Give 20% & Get $20
Save 20% | Free Shipping & Returns | "No Return Necessary" Money-Back Guarantee
Save 20% | Free Shipping | 100% Money-Back Guarantee "No Return Necessary" Money-Back Guarantee

7 Killer Barbecue Recipes for the Ultimate Backyard BBQ

All-American food is comforting and delicious but it’s not exactly known for being the healthiest fare, both in terms of calories and ingredients.

I have good news though: you can skip the hot dogs and choose good-for-you recipes for your cookout instead and still savor every bite.

Whether you’re planning a grand ol’ feast for Fourth of July or simply want to make the most of the sunny summer weather with friends, these recipes for outdoor grilling will do the trick.

 

Better-than-Potato Salad

Potato Recipes

Picture courtesy of Ben E. Keith

What’s a BBQ without a potato salad – or three? Put together this alternative and your Saturday morning in the kitchen won’t be time wasted when your salad bowl gets lost in the mix.

Serves 4 / Makes 4 cups

Ingredients

4 cups lupini beans, cooked

2 celery stalks

2 Tbsp. parsley

5 gherkin pickles, minced

½ cup red onion

2 hard-boiled eggs

½ cup silken tofu

2 Tbsp. unfiltered apple cider vinegar

¼ tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the lupini beans, celery, parsley, pickles, red onion, and chopped eggs.

2. In a small bowl, combine the tofu, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour over the bean salad, and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 179

Protein: 6 grams

Carbs: 23 grams

Fat: 4 grams

Grilled Peach Shrimp Satay

barbecue-recipes

Picture courtesy of Bon Aepptit

You can make the most of the summer harvest with fruit salads, pies, and smoothies. But why not toss those juicy peaches on the grill? They’ll develop an even richer flavor that pairs well with jumbo shrimp, bok choy, and Thai chili.

Serves 4

Ingredients

6 Tbsp. smooth organic peanut butter

1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

3 Tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

2 – 3 tsp. sriracha

9 Tbsp. peach nectar, divided

3 peaches, each cut into 6 wedges

16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

6 heads of baby bok choy, halved lengthwise

Instructions

1. Heat the grill up to somewhere in the range of medium-high.

2. Make a sauce by whisking together peanut butter, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha, and a little more than half of the peach nectar.

3. Add peach slices, shrimp, and bok choy to the grill. Brush all three with remaining peach nectar, as well as ¼ of the sauce. The peaches will be done first when slightly charred. The shrimp and bok choy will both take about 3 minutes per side.

4. Transfer the shrimp, bok choy, and peaches to a large plate. Drizzle with some of the sauce, and serve the rest at the table.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 414

Protein: 50 grams

Carbs: 55 grams

Fat: 15 grams

 

Cajun Chicken Sandwich

healthy-barbecue-recipe

Picture courtesy of Good Food

No one’s saying not to serve burgers for a backyard bash, but to give guests a lower-calorie alternative, try throwing these grilled chicken sandwiches on the grill too.

They are high in protein and low in fat, and the spice blend makes it super satisfying – like a homemade version of a drive-thru classic.

Serves 6

Ingredients

6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz. each)

1 Tbsp. olive oil

½ tsp. celery salt

½ tsp. garlic salt

½ tsp. lemon-pepper seasoning

¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

6 Kaiser rolls

12 tomato slices

6 lettuce leaves

Instructions

1. With the chicken breasts between plastic bag or in a plastic bag, use a meat tenderizer to flatten them. Lightly coat both sides with oil.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the celery salt, garlic salt, lemon pepper, and cayenne. Evenly sprinkle the seasoning on the chicken breast, and rub to distribute evenly. Lay in a rectangular baking dish, cover, and leave in the fridge for two hours minimum.

3.  Grill the chicken, and cover with foil. They’ll be ready after cooking on 3–5 minutes on each side. Serve on Kaiser rolls, and top with tomato and lettuce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 410

Protein: 39 grams

Carbs: 32 grams

Fat: 13 grams

 

Want to know how to build muscle and lose fat eating delicious foods like these?"Dieting" doesn't have to suck. You CAN eat foods you like and have the body you want!

Light Lobster Roll

healthy-barbecue-recipes

Picture courtesy of Grubarazzi

What says summer celebration like succulent lobster rolls? Some recipes, however, will be soaked in butter and thus really hard to fit into any kind of sensible meal plan.

Lighten it up a little – leaving room for plenty of coleslaw and other sides – with this version from Hung Huynh, winner of season three of Top Chef and executive chef at seafood spots, Catch and Catch Miami, plus a modern Asian restaurant, The General.

Serves 4

Ingredients

3 lb. lobster

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

3 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. sweet rice wine (mirin)

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. chopped chives

2 tsp. minced shallot

1 pinch paprika

Zest of one lemon

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

4 potato rolls

Instructions

1. Fill a large stockpot with water and a dash of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the lobster to cook for 8 minutes.

2. Remove the lobster meat, about 2 cups’ worth, and chop. Mix with lemon juice and zest, olive oil, mirin, Dijon, chives, shallot, and paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Toast the potato rolls, and stuff with lobster. Dig in immediately, and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 363

Protein: 18 grams

Carbs: 42 grams

Fat: 14 grams

 

Grilled Green Beans with Cumin and Smoked Paprika

bbq-recipe

Picture courtesy of Pinch and Swirl

If you’re looking to cook veggies on the grill, green beans probably aren’t your first pick. In fact, they likely aren’t on your list of options at all because their size and shape make green beans the perfect fit for falling through the rack.

A skillet made for the grill is an easy solution but it’s not needed if you don’t mind losing a few to the fire.

Serves 4

Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. ground cumin

½ tsp. smoked paprika

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1 lb. fresh green beans, washed and trimmed

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 Tbsp.)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Toss the green beans in the mixture to evenly coat.

2. Spread out the green beans in a single layer on the grill, or add to a grill pan. Cook for about 8 minutes until they’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

3. Remove from the grill, and season with salt and pepper. Squeeze lemon juice over the top, and serve.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 150

Protein: 2 grams

Carbs: 9 grams

Fat: 13 grams

 

Seedy Tahini Coleslaw

bbq-recipes

Picture courtesy of Lunchbox Bunch

Don’t like mayo? This is a more flavorful coleslaw thanks to the use of tahini as dressing instead.

Plus, it’s vegan for guests who have special dietary needs, and the addition of sesame, pumpkin, and hemp seeds (or your seeds of choice) will give this classic BBQ side dish a big nutritional boost.

Serves 10

Ingredients

1 medium head of green cabbage

1 small sweet onion, diced

1 green apple, diced

2 Tbsp. unfiltered apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar

¼ cup agave syrup

Juice of one large orange

4–5 Tbsp. tahini

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. ground cayenne

1 Tbsp. cumin powder

1 tsp. coriander

¼ tsp. sea salt

¼ cup sesame seeds

¼ cup pumpkin seeds

2 Tbsp. hemp seeds

Instructions

1. Halve the cabbage, and slice it into strips. Add to a large bowl with the red onion and apple, and set aside.

2. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, agave syrup, orange juice, tahini, black pepper, cayenne, cumin, coriander, and sea salt to make the dressing.

3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mix, and add sesame and pumpkin seeds. Toss very well, cover, and let chill for at least an hour.

4. Remove from the fridge immediately before serving, and garnish with hemp seeds.

 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 184

Protein: 6 grams

Carbs: 21 grams

Fat: 10 grams

 

Grilled Cornmeal and Mixed Berry Clafouti

mixed-berry-clafouti

Picture courtesy of The Year of the Cookie

The grill isn’t just for hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggies. Did you know you can prepare an amazing dessert on the barbie too?

With the addition of cornmeal, this rustic French classic becomes an American adaptation that’s crispy on the outside, soft and light on the inside.

Serves 8

Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal

½ cup whole wheat pastry flour

¾ cup sugar

1 ½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 ½ cups low-fat buttermilk

2 pints blueberries

1 pint raspberries

3 Tbsp. rum

1 Tbsp. powdered sugar

½ cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to bake the clafouti over indirect heat, about 325°F. Then prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by lightly greasing it with sunflower oil.

2. In a large bowl, stir together cornmeal, flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the eggs and buttermilk, and mix until the dry ingredients are incorporated but not smooth. Fold in one pint each of the berries, careful not to over-mix. Transfer to the greased cake pan.

3. Place the cake pan on the grill, ensuring it isn’t directly over the fire. Bake for about 50 minutes with the grill covered. The clafouti is finished when it can pass the toothpick test. Remove from the grill, and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

4. Spread out the charcoal for direct grilling, or turn the gas burners to medium. In a large skillet, melt butter before adding the remaining blueberries, raspberries, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and berries are glazed. Remove from heat, and add the rum.

5. Brush the grill with oil, and then loosen the clafouti from the sides of the pan to turn it out. Before you do, though, brush the top with the liquid from the sautéed berries. Then, flip the pan so the clafouti is right on the grate. Leave for just a minute or two, and use a spatula to move it to flat plate or baking sheet. Cover it with the serving dish or platter, and transfer.

6. Before enjoying dessert, sprinkle it with powdered sugar and a drizzle of warm cream. Top with berries and their syrup.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 310

Protein: 7 grams

Carbs: 59 grams

Fat: 6 grams

 

What did you think of these barbecue recipes? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!

You May Also Like

1,462 evidence-based articles on building muscle, losing fat, and getting healthy.

You don't need supplements to build muscle, lose fat, and get healthy. But the right ones can help.

Take our 60-second quiz now to learn which supplements can help you achieve your fitness goals faster.

Take the Quiz No thanks, I don't want help choosing supplements.

Follow the Diet Plan that Helped Nikita Lose 15 Pounds in 3 Months

"I never thought getting in shape would be this simple! Everything just WORKS when you follow this plan." And if he can do it, why not you?

Take the Quiz No thanks, I don't want to lose weight or build muscle.

Our "No Return Necessary"
Money-Back Guarantee

If you don’t like something of ours, guess what happens next?

No, we don’t request you deliver it to a PO box in the Gobi Desert by carrier pigeon. Nor do we ask you to fill a cursed inkwell with orc’s blood and demon saliva and then use it to complete reams of return forms written in ancient Cyrillic script.

We just . . . wait for it . . . give you your money back. Holy moo cows. And that means you can say "yes" now and decide later.

Free Worldwide Shipping & Returns

Many companies use shipping and handling fees to increase their profit margins, but here at Legion, we hate profits, so our shipping is free!

Okay, so we do dig on profits, but we also go in for happy customers, and free shipping works like gangbusters. So, if you live in the United States, your order ships free regardless of order size, if you live in the UK, Canada, Puerto Rico, or Guam, your order ships free when it’s over $99, and if you live elsewhere, your order ships free when it’s over $199.

Also, if you don’t absolutely love our stuff for whatever reason, we don’t request you deliver it to a PO box in the Gobi Desert by carrier pigeon.

We just . . . wait for it . . . give you your money back. No returns. No forms. No nonsense. Holy moo cows.

That means you can say “yes” now and decide later. You really have nothing to lose.

Free Worldwide Shipping & Returns

Many companies use shipping and handling fees to increase their profit margins, but here at Legion, we hate profits, so our shipping is free!

Okay, so we do dig on profits, but we also go in for happy customers, and free shipping works like gangbusters. So, if you live in the UK, Canada, Puerto Rico, or Guam, your order ships free when it’s over $99.

Why the restriction on international orders? Unfortunately, shipping abroad is very expensive, and if we didn’t require a minimum order size, we’d lose a lot of money. But! We're also hustling to improve our international logistics and will be passing our savings along to our international customers.

Also, if you don’t absolutely love our stuff for whatever reason, we don’t request you deliver it to a PO box in the Gobi Desert by carrier pigeon.

We just . . . wait for it . . . give you your money back. No returns. No forms. No nonsense. Holy moo cows.

That means you can say “yes” now and decide later. You really have nothing to lose.

Free Worldwide Shipping & Returns

Many companies use shipping and handling fees to increase their profit margins, but here at Legion, we hate profits, so our shipping is free!

Okay, so we do dig on profits, but we also go in for happy customers, and free shipping works like gangbusters. So, if you’re outside the USA, your order ships free when it’s over $199.

Why the restriction on international orders? Unfortunately, shipping abroad is very expensive, and if we didn’t require a minimum order size, we’d lose a lot of money. But! We're also hustling to improve our international logistics and will be passing our savings along to our international customers.

Also, if you don’t absolutely love our stuff for whatever reason, we don’t request you deliver it to a PO box in the Gobi Desert by carrier pigeon.

We just . . . wait for it . . . give you your money back. No returns. No forms. No nonsense. Holy moo cows.

That means you can say “yes” now and decide later. You really have nothing to lose.

Special Offer! Special Offer! Special Offer!

Wait!
Want to save 50% on your order of Legion supplements?

Use code NASM25 at checkout!

Buy one supplement, get one 50% off when you use code LEGION10 at checkout.

No thanks, I don't want to save on my order.

Legion protein powder bags

You're Back!
We've Missed You!

Blare the trumpets and beat the drums because you get 20% off your next
order!

Simply use the code COMEBACK20 at checkout to unlock instant savings.

Nah, I'm Good

Buy now, pay later.


Split your entire online purchase into 4 interest-free payments, over 6 weeks with no impact to your credit.

payment break down 25% today, 25% 2 weeks, 25% 4 weeks, 25% 6 weeks

25%
today

25%
2 weeks

25%
4 weeks

25%
6 weeks

Here's how to Sezzle


Step 1 - shop the store

Shop

Shop and add items to your cart as normal!

Step 2 - checkout at the store

Checkout

Choose Sezzle at Checkout! You’ll be redirected to Sezzle to Sign Up or Log In to complete your order.

Step 3 - Select Sezzle and Sezzleit

Sezzle it

Your order will be shipped out right away* and your payments will be split up over 6 weeks.

*shipping times subject to merchant shipping policy

Download the App


Shop directory. Reschedule payments. Plus more!

Waiver and Release of Liability

In consideration of the services and/or products offered by Legion Athletics, Inc. (“Legion”) including, but not limited to, nutrition plans, exercise routines and coaching, and in addition to the payment of any fee or charge:

I knowingly and voluntarily enter into this waiver and release of liability and hereby waive any and all rights, claims or causes of action of any kind whatsoever arising out of my use of Legion’s services and/or products, and I hereby release and hold harmless Legion and its consultants, officers, contractors, agents, owners and employees from any and all responsibility, liability, cost and expenses, including for injuries, damages or disorders (physical, metabolic, or otherwise), resulting from my use of Legion’s services and/or products.

I understand that fitness activities including, but not limited to, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise, with or without the use of equipment, are potentially hazardous activities that involve a risk of injury and even death, and I am voluntarily participating in these activities and using equipment and machinery with knowledge of the risks involved. I hereby agree to assume and accept any and all risks of injury or death related to said fitness activities.

I understand Legion’s services and products are not meant to treat or manage any health conditions or circumstances, and I acknowledge that Legion has recommended I obtain a healthcare provider’s approval for my use of Legion’s services and/or products, through regular physical examination(s) and/or consultation. I acknowledge that I have obtained my healthcare provider’s approval or have decided to use Legion’s services and/or products without such approval and hereby assume all responsibility for my use of said services and/or products.

I understand that results from using Legion’s products and/or services are not guaranteed, and I agree to not hold Legion liable for any outcomes or lack thereof.

OUT OF STOCK

Security Check

Please click the checkbox below. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Fact Checked

Our scientific review board of nutritionists, dietitians, molecular biologists, doctors, and other accredited experts is responsible for reviewing every article, podcast, and video we produce to ensure they’re evidence based, accurate, trustworthy, and current.

Thanks to their connections, credentials, and academic experience, this team of MDs, PhDs, and other professionals has access to a wealth of research published in the largest and most prestigious journals in the world.

This allows them to not only review individual studies but also analyze the overall weight of the evidence on any and all topics related to diet, exercise, supplementation, and more.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, misleading, out-of-date, or anything less than factual, please let us know in the comments section of the article in question.

Evidence Based

We follow a detailed, rigorous, multi-step process to create content that meets the highest standards of clarity, practicality, and scientific integrity.

First, our research associates provide our editorial team with accurate, up-to-date, proven scientific evidence.

Then, our editorial team uses this research to draft articles and outlines for podcasts and videos.

Finally, our scientific review board reviews the content to ensure all key information and claims are backed by high-quality scientific research and explained simply and precisely.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, misleading, out-of-date, or anything less than factual, please let us know in the comments section of the article in question.