Every year in the US, Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off the beginning of summer—and grilling season. This year is a little different, though, with social distancing orders still in place all over the world. During this warm weather, the urge to get outside and enjoy a cookout with loved ones is strong. Just because we can’t gather in person doesn’t mean that we have to miss out on those cookout weekends that mark the start of summer! Grill pans can bring the barbecue right to your stovetop if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill! From breakfast lunch, dinner to even dessert, grill pans are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways.
I reached out to my fellow dietitians to get their best grill pan recipes so you can still celebrate summer and adapt to this new normal while staying on track with a satisfying, healthy eating plan. Enjoy! And let me know which ones you decide to try.
Wholesome Breakfast Skillet Recipe-Samina Qureshi
-Samina’s breakfast skillet recipe is the perfect way to start the day—it’s packed with all the necessary groups of protein, carbs, fat, fiber and more, and can even be made for lunch or dinner!
Italian Flatbread Breakfast Panini-Amy Gorin
-Do you also find yourself unaware of the time of day of quarantine and stuck between deciding to make lunch or breakfast? Check out this breakfast panini recipe which is perfect for that brunch hour!
Watermelon, Mint and Grilled Cheese Salad– Laurel Anne Nutrition
-Instead of relying on the classic stovetop grilled cheese, this recipe transforms ‘grilled cheese’ and takes it to a new, healthy level with this refreshing combination of summertime flavors.
Grilled Broccoli and Onions with Lemony Caper and Thyme Sauce-Laura Yautz of Being Nutritious
-If you’re looking to eat those veggies in your fridge before they wilt but don’t know what to make, don’t worry, grilling isn’t just for meats, veggies are just as delicious.
Grilled Chicken and Peanut Sauce– Moushumi Mukherjee
-The quintessential healthy grill recipe is definitely grilled chicken, but try it alongside a peanut sauce for a tasty transformation.
Lemon Grilled Seasoned Asapargus– Jeanette Kimszal of Root
-This simple 4-step recipe can be made easily and still provide that summertime grilled taste!
Salmon Kabobs with Tzatziki Sauce– Leanne Ray
-Leanne Ray’s salmon kabob recipe not only brings a fun new dish to your repertoire, but also provides you with all the necessary fats and Omega-3s needed in your diet!
Grilled Chicken Burgers-Rebecca of Nourish Nutrition
(ig:nnc_tableforone, twit and FB: NourishNutriCo)
-These chicken burgers can be topped or served with any veggies you have on hand and is a great starter recipe to change up and customize your monotonous quarantine meals!
Grilled Shrimp Skewers-Laurel Anne Nutrition
Looking for a unique take on skewers? Try this shrimp, pineapple and sausage combo alongside a lively sweet chili to make this meal on your grill pan and avoid that stuffy heat from your oven-made meal!
Greek Lamb Burgers-Anne Mauney
-If you want to spice up that traditional outdoor grill burger that we’re all craving, take a page from Anne’s book and take on these greek lamb burgers with a cucumber garlic yogurt sauce.
My Easy Lamb Skewers are perfect paired with an herbed cucumber and tomato salad.
Grilled Apricots with Honey Whipped Cream– Brittany Poulson of Your Choice Nutrition
-Try this delicious dessert recipe to curb that craving with something healthy and sweet!
Adding these recipes to your diet can not only change your daily routine but transform your diet to be both nutritional and exciting! As we all are social-distancing, I understand how hard it can be, but, if we all do our part we can curb this virus, and in the meantime, enjoy some flavorful, easy-to-make food in the process!