My grilled dinner ideas are perfect for entertaining or a laid back evening in, from shrimp tacos to big salads! They’ll keep you going all season long.
Grilling season is all about infusing that smoky, charred flavor: and it’s not about burgers and hot dogs! There are so many grilled dinner ideas beyond the bun. I’m a huge grilling fan. In fact, if it’s food, I’ve probably tried to grill it: from creative ideas like BBQ cauliflower and grilled Caesar salad to more traditional things like grilled salmon.
Here are my top favorite easy grilled dinner ideas! From my best grilled veggie burger that stays together on the grill (I promise!) to my trust grilled shrimp tacos, I think you’ll love every single one of them.
Meet the perfect grilled salmon! It’s my tried-and-true easy method that comes out tender with a lightly crisp crust. Even better, it’s sprinkled with tasty magical seasoning blend. This salmon seasoning tastes so good, you’ll want to put it on everything—you might never make salmon without it again.
This grilled chicken salad recipe combines juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables and a tangy Italian vinaigrette, topped with pepperoncini and Parmesan for a zesty, satisfying meal. Substitute grilled tofu for vegetarian and vegan!
When it’s summer, it’s grilled food for dinner—nightly! One of my top proteins to grill is shrimp, because it’s supremely quick (as in, under 5 minutes). This grilled shrimp kabobs recipe is a new family favorite. Take them over the top with creamy Comeback Sauce for the best treat!
This fajita salad recipe is one of our our go-to dinner ideas, bursting with charred vegetables and covered in a creamy salsa ranch dressing! It's delicious with either chicken or beans as the protein. We eat it often and it's easily gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan—plus it works great for serving a crowd!
Yes, it is possible to grill a veggie burger! Here's my best veggie burger recipe, made specifically to be easy to throw onto the grill. Most homemade veggie burgers turn out mushy: but not this one! It’s got a sturdy texture and big, big grilled flavor. Paint it with homemade BBQ sauce and top with creamy guacamole and it's perfection.
Ever tried eggplant Parmesan...on the grill? Yes, grilling up the eggplant until it's tender, charred and smoky makes for the very best version of this Italian standard. It’s stunning enough to serve for entertaining, but a crowd pleaser that would work for a family dinner. Serve it with a glass of frose and a salad.
These grilled fish tacos are an impressive grilled dinner that’s full of beautiful flavor. Imagine: tender, flaky white fish grilled up with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Top it with a creamy taco sauce, and a bit of crunchy slaw.
Welcome to your new favorite grilled dinner: juicy grilled chicken thighs! Alex and I set about to create the best way to grill thighs, and I I think this is it. Marinate them in a zingy mixture of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce and spices, then throw them on the grill and cook until they’re juicy and smoky.
This grilled veggie skewers are a tasty dinner idea featuring colorful veggies and halloumi, a Greek cheese that you can grill along with vegetables. The halloumi adds a super savory, filling element to these skewers that’s irresistible! Serving the skewers over pesto-scented quinoa also makes it a filling dinner, and the bright green bed of grains looks beautiful for serving.
This grilled tofu tastes simply irresistible, charred to perfection and then painted with a sweet and savory marinade. Even if you're not a tofu lover: this is absolutely worth a try. It's a delicious grilled dinner idea that’s full of plant-based protein. You might even convert the meat eaters when they take a taste…because it’s darn delicious.
We’ve figured out the trick to an ultra-moist piece of meat that melts in your mouth. Use this method and you’ll never have bland, boring chicken again! It’s perfect in a grilled chicken salad or chicken pesto sandwich. Every time I serve it, everyone raves.
This fish is bursting with flavor and one of our favorite things to come off of the grill this season. Perhaps grilled cod doesn’t sound like something to wax poetic about. But cover it in homemade blackened seasoning and it’s got massive savory and smoky notes, with a hint of underlying intrigue from cloves and allspice.
Next up in our grilled dinner ideas...one of our favorite meals ever: Shrimp Tacos! These grilled tacos have a party vibe that works for both a summer dinner party or as an easy weeknight meal. The smoky shrimp are perfectly spiced, served atop a Mexican slaw and drizzle lightly with spicy mayo. Top with a spritz of lime juice and torn fresh cilantro, they’re pretty heavenly.
Grilled cheese on the grill? Yes, this grilled cheese is made on a charcoal grill, and once you've tried it you won't want to go back! Fire up the grill, grill the bread on both sides, and then top and grill until the cheese melts. The grill imparts a smoky flavor that’s a fine compliment to the gooey cheese and savory basil pesto.
Try this deliciously tender Grilled Halibut! This method is no fail, and makes a tender, juicy, charred piece of fish. Spritz with lemon juice and sprinkle with a little smoked salt, and it’s out of this world!
Looking for the grilled dinner recipe of your dreams? Try this Chicken Pesto Sandwich! It starts with juicy grilled chicken, seasoned to perfection with a savory mix of spices. Throw it onto grilled ciabatta bread, then top with baby arugula, soft fresh mozzarella cheese and juicy tomato slices. The crowning glory is a mound of bright green herbaceous basil pesto.
This buffalo cauliflower sandwich is a grilled dinner idea that will blow your mind! The buffalo cauliflower is a play on buffalo chicken wings and slathered in a spicy buffalo sauce. Top that with a creamy blue cheese ranch sauce and a few fresh celery leaves, and it’s an unforgettable (and a little messy) veggie sandwich recipe.
Move over, burgers: there’s so much more to do with a grill this summer. Try a fillet of Grilled Red Snapper! This white fish is simply stunning, seasoned and served up with veggie kabobs and a summer salad. Not only is it healthier than a burger…it might be tastier, too.
Do nachos count as a grilled dinner idea? Because I would eat them for dinner! Grilled nachos are a perfect grilling recipe to wow a crowd for entertaining. The grill brings a smoky, charred flavor to the nachos and they look stunning in a cast iron skillet. Serve them with a salad or a few sides and you've got a tasty grilled dinner.
Grilled shrimp is one of the fastest things you can cook on the grill: it takes less than 5 minutes to cook these babies. Sure you can marinade the shrimp before grilling. But most of the time, why not go easy and lightening fast? Here's the perfect grilled shrimp recipe. Also try: Cajun Grilled Shrimp, Blackened Shrimp or Grilled Shrimp Skewers
If you’re looking for a healthy grilled recipe that fits into the Mediterranean diet: here’s the one! The flaky fish is bursting with savory, smoky flavor from the grill. Top it with sweet and tender blistered cherry tomatoes, and it looks simply stunning. It’s the ideal summer meal for entertaining or even a weeknight.
This grilled dinner idea was inspired by a sandwich shop I visited on a trip to Italy, and I've recreated it here! Focaccia bread is spread with basil pesto and Kalamata olive spread, and then it’s filled with grilled eggplant, juicy ripe tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Even better: it's easy to put together!
Here's a unique grilled dinner idea: grilled veggie pasta! It has double the grilled veggies: both for the pasta and blended into a grilled romesco sauce. Romesco is sauce made of roasted peppers and almonds that originates from Spain. It makes a creamy bright red sauce for the lightly smoky pasta. Top it with feta crumbles and enjoy!
Grilled scallops come out incredibly tender and full of flavor, no special seasonings required! Grilling them is much easier than searing them in a pan: you don’t have to worry about how hot the pan is or getting an even crisp crust. Nope, just pop them on the grill and in 5 minutes they’re juicy and ready to eat.
Last up in these ygrilled dinner ideas: perfect portobello mushroom burger! This giant meaty mushroom is irresistible on is own. But add it to a burger bun and pile it high with toppings, and it’s downright outrageous! It's best eaten on the patio with the wafting smell of charcoal.
Grilled Side Dishes to Complete the Meal
Want to grill up some sides too? Here are a few to add to these dinner ideas!
What are some easy grilled dinner ideas for beginners?
Great question! For those new to grilling, try simple recipes like purchased burgers, hot dogs, sausages, chicken breasts, or kebabs. These are easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them perfect for weeknight meals.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your food is cooked to the proper internal temperature. You can also check for visual cues like tenderness, color change, and juices running clear.
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Here’s my air fryer dinner recipes cheat sheet: five proteins ready in 15 minutes or less! Pair any protein with my salads and whole grains for a weeknight dinner that practically makes itself.
A Couple Cooks · Weeknight Playbook
The Air Fryer Dinner Cheat Sheet
Five proteins. 5–15 minutes each. One formula that makes dinner easy every single night of the week.
Hi there! As a working mom of two and busy person in general, I’m constantly looking for easy dinner ideas.
My husband Alex and I are cookbook authors, so we’re always coming up with new ideas. But we’ve found that on the regular, we keep landing on the same formula for healthy dinners that feel low effort. What’s the secret? I’m sharing it with you today.
My Go-To Easy Dinner Formula
I’ve landed on a simple structure that makes weeknight dinner almost automatic: air fryer protein over a big salad, with a scoop of whole grains on the side if I want something more substantial. It covers everything: protein, vegetables, fiber, healthy fats, without any complicated planning.
Air Fryer Protein + Big Salad + Whole Grain (optional)
Everything cooks at 400°F: that’s the only temperature you need to remember! While the protein runs, make a salad or whole grain to go alongside: or have it prepped the night before.
Why air fryer? Well, I’ve found it makes everything quick and simple, with minimal clean up and feels super doable for weeknights.
5 Air Fryer Protein Recipes: Cheat Sheet!
All recipes serve 4. Preheat the air fryer first: it makes a real difference for browning.
I was an air fryer skeptic for a long time. But after cooking these proteins on repeat, I now can’t imagine weeknight dinners without it! Here’s what I like about the air fryer
No babysitting
Unlike a skillet on the stove, the air fryer does its thing without you watching! You can use this time to do other meal prep.
Faster than the oven No 15-minute preheat, and it’s so fast: chicken thighs are done in 13 minutes, shrimp in 5.
Better texture The hot circulating air creates a lightly crispy exterior that you really can’t replicate in a regular oven or pan.
Barely any cleanup No oil splatters, no crusted sheet pan. The basket washes clean quickly.
The air fryer I use
I cook with this large-basket air fryer (at least 6.5 qt capacity), which fits all 8 chicken thighs or 1½ lbs of salmon in a single layer. If your basket is smaller, just plan to cook in two batches.
Oven with air fryer mode
I also have an oven with an air fryer mode and basket: this works the same way for all these recipes! It gives you even more room to add vegetables alongside the protein at the same time.
Tip: Parchment with holes (air fryer liners) can be used for salmon bites and shrimp to minimize cleanup even further.
10 Salads to Pair With Air Fryer Proteins
The protein goes straight from the basket over the salad. Warm, crispy protein plus lots of veggies is the combination I come back to every week.
On nights when I want something more substantial, I add a whole grain alongside. You can batch-cook a big pot to use all week.
Farro — nutty and chewy, my personal favorite. It holds up well and is super filling.
Brown rice — the easy, reliable base. Works with every protein and every sauce.
Quinoa — quick-cooking (15 minutes), high protein, and lighter than rice.
Couscous — technically a pasta, but it functions like a grain and cooks in 5 minutes. Great for if you’re in a rush.
Bulgur — tender, nutty, and cooks in minutes. A staple of Mediterranean cooking with a pleasantly light texture.
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These easy grilled portobello mushrooms are juicy, smoky, and ready in 20 minutes: no marinating required! Toss them on the grill as a side dish or serve on a bun as a plant-based burger.
Ready to up your grilling game? Try these incredible grilled portobello mushrooms! They’re juicy and bursting with big, meaty umami. My method for grilling them is fast and easy: unlike most recipes, there’s no marinading time required.
Just sprinkle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and pop them on the grill. I use this method all the time and it make for the most tender, juicy and irresistible mushroom caps. Here’s how to do it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No marinating required. Just drizzle, season while you’re preheating, and grill: no planning ahead needed!
Cooks in 15 minutes. A quick and easy summer side.
Vegan and gluten-free. Works for nearly every guest at the table.
Ingredients You Need
Portobello mushrooms are what convinced me to stop hating this vegetable (or really, fungus). The meaty flavor you can get when you cook them is unreal! The grill is really the best cooking method for portobello mushrooms because it infuses that smoky flavor, too. All you’ll need is a few ingredients to get massive flavor:
Portobello mushroom caps: Look for large, firm caps without bruising or soft spots. The bigger the cap, the meatier the result.
Olive oil: Helps the mushrooms cook evenly and prevents sticking on the grill grates.
Balsamic vinegar: The flavor secret: it adds a tang and a hint of sweetness. If you love the flavor, you can also try finishing them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Salt and pepper: Of course; to draw out the flavors even more.
How to Grill Portobello Mushrooms
Here’s my master technique for grilled portobello mushrooms! One thing to note is that they give off quite a bit of liquid as you grill them. That’s why it’s important to grill portobellos with the gill side up first. The liquid will pool in the cap, and then you can flip it to drain the liquid through the grates. Here’s how to do it (or jump to the recipe):
Preheat a grill to medium high heat: that’s 375 to 450 degrees.
Prep the mushrooms: Remove the stems and drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar (quantities below).
Grill: Place on the grill gill side up, and 10 to 14 minutes, then flip and grill 2 to 3 minutes until juicy and browned.
Serving Them As a Portobello Burger
The nice thing about grilled portobello mushrooms: you can serve them as a side dish or as a main dish! Eat them on a bun and they become “portobello burgers.” But make sure to add a source of protein to the sandwich: like cheese! Or serve them with a hearty side filled with plant-based protein. Mushrooms don’t have much protein on their own, so they’re not as filling as a normal burger would be. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:
Classic Burger: Try our juicy Classic Portobello Burger topped with special sauce (like Big Mac sauce).
Naturally, grilled portobello mushrooms are perfect as a side dish! Alex and I often grill up a whole tray of veggies including portobellos. Or here are some main dishes that become a meal with grilled mushrooms:
Let me know if you make these grilled portobello mushrooms: they’re one of our favorite treats to go with summer grilled meals.
Storage Instructions
Grilled portobello mushrooms are best eaten fresh off the grill, but you can also store leftovers for up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in a 375°F oven. Leftovers work well in sandwiches, wraps, or layered into a grain bowl.
Dietary Notes
This grilled portobello mushrooms recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to marinate portobello mushrooms before grilling?
Nope! Olive oil and balsamic vinegar applied while the grill is preheating bring big flavor without any wait time.
Should I remove the gills before grilling?
You don’t have to. The gills are edible and actually help hold the olive oil and balsamic in place during grilling. If you prefer to remove them for visual reasons, use a spoon to scrape them out gently before seasoning.
Can I make these without a grill?
Yes. Roast them in a 450°F oven on a baking sheet for about 15 minutes until tender. See my Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms recipe. Drain off any excess liquid before serving.
What can I make with leftover grilled portobello mushrooms?
These easy grilled portobello mushrooms are juicy, smoky, and ready in 20 minutes: no marinating required! Toss them on the grill as a side dish or serve on a bun as a plant-based burger.
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit).
Clean the portobello mushrooms and remove the stems. Drizzle the gill sides with the olive oil and use your hands to rub all over the mushrooms, including the bottoms. Then drizzle the gill sides with balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with kosher salt, and add several grinds of black pepper.
Place the mushrooms directly on the grill grates gill side up and grill 10 to 14 minutes until tender and juicy. Liquid will pool in the cap. Flip the mushrooms (this drains the liquid into the grates) and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until browned.
More Grilled Veggies To Try
Grilled vegetables are our favorites! Here are some of the best veggies to throw on the grill:
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