Surprising Foods for Summer BBQs

Throwing food on the grill is a quintessential part of summer here in San Diego. Walk through any of our beach neighborhoods and it won’t be long until you smell the inviting aroma of a block party barbecue. Though the classics like burgers, hot dogs, and steak will always remain BBQ staples, try something new this summer and put some unexpected food on the grill as a way to keep things fresh and exciting. Here’s a few ideas to inspire you culinary adventures on the grill:

Grilled Salmon Kebabs

These kebabs are delicious, healthy, and easy to make. Summer is the perfect time to cook fish and this meal is a fun way to incorporate protein and omegas into an outdoor party. The salmon is seasoned with fresh herbs, lemon, and spices and grilled to perfection.

• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano
• 2 Tsp sesame seeds
• 1 Tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 Tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 Pounds skinless wild salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 Lemons, very thinly sliced into rounds
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 1 Tsp kosher salt

Heat the grill on medium heat and spray the grates with oil. Mix oregano, sesame seeds, cumin, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl to combine; set spice mixture aside. Beginning and ending with salmon, thread salmon and folded lemon slices onto parallel skewers. Spray the fish lightly with oil and season kosher salt and the reserved spice mixture. Grill the fish, turning occasionally, until fish is opaque throughout, about 8 to 10 minutes total.

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Citrus flavors are always reminiscent of summertime. Peaches are finally in season, and we can’t think of a better way to enjoy them than to throw them on the grill. Grilling peaches brings out more of their flavor and you get little caramelized bits that are sweet and decadent. Add a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of sea salt and some ice cream – nothing can compare!

• Ripe peaches
• Canola oil
• Vanilla ice cream
• Honey and sea salt for finishing

Heat grill to medium high heat. Brush the peach halves with a touch of oil and place on the grill for a few minutes, and then rotate 90 degrees to continue to cook for about 3-4 minutes or until grill marks appear and the fruit starts to caramelize. Remove from the grill with a pair of tongs and serve with a scoop of ice cream. Drizzle with honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Bacon Wrapped Cheese Hot Dogs

• Hot dogs
• 1/2 Cup shredded cheese
• Sliced Bacon
• Hot dog buns, toasted

Preheat grill to low. Wrap a piece of bacon around each hot dog, starting at one end, fixing it in place with a toothpick skewered all the way through the bacon and hot dog, and spiraling it around the hot dog to the other end where another toothpick is pushed through to hold it in place. Repeat until all the hot dogs are wrapped in bacon. Place the hot dogs on the hot, clean grill and let them cooking, turning and repositioning as necessary, until the bacon is chewy/crisp, or about 8 minutes.

Happy summer and happy grilling!