Summer grilling doesn’t just have to be about burgers and hot dogs. For those of us looking to feed our muscles and fuel our bodies with high-quality nutrients, grilling offers a fantastic way to prepare delicious and healthy meals. Whether you’re looking to switch up your meal prep or just need some new ideas for the season, these recipes are sure to invigorate your menu with flavor, health, and simplicity.
Grilled Lemon-Garlic Steak with Quinoa Salad
Steak is a classic protein that’s both filling and satisfying. This recipe keeps it lean and flavorful with a light lemon-garlic marinade and a side of nutrient-packed quinoa salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs flank steak
- Marinade:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Quinoa Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Marinate the steak: Combine garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the steak with the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Cook quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water. Bring water to a boil, add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let it stand for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
- Grill the steak: Preheat the grill to high. Place steak on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, red bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Slice steak against the grain and serve with quinoa salad.
Spicy Grilled Chicken with Sweet Potato Wedges
Chicken is a wonderful high-protein option for any meal. Paired with sweet potatoes, this dish balances spicy flavors with sweet, starchy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Marinade:
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sweet Potato Wedges:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- Marinate the chicken: Combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat the grill: Medium-high heat is perfect.
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Toss wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Grill chicken and potatoes: Place chicken and sweet potato wedges on the grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Turn potatoes occasionally, cooking until they are tender and have grill marks.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Herb-Infused Grilled Salmon with Asparagus
Fish is a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on protein. This salmon is infused with herbs and served with grilled asparagus, making for a perfect summer meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- Marinade:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp mixed dried herbs (such as dill, parsley, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Marinate the salmon: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Coat the salmon fillets and let them marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill: Medium heat works best for fish.
- Prepare asparagus: Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill salmon and asparagus: Place salmon and asparagus on the grill. Grill salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Grill asparagus until tender and slightly charred.
- Serve: Serve the salmon with a side of grilled asparagus.
Enjoying tasty and nutritious meals doesn’t have to be complicated, especially during the summer months when the grill becomes your best friend in the kitchen. For those looking for guidance and structure not just in their meals but in their overall health regimen, our Strength Academy Summer Season is just around the corner. Starting July 8th, we provide not just workouts but comprehensive nutritional support to ensure you see real results. Interested? Book your Free No-Sweat Intro here and take the first step towards a healthier you!
