My Three Favorite Grilled Fruit Recipes

Nothing beats the refreshing taste of fresh, ripe fruit on a scorching summer day! Fruits are a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them an integral part of a healthy diet. But have you ever considered grilling your fruit? Trust me, it’s a game-changer! The intense heat of the grill imparts an incredible smoky-sweet flavor that is absolutely irresistible. Plus, the grill adds a caramelized and sweet texture, elevating the fruit’s exotic taste. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, there are various methods to grill fruit: use grill-safe baking dishes, skewer the fruit on kebabs, or place it directly on the grill. Grilled fruit is perfect for tossing into salads, serving as a delightful side at your next outdoor BBQ, or topping with a scoop of cold ice cream for a luscious dessert. Let me share three of my favorite grilled fruit recipes with you.

Grilled Fruit Kabobs:

• 2 cups pineapple chunks, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups cantaloupe chunks, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups strawberries, stems removed
• Coconut oil spray
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Vanilla yogurt for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to high heat and soak the skewers in water for 20 minutes (to prevent burning!).
2. Thread two pieces each of strawberry, cantaloupe, and pineapple onto each skewer, assembling the desired number of skewers.
3. Spray each skewer with coconut oil spray and brush with maple syrup.
4. Place the skewers on the grill in a single layer and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned and tender (approximately 10 minutes in total).
5. Serve immediately, optionally with a side of vanilla yogurt for dipping.

Grilled Watermelon Salad:

• ¼ medium watermelon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cups arugula
• ½ cup crumbled or cubed feta cheese
• ½ cup sliced red onion (about ½ of an onion)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper

Instructions:

Grilled Watermelon:

1. Preheat the grill to medium/high heat. Cut the watermelon into 1-inch thick slices and remove the rind. Coat the watermelon with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Place the watermelon on the grill over medium/high heat until char lines develop and the watermelon lightly browns, approximately 3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and chop into large chunks.

Salad Assembly:

1. In a large bowl, combine the grilled watermelon, arugula, feta cheese, mint, red onion, and basil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Gently combine the dressing with the rest of the salad.
4. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours and serve chilled.

Grilled Peaches:

• Ripe-yet-firm peaches
• Melted unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Wash the peaches and cut them in half, removing the pits.
3. Brush each half with melted butter.
4. Grill the peaches on each side for 4 minutes.
5. Serve them warm with frozen yogurt or ice cream, or chill them and use as a topping for cottage cheese, oatmeal, or yogurt.

So, go ahead, fire up that bbq and let’s start grilling!!