Grilling Season Is Upon Us: What I’m Cooking in June

Fire Up the Grill: Here’s What I’m Making This June

June is when the grill stops being a weekend treat and becomes a weeknight staple. I’m talking marinades made before work, skewers assembled after school pickup, and dinners that come together faster than the sun goes down.

This month’s list leans hard into grilled meats and seafood, smoky vegetables, and fresh summer sides—with enough variety to carry you from a Tuesday night dinner to a full-blown backyard cookout. There’s something here for everyone, including the vegetarians at the table. 🙌🏻

↓ Possibly the most reliable chicken recipe in my rotation. Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor every single time. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times (grilling, pan-searing, on the smoker — always perfect!).

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5 from 1 review

Tender, Juicy Grilled Marinated Chicken Thighs

When I cook chicken thighs at home, I can guarantee 3 things: they will be tender, they will be juicy, and they'll have amazing taste. These chicken thighs are flavored with a sweet, sticky, soy sauce and lime marinade before grilling. I like to finish them with scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Enjoy over rice bowls, salads, or alongside grilled veggies. Dairy-free and easily adaptable to be gluten-free.

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↓ My ideal summer dinner: boldly spiced, incredibly tender, and on the table in minutes.

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Grilled Salmon Skewers with Za’atar & Lemon

Boldly spiced and tender, these Za'atar Salmon Skewers are my ideal summer dinner. There's no lengthy marinating time required (though of course you can prep them in advance!) and they take just minutes to cook. The salmon melts in your mouth and has a warm, nutty flavor from za'atar and sumac. Enjoy with our Creamy Greek Yogurt Sauce, couscous, rice, quinoa, or grilled veggies! Dairy-free without the sauce and naturally gluten-free.

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↓ The summer salad that keeps you full, checks every box, and tastes just as good the next day.

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5 from 1 review

Grilled Chicken Salad with Kale, Veggies, & White Beans

If you're looking for a wholesome meal that checks all the boxes–will keep you full, is loaded with veggies, and downright delicious–my Grilled Chicken Salad with Kale, Veggies, & White Beans is your new go-to. It's colorful, satisfying, and just as good served warm as it is chilled. Thanks to a homemade honey mustard vinaigrette every bite is layered with flavor. Ideal for meal-prepped lunches or feeding a crowd!

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↓ The vegetarian skewer that earns just as much excitement as anything else on the grill. Trust me on this one.

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Za’atar-Marinated Eggplant with Tahini & Pistachios

If you think you don't like eggplant, these tender grilled skewers change your mind. The overnight marinade is the secret—it infuses the eggplant with so much flavor and ensures it gets that perfect, buttery texture on the grill. I love serving these on a big platter with plenty of fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges for everyone to dig into!

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↓ Foolproof grilled chicken with a crisp, bright salsa—and yes, a margarita is strongly encouraged. 🍹

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Juicy Grilled Chicken Breasts with Pico de Gallo

These garlic-oregano grilled chicken breasts are tender, juicy, and quite frankly, foolproof. They're topped with a crisp, vibrant salsa that’s bursting with tomatoes, jalapeño, and lime. Bonus: the quick marinade means you can start this recipe after work and still eat before sunset, margarita in hand.

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↓ Make them up to two days ahead, then grill when the crowd arrives. This is peak cookout food.

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Charred, Juicy Sweet & Sour Pork Skewers with Pineapple

These sweet and sour pork skewers are charred, spicy, and just a little sweet—everything you want off the grill. They can be prepped up to two days ahead, making them perfect for feeding a crowd at summer cookouts. Serve with grilled pineapple skewers and thinly sliced Thai chilis for a bold, flavorful cookout main. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

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↓ The only wing recipes you’ll ever need—and once you make them this way, you’ll never fry them again.

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4.5 from 15 reviews

Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings in 30 Minutes

These crispy grilled chicken wings cook at high heat for perfectly crisp skin and juicy meat — no frying required. Made with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, they’re simple, flavorful, and foolproof on gas, charcoal, or Traeger grills.

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↓ The skewers that disappear fastest at every cookout I’ve ever thrown. Serve with tahini and don’t skip the Israeli salad.

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5 from 1 review

Juicy, Kofta-Inspired Grilled Ground Beef Kebabs

If you’ve ever wondered why restaurant kebabs are so much fluffier than homemade ones, this is the secret! Adding a splash of club soda to the meat mixture is a total game-changer—it keeps them from getting tough on the grill. These kofta-style beef kebabs are my absolute favorite for a summer cookout; they’re incredibly easy to form and even easier to eat, especially with a big bowl of tahini for dipping!

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↓ Your new favorite summer side dish. Smoky, umami-packed, and wildly good.

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30-Minute Grilled Corn Salad with Miso

Welcome to your new favorite summer dish – Grilled Corn with Miso and Scallions! This recipe combines the sweet, smoky flavors of charred corn with a rich, umami-packed miso sauce. An ideal gluten-free dish for BBQs, picnics, or cookouts, this recipe will elevate your corn on the cob to a whole new level.

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↓ The best black bean burger I’ve ever had—and the one that finally converted the skeptics at my table.

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5 from 3 reviews

Kenji’s Black Bean Burgers (That Don’t Fall Apart!)

These Black Bean Burgers are hearty, flavorful, and anything but boring. The combination of black beans, cashews, and feta creates a patty with great texture and bold flavor. Perfect for grilling season and ideal for piling high with all your favorite toppings. These have been known to convert the most adamant veggie burger haters!

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June is the month the grill earns its keep—and then some.

If you’re craving more seasonal, summer-ready dinner inspiration, be sure to explore the full recipe index. You can filter by main ingredient, time of year, and dietary restrictions to find exactly what fits your mood. And if you’d like a shortcut to the recipes I personally return to again and again, those favorites are bookmarked here too.

Here’s to long evenings, good company, and a grill that never cools down!