Everyone knows that the backyard cookout is a mandatory summer tradition — so go ahead and peel the dusty cover off your picnic table and wipe the pollen off the outdoor seating cushions. You have some grillin’ to do!
When planning your al fresco menu, it’s a good idea to provide nutritious, low-calorie items for you or your health-conscious guests. We’ve found some recipes that are light on calories but big on flavor. Throw these into the mix and we promise you won’t even realize you’re eating clean!
Chicken Skewers with Blueberry-Balsamic Salsa
Blueberries are the standout ingredient for the sweet-and-sour sauce that’s drizzled over these grilled chicken kebabs. Topped off with cilantro, basil, and parsley, any leftover sauce can be spread on crackers with tangy goat cheese.
Whiskey-Grilled Baby Back Ribs
When your guests bite into these ribs, they’ll savor meat so tender and juicy that it slides right off the bone. One word of advice – slowly pre-cook your ribs before the quick grilling process and you’ll be getting high fives around the table.
Roasted Sweet Potato & Black Bean Salad with Fresh Pineapple Corn Salsa
Skip the mushy, mayo-laden potatoes and opt for this fresh, colorful, protein and fiber-packed salad instead. This bowl of goodness is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free — and despite its healthy pedigree, is a total crowd-pleaser. You can make the salad a day ahead of time but leave off the salsa until right before you serve it.
Grilled Corn with Herb Butter
You won’t find anything tastier than grilled corn on the cob, but corn by itself can be a little boring. Luckily, this well-seasoned butter will douse each ear of corn with a delicious herbal flavor as it melts. You can even make the butter a day early and refrigerate it, then bring it up to room temperature before spreading it over the ears of corn.
Peanut Butter-Stuffed Apples
This dessert can be as healthy or decadent as you want it to be. Feel free to leave out the Reese’s Pieces and opt for all-natural peanut butter, or slather it in all of the rich, creamy chocolate you desire. Either way, this recipe will give you a nice sweet treat at the end of your cookout.
We hope these flavorful, fun, and colorful dishes will kick up the variety on your cookout menu and make you the standout chef of the family. Enjoy!