38 Grilled Mains Perfect for Father’s Day

June 14, 2020

Father’s Day is almost here and it’s time to celebrate by firing up the grill. These main dish recipes are full of hearty proteins like pork and chicken, which benefit from the smoky flavor of the grill. If dad’s a vegetarian, he’ll enjoy grilled portobellos or grilled tofu. Recipes like Maple-Bourbon Chicken with Grilled Sweet Potatoes and Grilled Salmon with Sweet Peppers are healthy, delicious and perfect for celebrating dad.

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Mojito-Marinated Chicken Kebabs

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A quick mint, lime and rum marinade does double duty as a sauce for these easy grilled chicken kebabs. Using agave cuts the sugars in this recipe by half compared to granulated sugar. Plus, we love the added south-of-the-border flavor. Grill some vegetables and corn on the cob along with the kebabs and you have a healthy weeknight dinner that's special enough to serve to company. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

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Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Watermelon Panzanella

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Typically, panzanella is made with tomatoes and dressing-soaked bread cubes. Here, the salad goes sweet and savory but keeps the same look with ripe watermelon. Spring for your favorite bread--it has a starring role in this dish. Serving the salad with grilled pork tenderloin makes a healthy dinner that's simple enough for weeknights. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

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Vegetarian All-American Portobello Burgers

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Portobello mushrooms stand in for meat patties in this recipe for veggie burgers with all the fixings. Mushrooms are a source of glutamate, a naturally occurring compound that gives the fungi their umami flavor. But to really give these "patties" a savory boost, we brush them with steak sauce. Add a simple side salad or some grilled veggies for a satisfying and easy dinner on the grill. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

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Beer-Glazed Chicken with Grilled Vegetables

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Need a new chicken dinner idea? Try this grilled chicken and vegetable dish from chef Rick Bayless. Grilling the chicken and summer vegetables is a no-brainer, but in colder months, you may wish to move indoors and roast the chicken, along with some root vegetables. Whatever the weather, it's worth seeking out piloncillo for the beer glaze. This unrefined sugar used in Mexican cooking is made from evaporated cane juice. Its complex caramelized flavor balances any bitterness in the beer. Look for it in Latin markets and online. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

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Chicago-Style Carrot Dogs

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Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or none of the above, these plant-based "dogs" are magically delicious--period. This recipe makes these vegan hot dogs Chicago-style, but feel free to doctor them up any way you like. Break with convention and add shredded cabbage, sprouts and cilantro, for example. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2018

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Shrimp & Pepper Kebabs with Grilled Red Onion Slaw

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These healthy grilled shrimp and mini bell pepper kebabs come together in just 30 minutes, so they're great for weeknight dinners. A bag of coleslaw mix is a time-saving meal starter. Here, we make it our own by mixing in grilled red onion and crushed pita chips. A homemade herb-feta dressing both coats the slaw and sauces the kebabs. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2019

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Maple-Bourbon Chicken with Grilled Sweet Potatoes

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The sweetness in this Maple-Bourbon Chicken recipe is from the real maple syrup and grilled sweet potatoes. Bacon is also included! Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Kimchi Pork Burgers

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This amped-up burger recipe swaps out beef for ground pork: it gives you similar nutrition (protein, iron, zinc) but has a milder flavor to allow this recipe's bold Asian flavors to sing. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

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Honey-Paprika-Glazed Steak & Onions

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We love the flavor of grilled onions with the steak in this healthy 5-ingredient recipe (not including oil, salt and pepper) but skewer up any veggies in your fridge--zucchini, cherry tomatoes and eggplant are all good choices. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary. Serve with a baked potato or brown rice pilaf flecked with herbs. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2017

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Grilled Tofu with Korean BBQ Glaze & Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage

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In this vegetarian grilling recipe, the hot grill gives tofu smokiness and some crispy edges. A BBQ sauce made with gochujang, the hot Korean chile paste, doubles as both a glaze and some sauce to slather on the tofu at the table. Serve with brown rice or farro. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2017

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Grilled Salmon with Sweet Peppers

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It may seem counterintuitive to start the fish skin-side up. But when you flip it, the fish skin captures the juices as it finishes cooking for extra-flavorful results. Serve with chimichurri sauce (see Associated Recipe). Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

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Herb-Grilled Chicken Frites

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We combine fresh herbs, capers, lemon juice and olive oil along with the juices collected from the chicken as it rests to make a simple sauce that livens up this take on poulet frites, or chicken and fries. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2020

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Coriander-Rubbed Pork Chops with Fennel-Plum Salad

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This grilled pork chop recipe is an elegant and healthy dinner that takes just 30 minutes to make, so it's great for weeknights. Toasting and grinding whole spices ensures you get the freshest, most robust flavors for the pork spice rub. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

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Grilled Lobsters with Herb-Garlic-Lemon Butter

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If you've never grilled lobster, you're in for a treat. The smokiness of a charcoal, wood or even a gas grill adds great flavor. If you are squeamish about the idea of cutting a live lobster, ask your fishmonger to do it for you, but be sure to cook the lobsters within about an hour after they have been cut. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2018

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Fennel & Fontina Grilled Pizza

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You can make healthy veggie-packed pizza in just 15 minutes with store-bought pizza dough, a few simple ingredients and a hot grill. Slice the fennel as thinly as possible--it'll caramelize and melt into the creamy, nutty fontina cheese. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2018

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Grilled Bison-Mushroom Burgers

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Adding smoky, umami-packed ground mushrooms to grilled burgers builds flavor and keeps things juicy while bumping up the patty size. This burger is super-tasty made with ground beef too, but we love bison as a sustainable alternative packed with rich flavor. Look for it in the meat section of well-stocked supermarkets. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2018

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Ancho Chile Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

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Cauliflower's round shape can be cut into slabs or florets for the grill. Here, it's grilled both ways after being rubbed with a blend of spicy seasonings and basted with a fresh cilantro-lime vinaigrette. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2020

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Grilled Flank Steak with Tomato Salad

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Cutting the steak immediately after cooking breaks all the rules on meat cookery, but in this recipe we do it intentionally in order to capture the juices and incorporate them into the dressing. Serve this grilled flank steak recipe with crusty bread to soak up the deliciousness. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

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Easy Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro Salsa Verde

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Fresh cilantro, parsley, and lime juice make a tangy green salsa that adds lively flavor to this easy grilled shrimp recipe. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2020

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Grilled Lamb Chops with Thyme

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Sometimes simple is best. These grilled lamb chops are a standout on their own, seasoned with just fresh thyme and a bit of crushed red pepper. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Thai Peanut & Herb Grilled Pizza

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Thai peanut sauce is an addictive base for homemade grilled pizza. Purchase your preferred brand at any large supermarket or Asian grocery store for an easy, veggie-loaded pizza made right at home. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2018

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Grilled Bone-In Pork Chops

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Juicy grilled pork chops with a tiny bit of sweetness and a faint hint of spiciness make for an excellent simple dinner main that pairs with practically any side. A simple brine imparts flavor, but mostly keeps the pork chops from drying out; just don't marinate the meat for any longer than 4 hours or it'll soften the texture. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2019

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Red Cabbage Porterhouse Steaks with Herb Butter

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Give this hearty vegetarian recipe the true steakhouse treatment and serve it with steamed asparagus, french fries and a big, bold cabernet sauvignon. Or serve it as a side dish; it goes really well with... steak. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2018

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Grilled Short Ribs & Cherry Tomatoes with Chimichurri

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Short ribs lend themselves to braising--but don't stop there. You can get surprisingly tender results on the grill too. Here the ribs are used in an easy dinner recipe that's ready in just 20 minutes. Hailing from South America, chimichurri is a fresh herb sauce that gets a little heat from crushed red pepper. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

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Grilled Blackened Shrimp Tacos

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Give juicy shrimp tacos a Cajun flavor spin with spices and a quick sear on a hot grill. An easy avocado mash adds creaminess to cool off the spicy kick. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2019

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Grilled Red Snapper

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This simple grilled snapper has clean flavors and a nice char flavor from the grill. It's well seasoned but not overly spicy. Serve along with grilled veggies or a fresh green salad to make it a meal. Source: EatingWell.com, May 2020

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Tofu Kebabs with Zucchini & Eggplant

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We've divided the tofu and veggies onto separate skewers because the tofu is delicate and sticks to the grill more easily than the eggplant and zucchini. If you like, swap halloumi cheese for the tofu for another twist on this combination. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2018

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Grilled Cajun Jambalaya

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Every one of the ingredients used in this grilled spin on a Louisiana favorite is awesome with some charred flavor. Plus, using a grill cuts down on the cleanup for this Cajun jambalaya recipe. Even the rice gets some smokiness from grilled tomatoes. Also known as the Holy Trinity, the combo of bell pepper, onion and celery (which here we swapped for celery seed) is used to flavor Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo and this jambalaya. No skewers? Use a grill basket instead. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

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Turkey & Zucchini Burgers with Corn on the Cob

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Shredded zucchini keeps these lean turkey burgers moist and sneaks extra vegetables into your meal. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2020

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Grilled Pork Chops with Chile & Pineapple

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Never grilled pineapple? Get ready to be wowed. It caramelizes beautifully for a deeper flavor. Plus it's a totally tasty match with a grilled pork chop, cilantro and a little heat from serranos. Source: EatingWell Magazine, April 2020

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Grilled Fish with Peperonata

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This healthy grilled fish dish is made for easy summertime entertaining. The peperonata can be made in advance and reheated while you grill the fish. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

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Grilled Vegetable-Lamb Skewers

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These skewers take just 20 minutes to prepare but they do require some time in the fridge to soak up the amazing herb and spice mix. Making your own Garam Masala is simple, but you can skip that step if you'd like--just look for it in the ethnic section of large supermarkets or at food specialty shops. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Bourbon Chicken Skewers

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The deliciously thick, barbeque-based sauce on these chicken and zucchini skewers is flavored with bourbon and soy. Ready in just 35 minutes, this southern-inspired recipe is perfect served with brown rice and a side salad. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Apple-Brat Burgers

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A special slaw tops these light, tasty burgers. Make the slaw ahead, and serving the burgers will be a snap. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Grilled Asparagus & Shrimp with Pasta

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Topped with fresh mint, this pasta dish is perfect for any night of the week! Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Simple Grilled Salmon & Vegetables

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Grilled salmon and veggies make for a colorful and balanced seafood dinner that's ready in just minutes. The grill turns the salmon flaky and moist while tenderizing the crispy pepper and onion pieces. Round out the meal with brown rice or quinoa. Source: EatingWell.com, July 2018

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