By this time, you may have already taken the cover off your barbecue and fired up the grill. Barbecuing is one of my favourite ways to cook and there are so many healthy recipes you can put together for a family dinner. Check out these healthy barbecue recipes to kickstart grilling season this year!

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Healthy Homemade BBQ Sauce

Recipe makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup natural maple syrup
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp mustard
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat a small pot over medium heat and add all ingredients to the pot. Stir until combined and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to simmer and let sauce reduce for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. Transfer to a jar or container and let cool before using. Enjoy!

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Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Recipe makes 8 skewers

Ingredients:

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil), divided
• 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into cubes)
• 1 zucchini (cut into chunks)
• 1 bell pepper (cut into chunks)
• 1 red onion (cut into chunks)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 8 barbecue skewers

Directions:

1. Make the marinade – combine lemon juice, vinegar, oregano and 1/2 of the oil in a large mixing bowl. Add in the cubed chicken and mix well to marinade.
2. Toss the zucchini, bell pepper and onion chunks with the remaining olive oil.
3. Assemble your skewers – rotate between the marinated chicken and vegetables until the skewers are fully assembled.
4. Preheat your grill to medium and grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes per side or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Enjoy!

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Pumpkin Veggie Burgers

Recipe makes 6 burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked white navy beans
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup red onion (chopped)
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
• 1/2 zucchini (chopped)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp low sodium soy sauce
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup ground flax seed

Directions:

1. Add the beans, pumpkin, onion, bell pepper, zucchini and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl and add in remaining ingredients.
2. Mix until incorporated and place bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
3. Remove from fridge and form into patties. Place onto a parchment paper lined plate or baking sheet.
4. Preheat grill to medium and grill burgers until they are golden brown on both sides. Enjoy!

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Spiced Salmon Kabobs with Asparagus

Recipe makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 lb salmon filet (cut into cubes)
• 2 lemons (sliced into thin rounds)
• 8 barbecue skewers
• 6 cups asparagus (trimmed)

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, make the marinade. Add the parsley, sesame seeds, salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, maple syrup and oil. Mix to combine and add the salmon.
2. On each barbecue skewer, add a piece of salmon and follow with a lemon slice. Repeat until skewers are filled.
3. Season asparagus with olive oil, salt and pepper.
4. Preheat your grill to medium. Place skewers on the grill along with the asparagus. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side or until the salmon is cooked to your liking. Cook asparagus until bright green and slightly charred. Remove from grill and enjoy this healthy barbecue favourite!

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Grilled Stuffed Peaches

Recipe makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 large peaches
• 2 cups cherries (pitted)

Directions:

1. Preheat grill to medium. Cut peaches in half and remove the pits.
2. Place the peaches face down on the grill. Do the same with the cherries – if your grates are too far apart, use a basket to grill the cherries. Grill for 5-8 minutes or until fruit is slightly charred.
3. Remove from grill and let cool. Roughly chop the cherries and stuff into centre of the peaches. Enjoy!

Did you enjoy this article on healthy barbecue recipes? Read about some of our favourite easy snacks here!