Summer is here and so is the grilling season. For many of us, cookouts and barbecues are an essential part of summer. Grilling can be a healthy way to prepare food, but it can also be an opportunity to load up on calories and saturated fats. With a little planning and creativity, you can create delicious and healthy meals on the grill. Here are some healthy grilling recipes for your summer cookouts:

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa: Grill salmon fillets with a sprinkle of salt and pepper until it’s cooked through. Combine diced avocado, red onion, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl to make the salsa. Serve the grilled salmon topped with the avocado salsa.

Grilled Vegetable Kabobs: Thread skewers with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Brush the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the kabobs over medium heat until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers: Marinate portobello mushroom caps in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Grill the mushrooms for a few minutes on each side. Serve the grilled mushrooms on whole-grain buns with lettuce, tomato, and avocado.

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa: Cut chicken breasts into chunks and thread them on skewers. Brush with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Grill the chicken skewers until cooked through. Combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to make the salsa. Serve the chicken skewers topped with the mango salsa.

Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers: Thread skewers with shrimp and chunks of pineapple. Brush with a mixture of honey, lime juice, and chili powder. Grill the skewers over medium heat until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

These are just a few examples of healthy grilling recipes that you can enjoy during the summer months. With a little creativity, you can come up with your own healthy recipes for your summer cookouts. Remember to choose lean meats, load up on veggies, and avoid heavy sauces and marinades. Happy grilling!