The Healthy Backyard Barbecue

Healthy Barbecue recipes, including the Mexican burger, can be found at More.com

Take a walk through my neighborhood any given evening during the spring and summer and you will smell the aroma of meat cooking on the grill. You are probably noticing the same thing in your neighborhood. Barbecue season is in full swing. As you are well aware, the typical barbecue fare is not exactly diet-friendly. No fears though, if you are planning to have friends or family over for a good old-fashioned backyard barbecue, a few tweaks to the menu is all it will take.

Instead of serving the standard hot dogs and hamburgers, think outside of the box. How about grilling up some chicken kabobs, turkey burgers (be sure to use only ground turkey breast), shrimp, fish or my personal favorite, the Spicy Black Bean Burger from Morning Star.




The secret to tasty, yet healthy, barbecued foods is in the seasoning. Marinades and rubs can add lots of flavor to your main dish. Try a Cajun, Tex-Mex, Asian or Chipotle seasoning to give your meat some pizazz.

While the grill is getting fired up, put out a tray of veggies for your guests to nosh on rather than the standard bill of greasy potato chips. Add a little Greek yogurt for the perfect accompaniment.



If you want to REALLY impress your guests,channel your inner Martha Stewart and create an edible centerpiece. A how-to video can be found here. Very swanky!




Everyone will expect lots of side dishes at your barbecue. No need to skip the coleslaw. Make it with a vinegar base instead of a creamy dressing. Red wine vinegar adds plenty of flavor without any of the fat of your customary cream-based dressing.

Potato salad has few redeeming qualities, but you can make a healthier version by adding lots of fresh vegetables to yours and following the advice of the The Healthy Irishman and make yours with a delicious vinaigrette*:

Vinaigrette:
1 tbsp whole grain mustard
1 garlic clove – peeled & chopped
1 tbsp fresh oregano
1/2 lemon – juiced
1/2 cup olive oil
S&P to taste

While you are making your meat kabobs, don't forget to make a few skewers of vegetable kabobs too. Tomato, zucchini, squash, peppers, onions and mushrooms can be pierced on skewers and marinated in your favorite salad dressing for extra flavor.

Image via Lisa's Journey as a Loser

Fruit salad is a colorful and delicious choice and can stand in as dessert too.

If a "real" dessert is a must you can fool your guests into believing that they are getting a decadent dessert. Try angel food cake stuffed with whipping cream and Berries.

Go easy on the whipped cream!

Grilled fruit is fantastic as dessert. Pineapple and peaches are especially delicious when grilled. So good, in fact, no one will miss the s'mores that you won't be serving.

Image via showstopperonline.com

With a little forethought, you can treat your guests to a delicious and nutritious meal.


*The above vinaigrette was meant to be served with 8 oz. of cooked red skin potatoes. Recipe may need to be doubled or tripled depending on how many you are serving.


Do you have a strategy for making your backyard barbecue healthy?