Are you looking for a summertime side dish or a delicious dessert? You can cook up almost any fairly firm fruit. Grilling caramelizes the sugars and adds a rich, woodsy flavor. The wide assortment of healthy toppings means even a picky eater can find a favorite (or more).
Larger fruits, or those cut into bigger chunks, are less likely to fall through the grill grates, but you can grill smaller fruits, too. So, if strawberries are your favorite, simply (and carefully!) thread them onto skewers before grilling. Here are some popular choices (avoid using overripe fruit, which can fall apart during grilling):
- Apples
- Bananas
- Figs
- Mangoes
- Melons
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapples
- Plums
You can serve these toasted treats straight off the grill or get creative and add toppings. A bit of drizzled honey is an easy add-on, as is a dollop of your favorite fat-free Greek yogurt with a pinch of slivered almonds. For cooking ideas, check out the below recipes.
Sizzle Safely
From chicken or fish to pizza or peaches, grilling remains one of the most popular ways to prepare food. Whether you use charcoal or propane, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Remove grease and fat from the grates and clean out the drip pan below the grill.
- Do not use a grill indoors — not even in an open garage — unless it is specifically designed for indoor use.
- Make sure children and pets stay at least 3 feet away from the grilling area.
- Place your grill well away from your home and out from under eaves.
- Never leave the grill unattended.
- Use oven mitts to move trays and skewers on and off of the grill — the cooking equipment will be hot!
- Make sure the grill is completely cool before covering and storing it. If you use propane, ensure the gas line is turned off before storing the grill.
RECIPES
Lime Mint Grilled Watermelon
Try this delicious, refreshing treat that puts a tart twist on a summertime favorite. To add even more sweetness, drizzle with a bit of honey before serving. Serves 4.
Ingredients
- Canola oil
- 4 watermelon wedges, 1-inch thick
- 2 tbsp. lime juice
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- 2 tbsp. fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp. honey (optional)
Directions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush grill lightly with oil.
- Brush watermelon wedges with lime juice and sprinkle with salt.
- Grill wedges until grill marks form — about two minutes on each side.
- Transfer wedges to a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle with remaining lime juice (and honey, if desired), sprinkle with mint, and serve.
Sweet and Savory Grilled Peaches
Grilling peaches brings out their sweetness, and topping them with brie cheese adds a creamy texture to the fruit’s natural juiciness. Serves 8.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. brie
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and with pits removed
- 2 tbsp. canola oil
- 4 tbsp. honey
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Directions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- After removing the rind, slice eight 1-oz. portions of brie.
- Lightly brush the cut side of peaches with oil.
- Grill peaches cut side down until grill marks form — three or four minutes. Flip them and cook another minute or so, until the rounded side has softened.
- Remove peaches from grill. Immediately place one slice of brie in the center of each peach (where the pit was) and drizzle with honey. Garnish with rosemary.
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