30 Sizzling Grilling Ideas in 30 Minutes or Less
Huli Huli Chicken
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I lived in Hawaii, I got this recipe for chicken marinated in a ginger-soy sauce from a friend.
Huli
means “turn” in Hawaiian and refers to turning the meat on the grill. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs: 391 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.
Cola Burgers
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend who's an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers. —Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 461 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling corn in the husks is so easy. There's no need to remove the silk and tie the husks closed before grilling. Just soak, grill and add your favorite flavored butter. —
Taste of Home
Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn with 2 tablespoons butter: 225 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love
basil recipes
, and these easy little pizzas are a wonderful change of pace from the classic cookout menu. Let everybody go crazy with the toppings. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 808 calories, 56g fat (19g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 1996mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
Grilled Zucchini
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Wondering what to do with all your garden-grown zucchini in the summer? Give it a sizzle and a little heat with this healthy side. The recipe is easy to double or triple for summer cookouts. —Alia Shuttleworth, Auburn, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 zucchini halves: 73 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Grilled Corn Hummus Tostadas
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a combo of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, giving it a unique taste. Avocado and hummus may sound like a weird mix, but they really go together well. —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 453 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summer, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. This salad goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 455 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
Hawaiian Burger
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love hamburgers and tropical fruit, so it just seemed natural for me to combine them. My family frequently requests this unique Hawaiian pineapple burger recipe. It's a nice change of pace! —Joi McKim-Jones, Waikoloa, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 513 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 716mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
Grilled Cauliflower Wedges
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side is incredibly easy, yet it is packed with flavor and looks like a dish from a five-star restaurant. The grill leaves the cauliflower cooked but crisp, and the red pepper flakes add bite. —Carmel Hall, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 57 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this dish as an appetizer or a dessert—the choice is yours! If desired, the pineapple spears can be rolled in flaked coconut before grilling. —
Taste of Home
Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 spears with 2 tablespoons dip: 160 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Grilled Vegetable Platter
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 144 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
2 vegetable, 2 fat.
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
Grilled Halibut with Blueberry Salsa
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Give halibut a new summery spin. The salsa may seem sophisticated, but it’s really a cinch to prepare. —Donna Goutermont, Juneau, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/3 cup salsa: 239 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 521mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Quick Barbecued Beans
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 13g fiber), 14g protein.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
5 pieces: 120 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
Herb & Cheese-Stuffed Burgers
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tired of the same old
ground beef recipes
? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 383 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
Grilled Broccoli
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I started using this recipe in 1987 when I began cooking light. With its lemon and Parmesan flavors, it's been a favorite side dish ever since, and it once took second place in a cooking contest. —Alice Nulle, Woodstock, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 107 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Grilled Pork Chops
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chop. Once you've mastered the techniques, you'll be enjoying these chops all summer long. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 300 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
Grilled Tilapia Piccata
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it is simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 206 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
Summer Steak Kabobs
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These steak kabobs not only satisfy my love of outdoor cooking but feature a mouthwatering marinade too. The marinade is terrific with chicken and pork, but I prefer it with beef because it tenderizes the meat remarkably well. —Christi Ross, Guthrie, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 257 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Grilled Flank Steak
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Wondering how to cook flank steak? It's easy! Marinate it and then grill or broil it. This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 186 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
3 lean meat.
Grilled Jalapenos
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When barbecuing for friends at home, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 97 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Grilled Okra
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
Verdant, grassy okra pods get a little crispy and lightly charred after a quick turn on the grill. The skewers make a fresh and welcome addition to a backyard cookout and can convert even those who aren't okra fans. Just sprinkle them with lemon juice and salt for a simple and sublime finish. —
Taste of Home
Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer (4 okra pods): 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We do a lot of outdoor cooking during the summer months, and this grilled pork tenderloin recipe is one my entire family loves. —Betsy Carrington, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 196 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
3 lean meat, 1 starch.
Triple Tomato Flatbread
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomatoes are the reason I have a vegetable garden, and I developed this recipe as a way to show off my garden's plum, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes. The dish is easy and will impress. —Rachel Kimbrow, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 235 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Grilled Asparagus
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender with a delicious barbecue flavor, this grilled asparagus makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats. Don't know how to cook asparagus on the grill? Just place the stalks on a double skewer. —
Taste of Home
Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 43 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
1 vegetable.
Grilled Steak Kabobs
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Many times, I must come up with recipes requiring only ingredients already in my pantry. This is one of those I came up with. It's now my husband's favorite meat dish. —Dolores, Lueken, Ferdinand, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 447 calories, 29g fat (6g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
Grilled Cabbage
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how good it was. We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage. —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 98 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges
:
1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Grilled Mushrooms
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms cooked over hot coals always taste good, but this easy recipe makes them taste fantastic. As a mother of two children, I love to cook entire meals on the grill. It's fun spending time outdoors with the kids. —Melanie Knoll, Marshalltown, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 77 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Cajun Grilled Shrimp
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The kicked-up marinade on these shrimp makes this a flavor-packed dish. Serve the shrimp over rice, and make sure to squeeze those charred lemons over the top—that makes the shrimp taste extra-bright and delicious. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 skewers: 168 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 184mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
Diabetic exchanges:
3 lean meat, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
Quick Grilling Idea FAQs
What are the easiest foods to grill?
The easiest foods to grill are vegetables, chicken, skewered shrimp and hot dogs.
What cooks fast on the grill?
Foods that cook fast on the grill include hot dogs, shrimp, vegetables and smaller cuts of chicken.
What vegetarian mains should I grill?
Vegetarian mains to make on the grill can include grilled cauliflower steaks , plentiful veggie kabobs , grilled veggie pizzas , tacos stuffed with grilled vegetables, grilled flatbreads , veggie burgers and stuffed grilled zucchini .
