As the summer sun graces the British Isles, the aroma of barbecues sizzling away in gardens and parks becomes a common and cherished scent. BBQs are a quintessential part of the British summer experience, bringing together friends and family over delicious, smoky fare. However, enjoying a BBQ doesn’t mean you have to indulge in heavy, greasy foods. Here are five light BBQ recipes that are perfect for a sunny British summer day, offering both flavour and a touch of healthiness.
Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers
Halloumi, with its firm texture and savoury flavour, is an excellent choice for grilling. Paired with fresh vegetables, these skewers are a delightful and light BBQ option.
Ingredients:
- 250g halloumi, cut into cubes
- 1 red pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 courgette, sliced into rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Thread halloumi and vegetables alternately onto skewers and brush with the olive oil mixture.
Preheat the BBQ to medium heat and grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the halloumi is golden brown.
Serve with a tzatziki dip.
These skewers are vibrant and packed with flavour, making them a hit at any BBQ.
BBQ Prawn and Avocado Salad
A light and refreshing salad with a smoky twist, perfect for a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
- 400g large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 avocados, sliced
- Mixed salad greens (rocket, spinach, and watercress)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toss the prawns in olive oil, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Preheat the BBQ to medium-high heat and grill the prawns for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
Arrange the salad greens, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion on a serving platter.
Top with the grilled prawns and drizzle with extra lime juice if desired.
This salad is light yet satisfying, combining the creamy avocado with the smoky prawns for a perfect summer dish.
Grilled Turkey Burgers with Fresh Herbs
Turkey burgers are a leaner alternative to beef, and when combined with fresh herbs, they are incredibly tasty and light.
Ingredients:
- 500g lean turkey mince
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wholegrain burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices for serving
In a large bowl, mix together turkey mince, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Form the mixture into patties.
Preheat the BBQ to medium heat and grill the patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked through.
Serve the burgers in wholegrain buns with lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices.
These turkey burgers are juicy and full of flavour, making them a great addition to your BBQ menu.
Citrus Marinated Grilled Seabass
Seabass is a light and delicate fish that grills beautifully, especially when marinated in citrus flavours.
Ingredients:
- 4 seabass fillets
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a bowl, mix orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the seabass fillets in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the BBQ to medium-high heat and grill the seabass fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve with a side of grilled asparagus or a simple green salad.
The citrus marinade gives the seabass a bright, fresh flavour, perfect for a light summer meal.
Grilled Peaches with Honey and Greek Yoghurt
For a sweet end to your BBQ, grilled peaches are a light and delicious option.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 200g Greek yoghurt
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Preheat the BBQ to medium heat.
Brush the cut sides of the peaches with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Grill the peaches for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are tender and have grill marks.
Serve the grilled peaches with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
This dessert is light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer BBQ, with the natural sweetness of the peaches complemented by the creamy yoghurt and aromatic honey.
Summer BBQs are all about enjoying the outdoors and sharing delicious food with loved ones. These five light BBQ recipes provide a refreshing change from the usual heavy fare, focusing on fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet meal in your garden, these dishes will make your BBQ a memorable and healthy event. So fire up the grill, embrace the sunshine, and indulge in these delightful summer recipes.
