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10 Crowd-Pleasing Recipes to Take Your Grilling Game to the Next Level

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Getting burned out on burgers and hot dogs? As we head into the heart of summer, elevate your grilling game with these 10 amazing recipes that are sure to turn up the heat at your next backyard bash.

1. Grilled Fava Beans
If you've never grilled beans before, this is a great place to start. Grill the green pods with the shells on, sprinkle with mint or cilantro and serve with your favorite herb sauce for dipping. Guests will enjoy getting hands-on with this feisty, flavorful side dish.

2. Grilled Avocado Boats
We're always on the lookout for amazing ways to enjoy avocado, and these yummy veggie vessels don't disappoint. Scooped avocado halves are stuffed with a mix of salsa and crumbled Mexican cheese for an appetizer that's sure to be the life of the fiesta.



3. Smoked Shrimp Salad
The possibilities are endless with this light, colorful and flavorful grilled shrimp salad. Serve it in a bowl as a traditional salad, wrap it up in a whole-grain tortilla or pair it with kale chips as an appetizer.


Image credit to GrillGirl.com

4. Grilled Garlic Citrus Flank Steak
Meat lovers, rejoice! In this savory dish, lean cuts of flank steak are marinated, grilled, thinly sliced and served with Chef Meg's Tangy Garlic-Citrus Parsley Sauce.



5. Ginger, Garlic and Honey Grilled Baby Back Ribs
Originally published in Steve Raichlen's cookbook Planet Barbecue, this savory rib recipe features an Asian-inspired marinade that adds a surprisingly zesty flavor to the classic meat dish.

6. Grilled Cocktails: A Smoky Greyhound (Vodka and Grilled Grapefruit with Ginger Honey)
Yes, you read that correctly. Grilled cocktails are having a moment, and one sip will tell you why. In this Smoky Greyhound recipe, the grapefruit is grilled for a smoky, caramelized flavor before combining with vodka and ginger-infused honey. Cheers!


Image credit to GrillGirl.com

7. Grilled Strawberry & Cream Pita
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this guilt-free indulgence. Fresh strawberries are blended with cream cheese and spread inside the pita, then grilled to a crispy perfection.



8. Grilled Asparagus with Sunny Side Up Eggs and Parmesan
Enjoy a sunnier side of asparagus with this unlikely combination. The smoky stalks are nicely complemented by the flavor of the juicy yolk and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.


Image credit to GrillGirl.com

9. Grilled Salmon & Zucchini with Red Pepper Sauce
We love finding exciting ways to repurpose zucchini, and it works well here alongside succulent grilled salmon. The zesty Spanish-inspired sauce—made from tomatoes, roasted red pepper and almonds—steals the show.

10. Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breasts
Simplicity it its most delicious, this juicy chicken breast is flavored with a balsamic vinegar marinade before it's seared to perfection. It pairs nicely with roasted potatoes, a green side salad and fresh fruit.



Which of these great grilling recipes can't you wait to try? What are some other favorites that you'd like to add to the list?