Summertime And The Grilling Is Easy
June 18, 2024
By Gretchen Westdal Centers
Maximize the warm weather and longer days by preparing meals outdoors with these tasty, unique recipes that are perfect for the grill.
Peanut butter and jelly. Romeo and Juliet. Summertime and grilling — some pairings are just iconic. Iowans know that when the weather warms, maximizing time outside is crucial. That extends to cooking, too!
Why be confined to a stuffy kitchen when you can make delicious, complete meals outside on the grill? And, we’re not just talking about the staples like burgers and brats. Take a look at some of these mouthwatering and distinctive recipes, all using Iowa-produced staples.
Mediterranean Grilled Chuck Steak With Garden-Grilled Vegetables | Iowa Beef Industry Council
Whether hosting a dinner party or getting a quick dinner on the table before weeknight activities, this recipe has it all. The only real prep work — marinating the steak in a zesty Mediterranean blend of spices, oil and vinegar — yields big flavor results. It all comes together when the meat and veggies hit the grill in one easy step. The meal is made even better when you can pull the vegetables straight from the garden! Find the recipe here.
Photo credit: Iowa Beef Industry Council
Brown Sugar Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin | Iowa Pork Producers
Here’s a love story: brown sugar meets honey mustard. Sweet and savory, combine perfectly to cover a lean, protein-packed pork tenderloin. Once it hits the grill, the flavors meld together into one incredible main dish that will surely please. This brown sugar honey mustard pork tenderloin can dazzle any time of year but is especially delicious when prepared on a warm summer night for a backyard BBQ. Pair it with sweet corn or crisp green beans for an ideal Iowa meal. Find the recipe here.
Photo credit: Iowa Pork Producers
Jerk Turkey Sandwich with Coconut Mango Chutney | National Turkey Federation
This isn’t your average turkey sandwich. No offense to the tried and true basic, but this one levels up the flavor. The tender turkey breast is marinated in a flourish of aromatic spices, specifically chosen to compliment the dynamic flavors of the coconut mango chutney. It’s then grilled to deliver a mouthwatering experience. Not only does this sandwich upgrade a fan favorite, but you’re also getting a healthy dose of your daily fruits and vegetables with colorful and flavorful mango and coconut, crisp lettuce and tangy pickled red onion. Find the recipe here.
Photo credit: National Turkey Federation
Two-Ingredient Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough | Undeniably Dairy
Two-ingredient pizza dough made from Greek yogurt? You read that right. This dough is easy to make and is rich in filling protein, gut-healthy probiotics and essential bone-strengthening calcium. Better yet, you can make these pizzas on the grill for a fun backyard pizza party. Whether you stick to topping it with timeless cheese or get creative with incorporating cured meats or even garden vegetables, this two-ingredient pizza dough is a thoughtful twist on a classic crowd-pleaser. Find the recipe here.
Photo credit: Undeniably Dairy
Grilled Tofu With Chimichurri Sauce and Grilled Garlic Bread | The Soyfoods Council
This recipe highlights a great way to incorporate plant-based proteins into your diet. Grilled tofu with chimichurri sauce and grilled garlic bread is a complete meal that combines savory tofu with a bright and nutrient-filled chimichurri sauce sure to liven up even the most Monday of Mondays. You also get to soak up that addicting sauce with grilled garlic bread that will leave you more than satisfied. Find the recipe here.
Photo credit: The Soyfoods Council
Grilled Portabella Mushroom Breakfast Sandwich | National Egg Council
Have you ever enjoyed your first cup of coffee sitting outside, listening to the birds sing, but were then interrupted by a grumbling stomach that’s aching for breakfast? While outside, heat the grill for this unique take on a breakfast sandwich. The star of breakfast — trusty eggs — meets the umami of portabella mushrooms. The portabella is bathed in an herbed marinade before being grilled to perfection and then nestled between an English muffin with hearty eggs and whatever other toppings you want to add. It’s a great way to start the day! Find the recipe here.
Photo credit: National Egg Council