Grab those briquets and grill tongs – it’s finally time for outdoor grilling and al fresco dining. But your meals don’t have to center around questionable hot dogs and the old burger standby.
Eating a cleaner diet can be as simple as avoiding processed foods that often contain chemicals, preservatives, dyes, and other unhealthy ingredients. Instead of nitrite-rich brats and hot dogs, pick up some pre-skewered kabobs, grass-fed steaks, or slice up some zucchini or peaches for the grill.
Try some of these tips and recipes for healthier eating off the grill and out on the patio.
Paleo Diet Planning
The Paleo diet is one example of cleaner eating in which you focus on food that comes in its original form, as it would have for humans who led a pre-agriculture, hunter-gatherer lifestyle. In short, if it’s pre-cooked or pre-processed, it’s not as good for you. What does this mean for the grill? Grass-fed meats, wild fish, and all manner of fruits and vegetables are your aim.
- Baked Peach BBQ Chicken Wings
- Kalbi Short Ribs
- BBQ Pork Chops with Pineapple Mango Salsa
- Beef and Veggie Kabobs on the Grill
Vivacious Vegetarian Ideas
For those avoiding meat, the grill is still a very friendly place to be. Seafood, fish, portobellos
- Grilled Salmon with Lime Butter Sauce
- Raw Asparagus Salad with Walnuts & Mint
- Grilled Scallops
- Green Bean Nicoise Salad

Tasty Vegan Ingredients
The vegan diet avoids any food derived from animals, including dairy and eggs, and focuses on plant-based proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.