Now the summer is upon us, there's nothing else left to do apart from to whip out the BBQ and get grilling.
But as much as we love a BBQ, the recipes might not always be very healthy. While that's fine once in a while, for those looking to maintain a particular weight loss diet or just incorporate healthier options into their diets, it's useful to have healthy alternative to BBQ favourites.
Now you can enjoy a healthy meal with the whole family, thanks to these diet-friendly, healthy BBQ recipes. From salads and vegetables to salmon and burgers, just because you're sticking to the healthy side of things doesn't mean that your plate has to be boring. Even if you're on a weight loss diet (opens in new tab) or avoiding certain things, something like chicken wings (opens in new tab) can be marinated and made in all sorts of ways to suit all tastes. When it comes to healthy summer lunches (opens in new tab) and BBQ in particular, it's often about you prepare your food.
So why not try some our new dishes, like bean burgers packed with plenty of protein, or make a simple salad like our griddled halloumi, courgette and asparagus recipe. All our options are light and summery, perfect if you're just looking for something to eat on a hot summer afternoon.
The best part of BBQ can sometimes also be leftovers and with these healthy options, you won't be stuck for something to eat the next day. So griddle all the chicken you like and use it as sandwich filling (opens in new tab) the following day, or take that leftover lamb (opens in new tab) and make a stir fry (opens in new tab) later in the week. All these recipes are customisable to work for you and your lifestyle.
Looking for more light and healthy summer recipes? Check out this one for summer soup recipes (opens in new tab), offering plenty of cold and hot options for soup, or try making hummus from scratch and avoid the supermarket pitfalls (opens in new tab).
Check out these top healthy BBQ recipes...
Mushroom burgers
A classic vegetarian take on the traditional burger, a mushroom burger is a real delight on the BBQ. The juice of the mushroom combined with the smoky flavours of the barbecue make it an essential summer dish. Easily paired with a cabbage salad or some sweet potato wedges (opens in new tab), a mushroom burger is one of the best healthy BBQ recipes out there.
Avocado couscous salad
No regular BBQ is complete without a wholesome side salad. And a healthy BBQ is absolutely no different! This wholesome avocado and couscous side salad (opens in new tab) can be had next to your mushroom burger or you could even have it on its own.
BBQ ideas: Lime and coriander chicken burgers
You can make lighter burgers if you make these lean chicken burgers made
with a little honey and coriander. Make them a low-carb option by
serving without the bun.
Get the recipe: Lime and coriander chicken burgers (opens in new tab)
Aubergine sliders
Traditionally an oven-cooked dish, these aubergine sliders (opens in new tab) go great on a barbecue. The meaty texture of the vegetable will offer those staying away from the burgers and sausages something to sink their teeth into while being relatively low-fat and calorie.
Bean burgers
Even if you're not a veggie, a vegetarian burger can be a healthy alternative to your usual meaty option. And when it's as tasty as our bean burger, you really won't miss the meat at all!
Get the recipe: Bean burgers (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Rainbow cabbage salad
A delicious salad packed with bright veggies like fennel, cabbage and red onion, this vibrant salad is perfect served with meats such as sausages and bun-free burgers.
Get the recipe: Rainbow cabbage salad (opens in new tab)
Griddled halloumi, courgette and asparagus
Give the veg in this dish an extra burst of flavour with smoky barbecue charring, perfect to serve alongside chicken or burgers.
Get the recipe: Griddled halloumi, courgette and asparagus (opens in new tab)
Butterflied balsamic chicken
Tasty, sticky chicken made with tomatoes, sweet balsamic vinegar and
fresh rosemary, this recipe is best served with a simple rocket salad
for light, low-carb meal.
Get the recipe: Butterflied balsamic chicken (opens in new tab)
Chicken, tomato and peach couscous
Light, tasty and quick to put together, this salad will fool the kids as it's packed with hidden fruit and veggies!
Get the recipe: Chicken, tomato and peach couscous (opens in new tab)
Barbecued salmon with creamy cucumber, sour cream and chive salad
A nice piece of barbecued salmon is a healthy alternative to meat. Serve atop a creamy cucumber salad for a nutritious side (Tip: use a lower-fat dressing to make the dish even healthier).
Get the recipe: Barbecued salmon with creamy cucumber, sour cream and chive salad (opens in new tab)
Thai-style chicken skewers
A good way of getting the kids to eat their veg. The peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes take on a wonderful BBQ flavour in this easy kebab recipe.
Get the recipe: Thai style chicken skewers (opens in new tab)
BBQ asparagus with halloumi
Asparagus is really easy to cook on the BBQ. Along with a slice or two of halloumi, this delicious green veggie counts towards your 5-a-day and is the perfect finger food to enjoy in the summer sunshine.
Get the recipe: BBQ asparagus with halloumi (opens in new tab)
Lamb kebab pittas
These quick lamb kebab pittas are so easy to make. The whole family are going to love tucking into them plus they're much healthier than the takeaway version.
Get the recipe: Lamb kebab pittas (opens in new tab)
Honey and soy glazed tuna
This tuna steak, marinated in a flavoursome soy, honey and ginger
mixture, is delicious with a fresh mango salsa - and it's only 300 cals
and 7g of fat!
Get the recipe: Honey and soy-glazed tuna (opens in new tab)
Chicken and pepper pasta salad
Tossed with a light, homemade olive oil dressing, this simple salad is full of flavour. Barbecue the chicken and peppers to give it a classic smokey flavour.
Get the recipe: Chicken and pepper pasta salad (opens in new tab)
Low and light chicken shashlik
Spicy, curried kebabs made with natural yogurt, ginger and a pinch of chilli, these kebabs are full of flavour but low in fat.
Get the recipe: Low and light chicken shashlik (opens in new tab)
