Summer is all about sun, fun, and food! So why not celebrate the warmer weather in style!
I curated a great selection of summer dishes for your next BBQ that are not only healthy, but taste yummy, too!
These are all 17 Day Diet approved and won’t be an issue if you’re looking to either maintain or lose weight during the summer months.
Plus, I’ve updated this post with a few more Healthy Summer BBQ Ideas, so keep reading!
These ideas range from main dishes to side dishes to desserts! There’s something for everyone!
At the very end of this post, I’ve included a list of all the recipes so can quickly review and choose which recipes you want to add to your BBQ lineup!
Summer BBQ Main Dishes
Here are a few different options to choose from. Depending on the cycle you’re on, feel free to swap out a protein (use beef rather than chicken).
If you’re grilling, rather than use the oven or stove top for some of these recipes, fire up your grill and have fun.
If a recipe calls to make meatballs, make patties instead if it fits into your BBQ plans a bit easier.
Tahini Chicken Skewers
There’s nothing better than a little crispy chicken on a stick!
These Tahini Chicken Skewers are a perfect addition to your summer grilling rotation. The Tahini Sauce is super easy to make or you can simply buy a store bought version to speed up the process.
Serve these yummy kebabs with my Carrot Fries with Ranch Dressing, and you have yourself a perfect Summer meal on the grill!
Chimichurri Steak Kabobs
If you’re on Cycle 2 of the 17 Day Diet, then this is the kabob recipe for you to try!
My Chimichurri Steak Kabobs have an upgrade in flavor with the yummy chimichurri sauce.
However, if you’re on cycle 1 or don’t care for beef, you can easily make this sauce and serve it with chicken kabobs. Super easy and very versatile for many protein types.
Chicken Caesar Kebabs
These Chicken Caesar Kebabs are not only healthy, but a different way to serve ingredients you’d normally find in the form of a salad.
These are quick and easy, and also an elegant touch to a Summer BBQ.
Chicken with Mexican Dry Rub and Fruit Salsa
This Chicken with Mexican Dry Rub and Fruit Salsa recipe is a year-round favorite! However, if you’re looking to fire up the grill, this can easily be cooked outdoors!
The secret to this dish? The fruit salsa, of course! If you’re an onion fan (not me!!), then feel free to add in your favorite onions to this salsa!
This is the yummy tomato and avocado salsa that pairs with the Chicken with Mexican Dry Rub.
You can also add onions, jalapenos or bell peppers to this fruit salsa.
Bang Bang Chicken Kebabs
If you haven’t tried these Bang Bang Chicken Kebabs yet, what are you waiting for?
These would be the perfect addition to your Summer BBQ line up!
Grilled Lemon Sriracha Shrimp
This Grilled Lemon Sriracha Shrimp is a perfect Cycle 2 recipe when you’re looking to add a bit of surf to your turf!
The sriracha gives this shrimp dish just a tab of kick (it’s not too spicy). The lemon brings a bit of freshness to this dish!
Perfect for either an indoor or outdoor grill!
Chicken or Beef Shish Kabobs (Peruvian Anticuchos)
This Chicken or Beef Shish Kabobs (Peruvian Anticuchos) is a family recipe from Peru where my dad grew up most of childhood. When I grew up, my dad would make this recipe for our family all the time!
For this recipe, I have ideas for different protein and veggie options so you can make this dish your family favorite!
Plus, the marinade is to die for, so head on over and get this bookmarked for your next BBQ party!
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
There’s something really yummy about cilantro and lime together. If you’re a fan of cilantro, you’re going to love this Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken recipe.
It’s really easy to make and will be a great healthy addition to your Summer BBQ party!
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce
If you’re using your grill, this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce recipe can be easily converted by making patties instead of meatballs. This recipe will make four patties, so go for it!
The sauce is healthy and adds a nice zing to your meal!
Chicken Feta Spinach Patties
Here’s another great Chicken Feta Spinach Patties recipe you can use for either your outdoor grilling adventure, or play it safe and use a frying pan.
You can easily make this with ground turkey, beef or even lamb!
The idea here is to have a bit of fun!
Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Yogurt Sauce
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Yogurt Sauce recipe is super easy to make. Plus, the marinade can be used on whole chicken breasts year-round if you’re not wanting to grill.
This recipe is definitely a keeper and your entire BBQ party will love this!
BBQ Side Dishes, Appetizers and Salads
Here are a few ideas for side dishes, depending on which cycle you’re on.
If a recipe calls to bake the veggies, perhaps using skewers on the grill might be an option.
Carrot Fries with Ranch Dressing
When you’re craving potatoes, reach for it’s lower carb cousin instead!
My Carrot Fries with Ranch Dressing is to die for! The thinner you cut them, the crisper they get.
These carrot fries pair well with many of the main dishes on this list, so you can go wrong adding these to your summer line up!
Even better news – I have air fryer instructions over at the recipe so you don’t even have to turn your oven on during the summer heat!
Italian Roasted Vegetables
This Italian Roasted Vegetables recipe is YUMMY! I love the combination of sweet roasted garlic, the plump tomatoes and the juicy mushrooms.
When you eat a sample of all the veggies in one bite, it’s divine! (OK, it sounds like I have a big mouth…maybe I do!)
This recipe can be easily grilled using skewers.
If you’re on Cycle 3, you can also add in zucchini, or small potatoes!
Cauliflower Nachos
This Cauliflower Nachos side dish would be perfect with your grilled meat!
Normally, cauliflower is kind of boring by itself. Not this recipe! You’re taking all of your favorite nacho toppings and giving your boring cauliflower a bit of pizzazz!
Did I just say pizzazz? Yes, I did!
Can you say YUM???
Peach Caprese Salad
You have to take advantage of summer fruit while it’s still in season and this Peach Caprese Salad is the perfect addition to your BBQ.
Peach combined with cheese is out of this world! YUM!
Shrimp Cocktail
This is my mom’s Shrimp Cocktail recipe and it is a perfect appetizer for your next summer bbq. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
If you’re in Cycle 3, add in chopped avocado for a bit more flavor. Otherwise, leave it out.
Regardless how you make it, this appetizer is a summer favorite!
Summer Slaw with Apples
I love fruit in my salad. This Summer Slaw with Apples is so yummy and refreshing.
A perfect salad for your next BBQ!
Crunchy Sweet Apple Chicken Salad
You can skip the chicken if you want this strictly as a side salad.
Either way, this Crunchy Sweet Apple Chicken Salad recipe is a great refreshing cold salad for your next family BBQ.
Cool Cucumber and Strawberry Salad with Vinaigrette
This is a cool and refreshing salad – it’s almost perfect for dessert, too! This Cool Cucumber and Strawberry Salad with Vinaigrette is so easy to make, it’s almost ridiculous!
The cucumber in this salad makes it light and summery!
BBQ Low Carb and Low Sugar Desserts
I personally love a great fruit salad for a sweet treat – use your favorite cycle 1 friendly summer fruits while they’re in season, such as red grapes, strawberries, blueberries, peaches and plums.
If you’re in Cycle 3, add in some kiwi, apricots and maybe a banana or two. If you’re not sure which fruits are allowed in each cycle, check out the 17 Day Diet Cycle Food lists to find out which fruits are approved.
Low-Fat Low-Carb Mini Cheesecakes
If you’re looking for something savory with maybe a strawberry (or blueberry) on top, consider these yummy mini cheesecakes (cycle 1 friendly)
These Low-Fat Low-Carb Mini Cheesecakes are so light, yet so filling. You only need a few to satisfy your sweet and savory cravings!
Ann’s Creamy Fruit Freeze (Frozen Yogurt)
Who says you can’t have healthy frozen yogurt while on a diet?
Give Ann’s Creamy Fruit Freeze a go and let me know how much you love it!
This recipe is easy customizable to use your favorite fruit – strawberries, blueberries, blackberries. The possibilities are endless!
Faux Chocolate Pudding
If you’re craving a bit of chocolate to end your BBQ on a high note, this Faux Chocolate Pudding is healthy and will hit the spot!
You can certainly jazz it up a bit and add your favorite Summer fruit as toppings – any berry will do the trick!
If you’re still looking for another great dessert for your Summer BBQ, make sure you checkout my complete list of Healthy Dessert Recipe Ideas.
OK, here’s a list of all of my favorite Summer BBQ Ideas!
Summer BBQ Recipe Ideas
Here are my favorite healthy Summer BBQ Recipe Ideas including main dishes, side dishes and dessert!
Tahini Chicken Skewers
Creamy Tahini is the star of this show - Tahini Chicken Skewers are a great summer grilling recipe that is low carb for the entire family.
Chimichurri Steak Kabobs
These low carb Chimichurri Steak Kabobs are the perfect dish for grilling season.
Chicken Caesar Kebabs
Yummy Caesar flavor without all the carbs and extra fat!
Chicken with Mexican Dry Rub and Fruit Salsa
This is a juicy chicken recipe with a homemade Mexican dry rub that's healthier than the store bought packaged taco seasonings.
Bang Bang Chicken Kebabs
Yummy chicken kebabs with a sweet and spicy kick!
Grilled Lemon Sriracha Shrimp
Tangy and a little spicy for your summer BBQ months!
Chicken or Beef Skewers (Shish Kabobs)
Summer grilling options are endless. With this Peruvian Anticuchos recipe, your protein and veggie combinations will make this dish a family favorite!
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
The combination of lime and cilantro in this low carb dish is perfect for any BBQ party (or any time of year!).
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce
This meatball recipe can be easily converted to turkey patties for grilling season!
Chicken Feta Spinach Patties
Lean chicken, fiber-rich spinach and salty feta cheese are the stars of this recipe!
Greek Chicken Souvlaki With Yogurt Sauce
Basic ingredients for a Greek flavor that feels like it took all day to create.
Italian Roasted Vegetables
The plump and juicy mushrooms, along with the sweet garlic adds such a wonderful flavor to this side dish.
Cauliflower Nachos
Now you can have nachos low-carb style (with cauliflower!!).
Peach Caprese Salad for the 17 Day Diet
Fresh peaches and cheese - what more can I girl ask for?
Shrimp Cocktail
A perfect chilled Shrimp Cocktail on a warm day!
Summer Slaw with Apples
A refreshing salad on a hot summer day!
Crunchy Sweet Apple Chicken Salad
A perfect combination of crunchy apples, lean protein and warm spices for a fall-inspired salad!
Cool Cucumber and Strawberry Salad with Vinaigrette
A cool and refreshing salad without the lettuce!
Low-Fat Low-Carb Mini Cheesecakes (17DD Friendly)
Yummy mini cheesecakes without all the sugar and guilt!
Ann's Creamy Fruit Freeze
A yummy and healthy dessert from community member, Ann B.
Faux Chocolate Pudding
A yummy, guilt free chocolate pudding made with Greek yogurt!
I’ve been loving the 17 Day Diet since 2011. I love sharing my favorite healthy recipes and meal plans to keep you motivated and on the right path to success!
When I’m not hanging out here, I enjoy quick trips to the Oregon Coast, designing my jewelry line, being a proud Swiftie, and tinkering with my personal Youtube Channel!
Are you new to the 17 Day Diet? Check out my latest book, Fast Track Your Weight Loss With The 17 Day Diet on Amazon! (aff link)