The sun is out, flowers are blooming, and our taste buds are craving some Spring inspired bites. It’s time to dust off your “Kiss the Cook” apron and break out the grill. Whether you’re cooking for a large group of friends, your family, your significant other, or just yourself, a simple and tasty meal involving locally sourced grilled meats and vegetables will hit the spot.
We’ve outlined some easy ideas below, to help you entertain and satisfy everyone at the table (even the picky ones).
Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad with Fresh Parmigiano
Yes, you can grill your salad, too! Split a fresh head of romaine lettuce down the middle and char, add some sliced cherry tomatoes, drizzle with Caesar dressing, then sprinkle with Parmigiano cheese – and if you’re feeling adventurous, add bacon bits!
Grilled Avocados with Cherry Tomatoes
Halve an avocado or two and try it yourself. When grilled, the insides begin to melt a bit–the ideal condition for when you top with sliced cherry tomatoes, nuts, and herbs.
Pineapple Kabobs
Slice up some pineapple in a sweet glaze–add brown sugar for extra flavor. Surprise your guests by getting creative and use a Rosemary twig as the skewer instead of a traditional wooden skewer. Then just grill until charred, and enjoy!
BLT Skewers
Add a new twist to your favorite type of sandwich. Cut up some bacon bought from your local Farmer’s Market and romaine lettuce, then thread it onto skewers with cherry tomatoes. Grill and serve outside on a warm spring afternoon!
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Bake your sweet potatoes and slice into large chunks. After grilling for a few minutes, toss with a tangy mixture of olive oil, mustard, locally sourced honey, and apple cider vinegar
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Not in the mood for burgers? Substitute a few locally sourced hearty portobello mushrooms for those beef patties and enjoy with or without a bun.
Grilled Squash Pizza
All you need is a premade crust (we suggest stopping by your local Italian store for the freshest) cheese, some savory veggies, and an appetite. Cut up your squash and spread across the crust with fresh tomatoes and zucchini, then top with cheese get grilling.
Grilled Eggplant with Goat Cheese
Grill your eggplant in a pan until tender. Sprinkle with goat cheese and basil, and top with pine nuts for good measure.
Smoky Shrimp & Charred Corn Quesadillas
Skip the pan this time–create some delicious quesadillas on the grill. Brush your tortillas with olive oil, then top with the fillings: fresh smoky grilled shrimp, charred corn, cheese, beans, peppers, onions, etc. Seal by folding over once the cheese begins to melt. Try matching with grilled avocados!
Chipotle Chicken
Concoct a mouthwatering mixture of Mexican flavors and spices, thoroughly coat your chicken breasts or thighs. Once marinated, grill up and enjoy the flavorful kick. For boneless chicken, you can also cut up and thread onto skewers for a fun twist.
With your Spring inspired ingredients, your grilled meals can be as versatile as you want them to be. And so can your menu for your next big (or small) event. If you don’t want to do the cooking yourself, your friends at Heirloom are happy to work with you to create a memorable meal that will leave taste buds pleased and guests speechless! Interested? Click here, and let’s get those creative ideas flowing!
