5 Simple Grilling Recipes for Your Next Summer Gathering

Grilling has become a beloved summer weekend tradition for us. Few things bring me more joy than a Saturday evening, cocktail in hand, while the kids splash in the pool and we prepare dinner on the grill. It's the perfect way to embrace summer, relishing the moment and the delightful flavor of food cooked over an open flame.

When hosting during the warmer months, grilling is our go-to for the main course. Keeping the heat outside means less cleanup, and who doesn't love avoiding a sink full of dirty dishes? Summer parties call for easy-to-make grilling recipes that are quick, simple, and incredibly tasty. Today, I'm excited to share three of my top grilling recipes—all with just five ingredients and ready in under 15 minutes.

Check out the video below to see just how easy these recipes are!

1. Grilling Success Tips
2. Recipe 1: Ricotta and Plum Bruschetta
3. Recipe 2: Salmon on a Cedar Plank with Peach Tomato Salsa
4. Recipe 3: Grilled Romaine with Cherries and Feta
5. Recipe 4: Cherry Berry Ice Cream Pie
6. Simple Summer Cocktail: Peach Aperol Spritz

I grabbed all my grilling supplies from Target. Whether you're grilling for family or hosting a larger gathering, you'll appreciate the ready-made salad dressings and spice blends I picked up to simplify the process without sacrificing flavor. So, put on your apron, fire up that grill, and let's jump into my favorite summer grilling recipes.

Grilling Success Tips

Before we jump into the recipes, let's tackle a common concern: grilling can feel daunting. I used to leave it to my partner until I realized how straightforward it truly is. Here are some easy tips to help beginners grill like pros:

10″ Stoneware Dinner Plate in White

$6

Cotton Napkins (Set of 4)

$12

Preheat Your Grill

Always preheat your grill for at least 10 minutes with the lid closed. This ensures it reaches the right temperature, giving your food a perfect sear while preventing sticking.

Clean the Grill Grates

Make it a habit to clean your grill grates with a grill brush before and after cooking. It's easier than it sounds—just use the brush while the grate is hot to remove any food remnants. This keeps your food from sticking and maintains its flavor.

Prevent Sticking

Before grilling, oil the grates to avoid sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Choose Your Heat

Depending on what you're grilling, opt for direct or indirect heat. Direct heat is best for smaller items that cook within 15 minutes, giving them a delightful sear, while indirect heat suits larger cuts or veggies that need longer cooking times without drying out.

Acacia Wood Serving Board

$20

Recipe 1: Ricotta and Plum Bruschetta

First up is Ricotta & Plum Bruschetta, a fantastic summer appetizer that can also serve as a vegetarian main course. Simply spread creamy ricotta on grilled baguette, top with sweet plums and fresh mint. The combination of charred bread, creamy ricotta, and juicy plums is irresistible. I could enjoy this every day!

Rubberwood Serving Platter

$20

Recipe 2: Salmon on a Cedar Plank with Peach Tomato Salsa

This salmon recipe could not be easier. Just mix up a three-ingredient salsa and grill the salmon. If you've struggled with sticking salmon, this method is foolproof. Soak a cedar plank for about an hour, place your salmon filets on it, drizzle with olive oil, and season with your favorite spice blend.

Put the cedar plank directly on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 12-13 minutes until perfectly done. This method makes it easy to transfer the salmon to a serving plate without any sticking.

Chili Lime Seasoning Blend

This spice mix includes chili pepper, salt, and lime oil, adding a zesty kick and a hint of smokiness to any dish.

$2.19

Recipe 3: Grilled Romaine with Cherries and Feta

Let's not overlook grilling lettuce! It may sound odd, but romaine hearts are sturdy enough to grill beautifully. They get a lovely char outside while softening slightly inside, elevating lettuce to a whole new level. You've got to try it—you'll be hooked!

The secret to this grilled romaine salad is the Meyer Lemon Poppyseed Dressing, my current favorite. It adds sweetness that perfectly balances the lettuce's bitterness. Toss in fresh cherries, crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts for an addictive salad.

Meyer Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

This creamy dressing brings a refreshing citrus sweetness to salads.

$3.39

Wood Lazy Susan

$25

Recipe 4: Cherry Berry Ice Cream Pie

This dessert doesn't require grilling but embodies the simplicity of summer entertaining. I'm obsessed with this pie, and it's almost too easy to qualify as a recipe. Here's how it goes:

Start with a store-bought graham cracker crust and fill it with strawberry cheesecake ice cream. After freezing, top it with fresh cherries and seasonal berries, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, and enjoy!

Ribbed Glass Carafe

$15

Natural Woven Serving Tray

$15

Simple Summer Cocktail: Peach Aperol Spritz

Continuing our theme of minimal effort and maximum flavor, here's a super simple summer cocktail recipe:

• In a pitcher, mix equal parts Aperol and sparkling ginger-peach water. Add half a bag of frozen peaches and stir.
• Pour over ice in glasses and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!

Wicker Rattan Chairs (Set of 4)

$260

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These recipes prove that grilling can be simple and enjoyable. For additional guidance, check out my Youtube video where I break everything down for you.

With these effortless grilling recipes, you can impress your family and friends all season. Fire up that grill, savor the smoky goodness, and relish these quick, easy, and flavorful dishes. Happy grilling!

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