Summer 2021

Fun foods to try on the grill

We can all agree that when it comes to a summer grilling, burgers and hot dogs reign supreme. However, there’s a wide range of foods that can benefit from the high heat, charring and smoking that comes with cooking on a grill.

If you’re looking to add more nutrition (and fun) to your next cookout, consider adding these to your shopping list:

Avocado – The creaminess of avocado may have you doubting its place on the grill, but warm, smoky avocado halves can elevate the presentation of classic summer cookout and picnic foods (such as chicken or egg salad). Or, serve slices of grilled avocado as a great non-dairy swap for cheese on a burger.

Pineapple - Bright, sweet, and loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, pineapple is perfect on the grill. Try throwing on a few rings for about three minutes right before you're ready to eat (flipping once) for a tangy topping for a standard burger.

Halloumi cheese – Not all cheese is created equal. That is…not all cheese is made to melt. Halloumi, which is a semi-hard brined cheese, becomes tender and golden brown when grilled rather than a gooey melted mass. Try serving grilled halloumi in the place of burgers for a meatless option, or serve with mint and watermelon, which brings us to…

Watermelon – Watermelon is low in calories, high in vitamins, and is considered a quintessential summer snack. However, on the grill, its sweetness mellows and the texture changes, increasing its versatility. Slice watermelon into one-inch rounds and then cut into wedges. Grill two to three minutes on each side, and you’ll change how you think about this fruit forever.

Romaine lettuce – Full of minerals such as calcium, phosphate, magnesium and potassium, romaine lettuce is hearty enough to stand up to the heat of a grill. Cut whole heads of romaine in half (leaving the base intact), brush with olive oil, and cook until slightly wilted and charred for a cookout side that will provide a good balance to other traditional cookout foods.

Angel food cake – Why should dessert miss out on all the grilling fun? Angel food cake, which is a low-fat option when you’re craving baked goods, becomes lightly caramelized and golden on the grill. Time to take your strawberry shortcake to the next level!