19 Clean Eating Cookout Recipes

It’s summertime and the living is easy!

I love summer and always look forward to the backyard BBQ’s, late night s’mores, watching the kids run around in the sprinkler (and occasionally joining them) and all the time I get to spend with my neighbors, friends and family.

During this time of the year, the hubby likes to pull out the ‘ole grill in a bid to proudly display his exceptional barbecue skills.

Most summer weekends our neighbors show up to the house with their kids in tow (a time my kids always look forward to) and they come armed with some delicious dishes that have everyone begging for the recipe by the end of the day.

Unfortunately, the fare is not always as healthy as we might like.

Once in a while, that’s fine, but with these frequent hangouts, it gets to be a little too much. Some of you who regularly host or have attended a couple of cookouts or even picnics know what I’m talking about.

Let’s face it, along with the fun times there’s all the sugary store-bought barbecue sauce, unhealthy pies and sugar-laden drinks to contend with during the summer.

Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be the case- there are clean eating versions of your favorite meals- without the sugar, chemicals or guilt.

Below is a list of 19 clean eating but great tasting cookout recipes to make this summer one to remember.

Cajun Jambalaya

Recipe from Clean Eating Mag

Foil served Cajun Jambalaya rice is certainly a great way to start things off; the foil not only reduces clean up time but it helps to keep the food moist. For a more spicier version, you can add 1 or 2 jalapeno peppers.

Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Salad

Recipe from Nutritionist in the Kitchn

Summertime is prime time for peaches so why not give them a starring role in your dishes? Give them a chance to shine in this salad.

Grilled Tofu with Sautéed Asian Greens

Recipe from She Knows

Grilling gives veggies and tofu such a nice, smokey flavor. So tell the meat to shove over and make room for this colorful vegetarian meal.

Grilled Avocado Halves with Cumin-Spiced Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Recipe from Food 52

Never cooked an avocado before? Give this recipe a shot and you’ll never look back.

Grilled Salmon on White Bean and Arugula Salad

Recipe from Thrifty Foods

Here’s a salmon recipe that looks amazing and tastes even better. Wow your friends with a restaurant-style salmon and arugula salad. They will love it!

BBQ Chicken with Peach and Feta Slaw

Recipe from My Recipes

Boasting a small amount of BBQ sauce, where this recipe really shines is it’s deliciously crunch slaw. With peaches, broccoli, feta and a home made dressing it’s just the right balance of sweet and salty. And the chicken is good too.

BBQ Corn on the Cob

Recipe from Bbq Craze

If you have never had Bbq corn on the cob, you have absolutely no idea what you’re missing out on. It’s sweet in a crunchy type of way and the taste is heightened because all that flavor is locked in!

Kabob Koobideh| Grilled Minced meat Kabobs

Recipe from Persian Mama

From Persia with love. Traditionally, this delicacy is usually served with steamed rice but grilled veggies make for a flavorful and lightened up accompianment.

Plantain Chips and Salsa

Recipe from Running to the Kitchen

Ever wondered what to do with a plantain? Let these baked plantain chips be your gateway to this starchy Latin American staple. They are crispy, slightly sweet and the perfect vessel for the tropical salsa they are paired with.

Grilled Summer Squash And Peaches With Blue Cheese And Herbs

Recipe from Things I made Today

It’s sweet, it’s salty, and thanks to the zucchini, herbs and peaches this side dish boasts plenty of health benefits. Not to mention, it’s super gorgeous to behold and definitely deserves a place on your summer cookout menu.

Summer Avocado Black Bean Salad

Recipe from Produce on Parade

This cool salad is the perfect accompaniment for the hot of the grill items on your menu, so make sure to get the recipe.

Extra Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Recipe from Baker By Nature

These crispy potatoes are super easy to make and it requires just a handful of ingredients. For best results, serve with a healthy avocado or homemade tomato sauce dip.

Spicy Citrus Grilled Shrimp

Recipe from Big Oven

The secret to this great looking shrimp dish lies in the marinade. Getting the right combination of ingredients for the marinade will set your shrimp apart from all the rest.

Mango Lime Coconut Frozen Yoghurt

Recipe from Whole Heartedly Healthy

How about a tangy, frozen mango and coconut combo? It’s cool, creamy and a treat that will leave both the kids and adults begging for more .

One-Pan Pesto Chicken and Veggies

Recipe from Julias Album

One pan dishes are great when you’re having a people over- cleanup is kept to a minimum to allow you time to mingle with your guests. To leave a lasting impression on their taste buds, treat them to this savory pesto and chicken dish.

Roasted Vegetables & Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

Recipe from Clean Eating Mag

If the thought of turning on your oven turns your stomach, give these veggies the once over on the grill for a roasty, smoky flavor that blends amazingly with the goat cheese. No matter how you make it, be sure to try this summery pasta salad.

Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Garlic Butter and Oregano Pesto

Recipe from The Spruce

This recipe had me at grilled sea bass but the author took it to a whole new level with the garlic butter and oregano pesto. If you need me, I’ll be out grilling this bad boy up!

Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad

Recipe from The Woks of Life

Treat your guests to a refreshing and zingy Asian-inspired salad that will take you only 10 minutes to prepare.

Grilled Tandoori Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Cucumber Raita

Recipe from Seasons and Suppers

I love this recipe because once more I get to save on plates! (just joking). I really do love it though- it’s hot and cool, perfectly spiced and won’t leave you feeling heavy. The raita sauce does a good job of tying everything together even as it adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

What do you think about our roundup? let us know in the comment section below.