Surprisingly Delicious Summer Grilled Fruits and Veggies to Try

Which summer produce is best to pick and pop on the grill? You may be surprised by some of our suggestions.

Grilled watermelon salad with beets, cheese, and drinks on the side
Grilled watermelon

Which summer produce is best to pick and pop on the grill? You may be surprised by some of our suggestions. 


Summer is in full swing, and temperatures are rising inside and out. If you don’t want to run your AC all day to compensate for higher temps coming from the kitchen, heading outside to enjoy the sunshine and getting in front of the grill may be the option for you. Not only will you take full advantage of the summer days, but you can also make some delicious meals full of smokey flavors; these especially bring out the additional sweetness and earthy flavors from fruits and vegetables. Here are our six favorite grilled fruits and veggies.

6 surprisingly delicious grilled fruits and veggies

For each fruit and vegetable, we included an easy recipe and some super health benefits!

Peaches

Grilled peaches resemble the tantalizing taste of peach pie. When roasted they get soft, and the natural sweetness is enhanced. Yet unlike the pie, they are wholesome, healthy, and full of nutrients such as vitamin A which is good for eye health and vision. They also contain antioxidants, which help prevent age-related damage to our bodies. (1)

Peaches are incredibly easy to grill. Simply slice them in half, remove the pit and then place them (inside side down) on the grill for about five minutes. Try them with cinnamon and a dollop of Greek yogurt for some extra protein.

Pineapple 

Roasting the natural sugar of this tropical fruit decreases the sour taste and turns up the sweetness. Pineapple is rich in immune-supporting vitamin C and boosts gut health with its high fiber and water content.

Pineapple can be grilled in many ways: by cutting it into rings, wedges, or cubes placed on a skewer. Place on the grill and roast for about three minutes per side or until soft and golden brown.

Watermelon 

It may sound unconventional to grill watermelon, but this juicy summer fruit not only quenches thirst, but it also tastes delightful when grilled. Watermelon is rich in potassium and magnesium which, alongside its high water content, help hydrate our bodies. (2) 

To grill this goodness, cut it into big wedges, about one-inch thick. Place it on the grill and cook for about two to three minutes. As an additional tip, serve it in a salad.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a perfect grill companion and vegetable side dish. Asparagus is rich in a plant-based compound (anthocyanin), which can help decrease the risk of heart attacks. (3) 

Grill these greens by drizzling a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder (all optional) on top and tossing to coat. Put them directly on the grill, perpendicular to the grate, so they don’t fall through, then cook for a few minutes.

Tomatoes 

Think about the taste of pasta sauce or pizza, and you may relate to the fact that roasting tomatoes help bring out the zest. You can achieve the same taste without the refined carbohydrates or cheese from a pizza. Tomatoes are super healthy, containing a particular component called lycopene, which can help benefit heart health and prevent some cancers. (4)  

Using at least medium-sized tomatoes, cut them in half and drizzle with a bit of oil. Place them on the grill, cut sides up, and cook until the tomatoes start to sizzle and show grill marks, about three minutes per side.

Portobello mushrooms 

Portobello mushrooms can be grilled and eaten as a main dish or as a side. Their similar size to a burger makes it a perfect vegan swap. These mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins that give us energy and help us break down and use our food.


Coat them lightly with olive oil and place them gill-side down for about four minutes, then flip for another five to seven minutes. Serve them like you would your favorite burger. If you’re a meat eater trying to limit your carbohydrate intake, try using the mushroom as a bun such as with our Portobello Sandwich With Avocado & Tomato.

All of the content and media on Lifesum is created and published for information purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Users should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice.

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All of the content and media on Lifesum is created and published for information purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Users should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice. If you have or think you are at risk of developing an eating disorder, do not use the Lifesum app and seek immediate medical help.