6 Healthy Things to Grill That Aren't Meat

Introduction

Summer barbecues with grilled hotdogs and hamburgers are an American tradition. But with the eating habits of many evolving to include vegetarian and vegan options (or options for those who just don’t like meat!), it just may be time to update those backyard barbecue traditions to include a few mouthwatering non-meat options. Here’s a list to get you started.

1. Artichokes

Louie Alexakis, chef and owner of Greek restaurant Avli Taverna, hosts an annual barbecue for friends and family each year. One of the most popular dishes? Grilled artichokes.

“In Greece they’re called Aginares Skaras and are served with onions and capers,” said Alexakis. “They’re perfect for summer because they’re light, healthy, vegan, and gluten-free.”

Preparation

• Step 1: Purchase artichokes in olive oil.
• Step 2: Remove the artichokes from the oil and let them dry on a towel for two to three hours.
• Step 3: Grill them three to four minutes per side.
• Step 4: Serve coated with olive oil and lemon zest. Top with capers.

Image Description: Grilled artichokes served with onions and capers.

2. Mushrooms

Luisa Ruocco, a social media food influencer, said no summer barbecue is complete without a few mushrooms on the grill.

“Large mushrooms such as the Portobello variety are roughly the same size as a burger and you can use them as a healthier vegan alternative,” said Ruocco. “I like to sprinkle a little garlic salt before grilling.”

Benefits

Portobello mushrooms are rich in minerals and nutrients, including Vitamin B, potassium, and phosphorus, and are low in calories.

Image Description: Portobello mushrooms on the grill with garlic salt.

3. Cauliflower

Cauliflower may not be a crowd-pleaser when it’s raw, but throw it on the barbecue and add some salt, pepper, and olive oil, and it becomes far more tempting.

“This hard, often bitter vegetable becomes soft, sweet, and perfect for the whole family when cooked,” said Jodi Greebel, a registered dietician who founded Citrition, a nutrition consulting practice.

Nutritional Benefits

Cauliflower is high in fiber and Vitamin B.

Image Description: Grilled cauliflower florets seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

4. Asparagus

Asparagus is another healthy summer barbecue option.

“Grilled asparagus is great because it’s a low-calorie food and a great source of nutrients,” said Alejandro Chaban, creator of the health site Yes You Can! “As an added bonus, it is inexpensive compared to most meat products.”

Simple Recipe

• Step 1: Wash the asparagus.
• Step 2: Coat them with oil, salt, and pepper.
• Step 3: Wrap them in aluminum foil and cook until golden brown.

Image Description: Grilled asparagus wrapped in aluminum foil.

5. Peaches

Fruit can also be tossed on the grill.

“Make your bowl of ice cream feel bigger but not more caloric by adding some sliced grilled peaches to vanilla ice cream,” said Greebel.

Preparation

• Step 1: Cut the peaches in half and remove the pit.
• Step 2: Lightly coat them with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Step 3: Let them cook four minutes per side.
• Step 4: Once the peaches are cooked, cut them into wedges or chunks.

Image Description: Grilled peaches served with vanilla ice cream.

6. Watermelon

Surprising as this may seem, you can also barbecue watermelon.

“Two of my favorite things to grill are watermelon steaks and watermelon shrimp kabobs,” said Jessica Formicola, owner of Savory Experiments. “They’re luscious and fresh, and the natural sugars caramelize quickly on the grill.”

Serving Suggestions

• Watermelon Steaks: Pair with balsamic vinaigrette and crumbled feta cheese.
• Watermelon Kabobs: Jazz up melon kabobs by layering them with zucchini and drizzling with balsamic reduction.

Image Description: Grilled watermelon steaks with balsamic vinaigrette and feta cheese.