Grill It: 4 Unsuspecting Foods That Taste Glorious When Grilled

If you live in America, you’ve likely spent the summer barbecuing. It’s estimated that 74% of Americans own a grill or smoker, and this report shows that 88% of grill owners typically barbecue meat or steak. That means many people grill and tend to eat the same things, finding themselves in a barbecuing rut by the end of summer. We’re here to change that and inspire you to try something a little out of the ordinary. Crank up the heat and expand your palate with these four unsuspecting foods that taste glorious when grilled.

Grilled Avocado

The avocado may be one of the world’s most versatile fruits. Packed full of nutrients and boasting a kid-approved mild taste, the avocado is consumed in many forms: whole, mashed, blended, and fried, to name a few. It’s no surprise that this well-loved fruit is at the top of our must-grill list. To get it ready, wash and cut the avocado in half and brush with a bit of olive oil—that’s it! Place it cut-side down onto the grill and keep it there until grill marks appear, then remove and add to your favorite salad, stuff it with foods, or season and eat as is.

Grilled Romaine Lettuce

When you think about lettuce, nothing exciting comes to mind—unless you have the inside scoop on its magical grilled flavor transformation. Lettuce gets a bad rap for not producing enough health benefits to rival some of its green, leafy counterparts like spinach and kale, but it sure provides the satisfying crunch that any summertime salad can benefit from. To amp up the taste of a romaine heart, cut it in half, brush with a little olive oil, and place cut-side down on a grill for about 1-2 minutes until grill marks appear but before wilting occurs. Sauce with a minimal amount of your favorite salad dressing and devour.

Grilled Watermelon

There’s no doubt that watermelon needs nothing else to make it more enjoyable, but summer’s quintessential fruit is found in several delicious recipes like this watermelon Caprese salad or this watermelon salsa. Now, just imagine this sweet and delightful fruit grilled. The taste is unexpected—in a good way. With a meatier texture and a smoky, caramelized sweetness, grilled watermelon can be enjoyed on its own or kabob-style with other grill-friendly fruits like pineapple, apple, and grapes. This is a summertime treat you don’t want to miss!

Grilled Bread

The toaster isn’t the only method for warming up your favorite carbs. The grill is perfect for French breads and sweet breads alike. Slice up a loaf of bread and brush a small amount of olive oil on both sides of each slice. After prepped, place on the grill and heat each side for about 1-2 minutes. Use the grilled slices for appetizers, like this bruschetta, or sandwich with cheese for the ultimate grilled cheese. Angel food cake also works well on the grill. Prepare and heat like you would French bread and serve it with your favorite grilled fruits and ice cream of your choice. Enjoy!

Drink to That

No barbecue is complete without refreshments the whole family will love. Check out our article, “5 Mocktail Recipes That Are Perfect for Summer,” for totally non-alcoholic mocktail ideas.