Summer is the ideal time to take out the BBQ, enjoy the nice weather, and gather around simple, tasty, and fresh-filled meals! A great opportunity to put more vegetables, fish, and lean proteins on the menu, while discovering new flavors.
Discover our 15 best healthy BBQ recipe ideas, with simple tips to turn your summer grills into meals that are as delicious as they are nourishing! Because it is entirely possible to enjoy yourself while making choices that support your health.
Why can BBQ cooking be a healthy choice?
BBQ allows you to prepare meals without needing to add a lot of fat! As some fat naturally drips away during cooking, you enjoy lighter grills while retaining maximum flavor.
The tip from our team of nutritionists: rely on low-fat marinades based on herbs, spices, lemon, or yogurt to simply enhance the taste of food.
Caution! For optimal and healthy cooking, however, remember to avoid burning or charring food too much.
Plant-based proteins: satiating and fiber-rich
Plant-based proteins are an excellent way to add fiber to your plate, while offering good satiety and reducing saturated fats! The BBQ is a great opportunity to discover them differently, optimizing their texture and giving them an irresistible smoky flavor touch.
1. Half-veggie burger patties
These patties combine plant (TVP) and animal proteins, a beautiful way to integrate plants gently. Result: a satisfying and balanced burger, with 22g of protein, 4g of fiber, and only 8g of fat per serving.
2. Tempeh satay skewers
These skewers are a tasty option to put plant proteins in the spotlight. Tempeh provides protein and fiber, while offering a texture that lends itself perfectly to BBQ cooking. Accompany them with a fresh orange carrot salad for a balanced meal.
3. Ginger and curry veggie burger
This original burger combines lentils, spices, and colorful ingredients for a flavor-packed meal. In addition to hiding vegetables inside, it provides 23g of protein and 11g of fiber per serving, for a nourishing and satiating plant-based version. Pair it with a salad or raw vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
4. Tofu Banh mi
The Banh mi is an original way to discover plant proteins while enjoying the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Use the BBQ to grill the tofu to give it even more flavor and a slightly crispy texture. With its crunchy vegetables and tasty condiments, this sandwich offers a delicious contrast of textures.
Poultry: lean proteins that lend themselves perfectly to BBQ
Poultry is an excellent source of lean protein. Versatile, they lend themselves to a wide variety of marinades, spices, and preparations, while generally offering a lower-fat option than many other meat choices.
5. Express yogurt and lemon chicken
Thanks to its lemon yogurt marinade, this chicken is tender, juicy, and full of flavor! Easy to prepare with only 5 simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal to prepare in advance and freezes very well, for a quick option on hand during busier days.
6. Chicken and BBQ foil packets
A simple and practical recipe for a complete meal on the grill. Simultaneous cooking of chicken, potatoes, and vegetables saves time, without compromising on flavor. With 39g of protein and 8g of fiber per serving, it offers a satisfying and balanced meal, plus it's an excellent way to easily add more vegetables to the plate.
7. Chicken skewers with curry and pineapple
A reinvented classic! This version of chicken skewer is an original way to integrate a summer fruit into the BBQ. The combination of curry, tender chicken, and pineapple creates a tasty sweet-salty mix, ideal for your summer gatherings.
8. Herb turkey keftas
These keftas are an interesting alternative to traditional red meat versions. Lower in fat and high in protein (36g), they offer a tender texture and an explosion of flavors thanks to fresh herbs and yogurt sauce. Try them with our crunchy radish salad!
9. BBQ grill platter
This platter is simply perfect for friendly meals with family and friends, without spending hours in the kitchen! Bringing together proteins and varied sides, this recipe allows you to compose a balanced plate, rich in protein and filled with summer flavors.
10. Low-FODMAP Chicken Shish Taouk
A tasty way to enjoy classic Middle Eastern cuisine while taking care of your digestive comfort. With 37g of protein and 8g of fiber per serving, this recipe offers guaranteed satiety. Serve the chicken on a bed of quinoa, accompanied by green beans.
Fish and seafood: healthy grills with summer flavors
Fish and seafood are excellent options to vary proteins at the BBQ. Cooking on the grill naturally enhances their flavors and offers a great opportunity to discover new ways to prepare them.
11. Cajun shrimp and pineapple tacos
A festive meal, ideal for hosting and enjoying summer flavors. The combination of spicy Cajun and sweet pineapple creates a delicious contrast of flavors, for colorful, fresh, and balanced tacos.
12. Sweet monkfish skewers
These skewers are a great way to discover a lesser-known white fish, and to enjoy a meal that is both nourishing and light. Combine them with our buckwheat and green vegetable salad for a gentle combo.
Grilled vegetables: colorful and tasty sides for the BBQ
BBQ vegetables take on a whole new dimension thanks to the grilled flavors they develop during cooking. They allow you to easily add color, fiber, and variety to the plate, while bringing a touch of freshness that perfectly complements summer grills.
13. Grilled eggplant, yogurt and chive sauce
The reinvented eggplant version! With its melting texture and the creaminess of its yogurt sauce, this recipe proves that vegetables can be anything but boring!
14. Vegetable, baby potato, and curry cheese curd foil packets
A gourmet alternative to classic vegetable foil packets! The combination of vegetables, potatoes, and cheese curds offers a mix of textures and flavors that will please the whole family.
15. Elotes-style grilled corn on the BBQ
Revisit a summer classic with an original touch, with BBQ cooking that naturally enhances the flavor. These corn are the perfect accompaniment for grills or to serve as an appetizer during your festive evenings!
To your BBQs: tasty, simple and balanced meals all summer long!
The BBQ is much more than a cooking method: it is an opportunity to gather, discover new flavors, and fully enjoy seasonal foods. Whether you are a lover of classic grills, curious to discover plant-based proteins, or looking for new ways to add vegetables to the menu, there are a multitude of ways to create meals that are both gourmet and nourishing.
And what if the key to a successful BBQ was simply finding the balance that suits you? A nutritionist or dietitian can accompany you to adapt your food choices to your goals, your preferences, and your daily life.
Want to transform your eating habits without sacrificing the pleasure of eating? Book an appointment with a nutritionist today for personalized accompaniment and discover an approach adapted to your reality.
