15 Healthy Barbecue & Grilling Recipes | Cookin' Canuck (2024)

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It's time to kick off the grilling season, and what better way to do it than with a whole host of healthy barbecue and grilling recipes, great for potlucks or hosting!
15 Healthy Barbecue & Grilling Recipes | Cookin' Canuck (1)

I am never one to turn down a burger stuffed with blue cheese and topped with bacon, or a steak with that perfect layer of crispy fat clinging to the side. But let's get real - that piece of fat inevitably and inconveniently sidles its way over to my stomach and causes me to curse the audacity of all swimsuit designers for making the swimsuits smaller and smaller every year.

So, in light of the impending season of skimpier clothes and exposure of lily white skin (oddly close to the color of tilapia filets, thank you very much), I am presenting you with my favorite healthy barbecue and grilling recipes.

Whether you're hosting the barbecue or bringing along a potluck dish, there's a little something here for everyone, from main dishes to appetizer, from salads to dessert.

Let's kick off the grilling season in style!

If you make any of these recipes, I'd love to see them on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and tag @cookincanuck, and I'll be sure to find your photos.

Healthy easy bbq recipes:

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Grilled Potatoes Recipe with Rosemary & Smoked Paprika

This is the side dish recipe to beat all side dishes. Grilled potatoes in foil are golden brown and tender, and steeped in the flavors of grilled onions, garlic, rosemary and smoked paprika.

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Grilled Zucchini Rolls with Goat Cheese

Grilled Zucchini Roll Recipe with Goat Cheese, Roasted Peppers & Capers is an easy and flavorful vegetarian appetizer.

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Easy Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe

This easy grilled salmon in foil recipe, with the flavors of soy sauce and ginger, requires virtually no clean-up. It's perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining!

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Jicama & Carrot Slaw Recipe with Honey-Lime Dressing

This refreshing jicama and carrot slaw recipe is fantastic served as a side dish or pile high on fish tacos. It's perfect for your Cinco de Mayo party, too!

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Grilled Pineapple Chili Pork Chops Recipe

Dress up grilled pork chops with this amazing and simple pineapple chili glaze. The result is tender, succulent pork that is ready in 15 minutes.

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Rice Noodles with Chicken, Asparagus & Soy Ginger Sauce Recipe

This make-ahead rice noodle recipe, packed with chicken and asparagus, can be made in 20 minutes. Switch up the vegetables and meat to suit your taste buds.

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Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Maple Dijon & Chili Sauce

Take your backyard barbecue from good to great with these tender and tasty Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with a savory-sweet Maple Dijon Chili Sauce. Plus, they’re healthier than most drumstick recipes out there! 297 calories and 3 Weight Watchers SP

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The Ultimate Summer Salad Recipe with Dill Buttermilk Dressing

This ultimate summer salad is filled with a fantastic mix of summertime fruits and vegetables, and is topped with a creamy, low-calorie buttermilk dill dressing. 134 calories and 1 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP

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Whole Wheat Strawberry Oat Bars Recipe

These easy Whole Wheat Strawberry Oat Bars will be the star of the dessert table. They're beyond crave-worthy, with a side of "healthy"

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Spiced Chicken Skewers with Avocado Chile Coconut Sauce Recipe

Summer entertaining was never easier than with this make-ahead menu, including healthy and tasty Spiced Chicken Skewers with an Avocado Chile Coconut Sauce.

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Pesto Butter Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn on the cob is made even better with a dollop of pesto butter. The perfect summertime side dish recipe!

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Couscous with Nectarines & Toasted Almonds Recipe

Couscous with sweet nectarines and toasted almonds is an easy and delicious side dish salad for any meal.

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Lean Grilled Hamburger Sliders Recipe with Hot Sauce Slaw

Kick up your next barbecue or your Father's Day menu with these amazing lean hamburger sliders that are topped with a hot sauce slaw.

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Shrimp, Corn & California Avocado Pasta Salad

From the kitchen of Cookin' Canuck. www.cookincanuck.com

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Greek Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe

These grilled lamb chops are simply prepared and topped with squeeze of lemon and a fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and kalamata olives. This is an easy, healthy meal that is impressive enough to serve to guests.

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Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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15 Healthy Barbecue & Grilling Recipes | Cookin' Canuck (2024)

FAQs

What is healthy grilling? ›

Trim fat and moderate grill temperature.

Avoid grilling meats over open flames and/or at high temperatures. This produces chemicals on the meat that when consumed can lead to high blood pressure. Avoid eating grilled meats that are overdone or burnt.

Is BBQ OK for weight loss? ›

Go Lean With Your Meat to Reduce Total Fat Intake

“Leaner cuts of meat are always a good way to cut back on fat,” says Krinsky. “Lean ground turkey and bone-in skinless chicken are great on the barbecue, and shrimp and scallops are a fun way to fancy up your grill!”

What is the healthiest BBQ meat? ›

Choose a lean protein.

"You're going to get a whole lot less fat and cholesterol with turkey or chicken than pork." If it's available, grilled, skinless chicken breast beats out barbecued chicken, because the fat content is lower when you lose the skin, plus there's no added sugar from barbecue sauce.

What is the healthiest side at a BBQ restaurant? ›

The best approach is to choose lighter sides. Look for those that don't contain a lot of butter, cheese or mayonnaise, such as fresh salads, seasonal vegetables or vinegar-based coleslaw. The plainer the better.

How can I make my BBQ more healthy? ›

10 healthy barbecue ideas
  1. Grill up some fish. Grilled fish can be a delicious, healthy dish to serve at your next barbecue. ...
  2. Get creative with salads. ...
  3. Choose leaner cuts of meat. ...
  4. Make your own burgers (meat or veggie) ...
  5. Skip heavy marinades and condiments. ...
  6. Fill up on veggies. ...
  7. Serve healthy, colourful snacks. ...
  8. Drink lots of water.
Jan 17, 2022

Is BBQ grilled food Healthy? ›

Studies have linked the consumption of grilled meat to an increased risk for colon, prostate, pancreatic, stomach, and breast cancers, especially if the meat is cooked to well done. One study found that eating charred meat on a regular basis increases the risk for pancreatic cancer by up to 60%.

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