A wooden round serving board is covered with white parchment paper, displaying numerous grilled steak and veggie skewers arranged horizontally across it.

19 Grill Dishes Dad Fired Up Twice in One Weekend Just to Have an Excuse

One round at the grill can handle dinner, but a full weekend leaves room for the recipes that keep coming to mind after the first fire dies down. These 19 dishes cover hot-and-fast steaks, slow charcoal ribs, saucy chicken, seafood packets, vegetables, salads, dips, and fruit skewers. Some need a longer marinade, while others move from prep to plate in under half an hour. The mix gives the grill a second reason to heat up without repeating the same burgers and hot dogs, whether the plan is a family dinner, a casual backyard lunch, or several plates shared across the weekend.

A wooden round serving board is covered with white parchment paper, displaying numerous grilled steak and veggie skewers arranged horizontally across it.
Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

A plate of sliced Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri, served on a white rectangular dish.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

After a two-hour marinade, Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri hit high heat for only a few minutes per side before resting. Cumin, oregano, paprika, onion, and garlic season the beef, while the herb sauce adds a fresh finish after slicing. One recipe serves four, making it useful for a steak dinner without grilling individual cuts for everyone. Add grilled peppers or a simple potato side for the first big plate of the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich served with a creamy pasta salad on side.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Stacked high on toasted bakery buns, Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich combines cooked chicken breasts with tomato, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, and pesto mayonnaise. The recipe takes 10 minutes once the chicken is ready and makes two sandwiches, so it works well for a quick lunch between longer grill projects. Warm or cold chicken can be used, which also makes leftovers useful. Serve with grilled vegetables, corn, or a chilled salad when the afternoon needs something filling but easy to hold.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimps on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bright herbs and a fast cook give Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp a lighter place among the heavier meats on the grill. The shrimp marinate with lemon juice, garlic, shallot, parsley, thyme, and oregano, then cook for three to four minutes per side. The 30-minute recipe serves four and can work as an appetizer or main course. Slide the skewers over rice, orzo, or a Greek salad when the second grilling session needs to move quickly.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops

Three Grill Mediterranean Lamb Chops topped with gremolata on a white plate.
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Finished with a briny pine nut topping, Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops bring a dinner-party look to a 25-minute grill recipe. The chops marinate with parsley, shallot, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and honey before searing three to four minutes per side. Olives, capers, lemon zest, and toasted pine nuts cut through the richness. This four-serving main works well with couscous or grilled vegetables when the weekend menu needs something beyond beef and chicken.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

A rectangular white plate with four Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped herbs.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sweet heat runs through Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers without requiring a long ingredient list. Boneless chicken thighs soak in harissa, honey, lemon juice, and sliced red onion for at least 30 minutes, then grill until cooked through. The 50-minute recipe makes four servings and can marinate overnight before the grill is lit. Pair the skewers with couscous or a green salad for a Saturday dinner that leaves room for another cookout on Sunday.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

Korean Galbi Ribs

Korean Galbi Ribs on a slate platter with red chopsticks beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Thin flanken-cut ribs make Korean Galbi Ribs fast on the grill once their long marinade is finished. Brown sugar, soy sauce, mirin, onion, Asian pear, garlic, and sesame oil season and tenderize the beef for at least four hours. The ribs grill for only three to four minutes per side and serve four. Start them the night before, then add rice and cucumber salad when dinner needs very little last-minute cooking.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Caramelized fruit gives Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes a smoky edge that an ordinary side salad cannot match. Peach quarters grill until marked, then join cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, mint, parsley, pickled red onion, and a white balsamic dressing. The 20-minute recipe serves six and can sit beside chicken, steak, or skewers. Bring it out for a warm afternoon meal when a cool side is needed but the grill still deserves part of the job.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Warm vegetables and a creamy mustard dressing meet in Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad, a sturdy side for plates loaded with meat. Baby potatoes are parboiled, then grilled with asparagus, red bell pepper, and onion before being tossed with mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, garlic, chives, parsley, and lemon. The 30-minute recipe serves six and works warm or chilled. Make it beside ribs or burgers when the side dish should use the grill too.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Three pieces of grilled cauliflower steaks on a black plate.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Thick slices stay intact over the grates, giving Grilled Cauliflower Steaks browned edges and a tender center in 20 minutes. Olive oil, dried herbs, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and lemon season the cauliflower without masking its texture. The recipe serves four and pairs with chicken, burgers, or smoked meat. It is a useful second-round side when the grill is already hot and another pan indoors would only add cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets

Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets and herbs served in aluminum foil on a blue plate, with utensils and garlic nearby.
Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sealed foil keeps Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets moist while the grill handles the cooking and the cleanup stays minimal. Each packet holds a salmon fillet with olive oil, lemon slices, dill, garlic, butter, salt, and pepper, then cooks for 10 to 14 minutes. The 24-minute recipe serves four and scales easily. Add rice, grilled corn, or cucumber salad for a quieter Sunday dinner after a heavier Saturday cookout.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Juicy tomato topping gives Grilled Bruschetta Chicken a fresh finish over marinated chicken breasts and melted mozzarella. The chicken rests in olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning before grilling, while roma tomatoes, basil, shallots, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes form the spoonable topping. The 25-minute recipe serves four after the marinating time. Serve it with pasta, grilled asparagus, or crusty bread when the grill needs to cover a full dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smoky kernels make Grilled Corn Guacamole more than another bowl of avocado dip beside the grill. One corn cob is charred before being mixed with four avocados, red onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and optional cotija. The 15-minute recipe serves six and works with chips, tacos, wings, or burgers. Set it out early so there is something to snack on while the longer-cooking ribs or drumsticks finish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

A plate of chicken wings on a white plate with a slice of mango.
Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sticky fruit glaze coats Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings after the wings pick up char over medium-high heat. A brown sugar rub with chipotle powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper seasons the chicken, while grilled mango and apple cider become the sauce. The 40-minute recipe serves six, though the wings also marinate for one to two hours. Put them beside corn guacamole for a casual plate that can bridge lunch and dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Grilled Ribs on a Charcoal Grill

Close-up of Grilled ribs covered in sauce, garnished with chopped parsley, served on a white plate.
Grilled Ribs on a Charcoal Grill. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Low indirect heat gives Grilled Ribs on a Charcoal Grill time to turn tender before a final pass over the hot side creates caramelized edges. Baby back ribs are rubbed with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, with BBQ sauce added only near the end. The recipe takes one hour and 40 minutes and serves four. Save this one for the longer weekend session, then add potato salad or grilled vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ribs on a Charcoal Grill

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables including zucchini, mushrooms, red onions, peppers, and squash, arranged on a rectangular black platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A colorful platter comes off the grill with Grilled Vegetables, which combines zucchini, summer squash, red onion, mushrooms, eggplant, and bell peppers. Italian dressing supplies the marinade, and the vegetables cook quickly in batches until tender with browned marks. The recipe serves four, with one hour set aside for marinating before the 10-minute cook. Use it beside fish, chicken, or steak, then fold any leftovers into pasta the next day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Grilled Teriyaki Mango Skewers

Three Grilled Teriyaki Mango Skewers with bell peppers, zucchini, and onions served on a bed of yellow rice on a white plate.
Grilled Teriyaki Mango Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Glossy sauce and lightly charred fruit make Grilled Teriyaki Mango Skewers an easy way to move the grill beyond meat. Mango, red onion, zucchini, and two colors of bell pepper are brushed with homemade teriyaki made from soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. The 40-minute recipe serves four. Spoon the skewers over rice or quinoa for a lighter meal, or place them beside chicken and steak as a sweet-savory side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Teriyaki Mango Skewers

Easy Grilled Beef Burgers

A close-up of a hamburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, ketchup, and a beef patty in a bun, served on a white plate.
Easy Grilled Beef Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A dependable crust and juicy center make Easy Grilled Beef Burgers useful when the grill should run without a complicated prep list. Ground beef is mixed with BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then shaped into eight patties and grilled three to four minutes per side. The 27-minute recipe serves eight burgers. Add cheese during the final minute and set out buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles for easy assembly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Beef Burgers

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of grilled chicken drumsticks garnished with chopped herbs, served with lemon slices.
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Slow cooking on the cooler side keeps Grilled Chicken Drumsticks tender to the bone before direct heat adds color and sets the BBQ glaze. Avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper form the dry seasoning. The 50-minute recipe serves four, with sauce brushed on only during the final minutes. Pair the drumsticks with coleslaw, baked beans, or corn for the kind of Sunday plate that deserves extra napkins.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers

A wooden round serving board is covered with white parchment paper, displaying numerous grilled steak and veggie skewers arranged horizontally across it.
Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Folded zucchini ribbons make Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers look different from standard chunks of pepper and onion. Sirloin cubes marinate in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, sugar, Dijon, smoked paprika, and olive oil, then alternate with zucchini and cherry tomatoes. The recipe makes about 12 skewers, serves six, and includes a two-hour marinade. Serve them with rice pilaf or grilled flatbread when one skewer needs to carry both the meat and vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers

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