Is there anything better than firing up the grill for the first time, on a warm evening in the spring?
For those of you whole live in warm climates where the grill never gets packed away, I'm jealous. Here in Maine we just got 29" of snow in the last storm. Grilling is but a beautiful memory during the long winter months.
If, like me, you're already dreaming about what to make for that first exciting cookout, here's a curated list of some no-fail springtime grilling favorites. With recipes that range from grilled salads, to perfectly marinated chicken drumsticks, and even some irresistible street food recipes--whatever you're craving, these recipes have you covered!
1. Grilled Salmon With Mango Lime Salsa
This flavor-packed grilled salmon with mango lime salsa is the kind of meal you remember for days.
Decadent and slightly exotic, it's also deceptively easy, thanks in part to that cedar plank that gives it a wonderful flavor. This is perfect for that first springtime cookout with guests. Consider making a double batch of that mango salsa, because once you taste it, you're going to want to put it on everything.
Get the recipe here.
2. Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
This recipe for Chicken Skewers features the most delicious marinade. Comprised of ginger, garlic, coconut cream, and soy sauce, it gives the chicken an unforgettable flavor. The warmth from the ginger really makes this recipe stand out.
This is another one of those dishes that might seem like a lot of work, but really is surprisingly easy. Get that chicken marinading in the morning, and you can pull it out and throw it right on the grill when you get home from work!
Get the recipe here.
3. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
The bright and fresh flavors of tomato and fresh herbs make this grilled chicken recipe perfect for springtime.
While we tend to think of bruschetta as a topping for toasted bread, this use of chicken as a base is just perfection. Go ahead and do serve some lightly-grilled garlic bread on the side!
Get the recipe here.
4. Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
These bright and colorful veggie skewers are like a bold declaration that summer is coming!
Made with zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers, they're grilled to perfection, then drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar and brushed with a fresh garlic herb sauce. Bring on the summer eating!
Get the recipe here.
5. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
This recipe for Hawaiian BBQ chicken is a glorious pairing of chicken, BBQ sauce, and pineapple. It's really hard to go wrong with such a winning flavor combination.
This would be the perfect recipe to reach for if you're throwing a weekend party. That grilled pineapple is really special, so be sure to make more than you think you need--everyone's going to want to be nibbling on that all evening long!
Get the recipe here.
6. Elk Steak Nachos with Avocado Crema
Is there anything better than a good pan full of nachos? This one gets its magic from the smoky flavor of grilled elk steak!
Add some pickled onions and jalapeños, and tangy avocado crema, and you have the perfect Friday night dinner. This would be absolutely the perfect thing to serve when you break out the outdoor movie projector for the first family movie night of the summer!
Get the recipe here.
7. Minted Lamb Burgers
Lamb and mint are a classic pairing at the dinner table, so why not take that winning combo and try it in a succulent, grilled burger?
These minted lamb burgers are so full of flavor. If you're really looking to wow your family with a not-your-average burger, this would be a great way to do it! Don't forget to lightly grill the burger buns, because that little finishing touch really puts these over the top.
Get the recipe here.
8. Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Here's a simple grilled chicken drumstick recipe that's really as easy as it gets. Simple doesn't mean short on flavor, though!
These little drumsticks are everything you want in a piece of grilled chicken. From the caramelized glaze, to the crispy bits of skin, and the perfectly-moist meat, they're just perfection.
Get the recipe here.
9. Smoky Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Apricots
These smoky grilled lamb kebabs with dried apricots are a great way to celebrate the first cookout of the season.
The secret to the amazing flavor of these kebabs is the smoked paprika yogurt lemon sauce that they're marinated in. This makes them unbelievably tender and flavorful.
Pair that lam with red onions and dried apricots, and the result is a smoky, grilled lamb meat kebab with a nice balance of sweetness.
Get the recipe here.
10. Jamaican Jerk Chicken Skewers
Zesty island spices give this easy Jamaican jerk chicken lots of bold flavor, and just the right amount of heat. Don't skip the fresh lime, because it really brings all those flavors together!
This recipe will walk you through grilling these to perfection, for a springtime cookout everyone will enjoy.
Get the recipe here.
11. Orange & Ginger Salmon with Tzatziki
The flavors of this Orange and Ginger Salmon with Tzatziki are a delightful and unexpected combination of warm spices, along with cool cucumber and dill.
Here's another recipe that's so quick and easy, it's hard to believe. This is a great recipe to try for a Sunday afternoon cookout with company.
Get the recipe here.
12. Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Is there any springtime vegetable more beloved than asparagus? With just 3 ingredients, this Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is the perfect way to celebrate both asparagus season, and the return of grilling season!
These little asparagus stalks are already packed with flavor from the prosciutto, but go ahead and take it right over the top with that optional aged balsamic drizzle. It’s so good!
Get the recipe here.
13. Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Salad
Peaces are delicious already, but put them on the grill, and the flavor is just unforgettable. Here's a salad recipe that harnesses that grilled peach magic, by combining them with avocado, creamy goat cheese, and peppery arugula, for a flavorful summer salad that delights all the senses.
This delicious salad is simply finished with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, for a satisfying mix of sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors. This is a salad you'll want to make all summer long.
Get the recipe here.
14. Pinchos (Puerto Rican Grilled Pork Kebabs)
Pinchos are marinated pieces of pork or chicken on a stick. The skewers are grilled over charcoal, and brushed with a sauce, which caramelizes to the meat, just before serving. The traditional way to enjoy these is with bread.
This delicious street food recipe is one you're going to want to make again and again. It's easy, and just so addictively good. The hardest part is waiting for the pork to marinate, so you can go ahead and fire up the grill!
Get the recipe here.
15. Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
A sweet and tangy marinade is the secret to these flavor-packed little drumsticks, that end up perfectly crisp on the outside, and deliciously succulent on the inside.
With just a little prep work the night before you want to make these, they're one of the easiest grilling recipes you could ask for. This is a great recipe to reach for if you want to be able to grill a weekend-worthy dish, for a busy weeknight meal.
Get the recipe here.
17 Scone Recipes Worthy of Sunday Brunch
Is there anything better than a fresh scone made right at home? Whether you're looking for savory scones, like jalapeño cheddar, or a sweet recipe (do try the Earl Gray one, it's amazing!), you'll find a scone recipe here to please any palate.
These easy recipes are perfect for your next brunch, but once you've started baking scones at home, you're bound to find yourself making them "just because"!
Get the recipes here.
21 Easter Treats Too Cute to Eat
From precocious bunnies, to delicate birds' nests, to wooly little lambs--there are so many sweet themes to draw from at Easter time!
If you're looking for an adorable treat to make for your holiday celebration, here's a list of the cutest and most creative recipes for Easter treats that we've ever seen!
Get the recipes here
Decadent Desserts That are Surprisingly Easy
Slaving over a stove when you don't feel like it, is the worst. Just skip it, with these easy no-bake recipes that cut corners in all the best ways, and still deliver a show-stopping dessert.
That peanut butter pie is one you're definitely going to want to try!
Get the recipes here.
Anna Chesley is a freelance writer living a homestead lifestyle, with a special love for family travel, old books, vintage skills, and seaside living. In addition to founding Salt In My Coffee, she runs the website, New England Family Life, as well as The 1800's Housewife, a website devoted to re-creating authentic 1800's recipes.
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