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?
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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.