Gone Grilling

June 13, 2025

By Gretchen Westdal Centers

There’s a time and a place for all things. And summer is a time for grilling. With its ease and proximity to the great outdoors, firing up the grill to cook breakfast, lunch or dinner is a great way to spend a summer day. From burgers and ribs with surprising twists to adventurous salads and sandwiches, these recipes blend the ease of grilling with culinary flair to have you indulging in satisfying seasonal eats.

Grilled Steak and Watermelon Salad | Beef, It’s What’s For Dinner

A quintessential summer recipe often includes ripe, in-season ingredients that perfectly complement warm weather and the desire to be outside. A perfect example is this Grilled Steak and Watermelon Salad. Now, if your first inclination is to scratch your head at the steak and watermelon combination, just wait. Watermelon is a delightful and complementary ingredient to savory flavors, such as steak. The juicy sweetness pairs exceptionally well with grilled tenderloin. Not only is it relatively easy to make, but it’s also an impressive-looking meal to serve at a backyard dinner party. Sitting atop a bed of zippy arugula and red onion, with garden-fresh tomatoes alongside, the steak and watermelon harmonize with a balsamic dressing and salty feta, creating a full-flavored meal that delights. Recipe and photo credit: Beef, It's What's For Dinner

Health Hack: Watermelon is hydrating and rich in antioxidants like lycopene, while arugula provides a peppery kick and a boost of vitamin K. Tenderloin is a lean cut of beef, offering high-quality protein and iron.

Get the recipe here: Grilled Steak and Watermelon Salad 
 

Korean BBQ Ribs | Iowa Pork

Good things come to those who wait — and grill. With a bit of pre-planning and patience, these Korean BBQ Ribs deliver a tantalizing blend of sweet, spicy and savory flavors. You'll want about 2 to 2.5 hours to slowly grill these ribs over low heat, allowing the honey, soy, vinegar, garlic, ginger and gochujang (Korean red chili paste) to deeply infuse into the meat. The pork acts as a perfect canvas for these bold flavors. The result: ribs that retain their juiciness and are wrapped in a mouthwatering blend of spices. Serve over a bed of white rice and garnish with green onion for a finger-licking (or at least a lot-of-napkins) good meal. Recipe and photo credit: Iowa Pork

Health Hack: Pork ribs, when trimmed of excess fat, provide B vitamins and zinc. Ginger and garlic offer natural anti-inflammatory properties, and gochujang adds a probiotic-rich kick if fermented.

Get the recipe here: Korean BBQ Ribs
 

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Tofu Burgers | Soy Connection by U.S. Soy

Make dinner easy, quick and delicious with these Sweet and Spicy Grilled Tofu Burgers. Rich in calcium, manganese, iron and vitamin B5 — not to mention plant-based protein — tofu is a fantastic meat alternative when you're looking to switch things up. In this recipe, tofu is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, honey and spices to create a hint of heat and a whole lot of flavor. Then it’s grilled over medium-high heat to create a crispy exterior, ready to be topped with your favorites: lettuce, tomato, onion or even pineapple rings. It's a delightful summer meal made with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Recipe and photo credit: Soy Connection by U.S. Soy 

Health Hack: Tofu is cholesterol-free and heart-friendly. This recipe is also lower in saturated fat and can support healthy cholesterol levels when used in place of red meat.

Get the recipe here: Sweet and Spicy Grilled Tofu Burgers
 

Char Siu Turkey Breast Salad | National Turkey Federation

Sometimes salads can leave a lot to be desired — limp lettuce, boring veggies, store-bought dressing. While that is fine every once and a while, taking the time to prepare a colorful and flavor-filled salad can make you feel like you're dining out at home. This Char Siu Turkey Breast Salad is that experience. It's a creative fusion salad featuring Chinese-style (char siu) smoked turkey breast, paired with crispy wontons, ginger-infused mandarin oranges, and spiced candied pecans — all atop fresh, crisp romaine lettuce. The smoky sweetness of the grilled turkey breast pairs beautifully with the orange and delightful crunch of the delectable pecans. It's an ideal salad for a summer night on the patio. Recipe and photo credit: National Turkey Federation

Health Hack: Turkey is a lean source of high-quality protein, low in fat and rich in nutrients like B vitamins (especially B6 and B12), selenium and zinc — essential for immune function, energy production and overall health.

Get the recipe here: Char Siu Turkey Breast Salad
 

Grilled Portabella Breakfast Sandwich| Incredible Edible Egg

A gourmet meal isn’t just for dinner anymore. With the Grilled Portabella Breakfast Sandwich, you can kick off your morning with a serving of vegetables and protein. Portabella mushrooms and eggs are the stars here. The mushroom is marinated in balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs to deepen its rich umami flavor. A fried or over-easy egg tops the mushroom, and both are tucked between a toasted English muffin for a flavor-packed start to the day. Ideal for feeding a crowd — or scale it down for a cozy family breakfast. Recipe and photo credit: Incredible Edible Egg

Health Hack: Eggs are a great source of choline and protein, supporting brain and muscle function. Portabellas are low-calorie, rich in selenium and offer a satisfying, meaty texture.

Get the recipe here: Grilled Portabella Breakfast Sandwich
 

Grilled Campfire Queso Dip | U.S. Dairy

Wherever your summer takes you — backyard camping or park exploring — this Grilled Campfire Queso Dip is a hearty sidekick to any fireside chat. Veggies can be prepped ahead of time and stored in a cooler for quick assembly. The lean ground beef or turkey, creamy and protein-filled Greek yogurt and colorful peppers and spices melt into a gooey delight over the campfire or charcoal grill. It’s a great shared snack or a post-hike recharge. Recipe and photo credit: U.S. Dairy

Health Hack: Greek yogurt adds probiotics and calcium without the heaviness of cream cheese. When made with lean meat and served with vegetable dippers, this dish becomes a balanced snack that offers protein, fiber, and flavor.

Get the recipe here: Grilled Campfire Queso Dip