled fish tacos with a Mexican twist.
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
- 8 corn tortillas
- Sliced radishes
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the fish fillets to the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove the fish from the marinade and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
- Assemble the tacos by placing a piece of grilled fish on each tortilla and topping with radishes, cilantro, sour cream, and salsa.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
11. Beef Kabob Recipes
Tender beef and vegetables skewered to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and oregano.
- Add the beef, onion, bell pepper, and zucchini to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Thread the beef and vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill the kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the beef is cooked to desired doneness.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the kabobs for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
12. Pork Chop Grill Ideas
Tender and juicy pork chops perfect for grilling.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork chops.
- Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side.
- After flipping the pork chops, brush with barbecue sauce.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove the pork chops from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
You're ready to fire up the grill like a modern-day Hercules, tackling high-protein recipes with ease. With these 12 grilled options, you'll be a master of the BBQ, serving up a healthy summer feast that's a real Trojan horse for nutrition, packing a powerful protein punch in every bite.