Looking for a healthier way to fire up the grill this summer?

Fresh produce can completely transform your cookout with color, flavor, and lighter dishes everyone will love. From charred vegetables and smoky salads to grilled sweetness-enhancing fruit desserts and better-for-you sides, grilling season is the perfect time to bring more plants to the table without sacrificing satisfaction.

Whether you’re planning backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or weekend gatherings with family and friends, these simple tips and produce-packed recipe ideas from Dole will help you grill smarter all season long.

1. Start with a clean grill

To preserve the flavor of delicate vegetables and fruits, always begin with clean grill grates. Brush racks thoroughly before cooking to help prevent sticking and unwanted flavors.

2. Oil before the heat

Lightly coat grill grates with oil before turning on the heat to reduce flare-ups and help vegetables cook evenly.

3. Give vegetables a light coating of oil

Toss produce with a little olive oil before grilling to keep vegetables from drying out and help seasonings stick.

4. Use a grill basket for smaller produce

Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and smaller vegetables grill beautifully in a nonstick grill basket without slipping through the grates.

5. Think beyond the basics

Peppers, zucchini, corn, mushrooms, asparagus, and eggplant are grill favorites, but don’t stop there. Romaine lettuce, watermelon, peaches, pineapple, and even avocados become incredibly flavorful over the flames.

6. Keep seasoning simple

A drizzle of olive oil, sea salt, fresh herbs, or citrus juice is often all grilled produce needs to shine. Chef’s Tip: try a drizzle of balsamic reduction

7. Pair seafood with fresh vegetables

Seafood and produce are a natural summer match.

Suggested recipe link:
Grilled Lemon Shrimp with Greens Tzatziki

8. Try foil packet grilling

For easy cleanup, toss vegetables with olive oil and herbs, wrap in foil, and grill until tender. 

9. Add smoky flavor with wood planks

Cedar, maple, and alder planks can add subtle smoky flavor to grilled vegetables and seafood.

10. Upgrade your skewers

Skewers make grilling fun, colorful, and portion-friendly. These Easy BBQ Kabobs couldn’t be simpler.

11. Meal prep while you grill

Make extra grilled vegetables for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls later in the week.

12. Don’t skip grilled fruit dessert

Grilling naturally caramelizes fruit sugars for an easy summer dessert. Our Tropical Grilled Split takes dessert to another level.  

13. Build a produce-packed summer spread

Fresh salads and slaws help balance richer grilled dishes. We highly suggest this fan favorite  Watermelon and Shaved Ricotta Salata.   

14. Try meatless grilling

Plant-forward grilling options continue to trend and deliver satisfying flavor, and this Vegan Smash Burger is no exception.  

15. Prep safely

Always use separate cutting boards for raw meats and fresh produce.

16. Yes, grilled salad is a thing

A quick char adds incredible texture and smoky flavor to leafy greens – especially when you add a sweet note from pineapple which you’ll find in our Dole Tropi-Grill Salad.

17. Soak bamboo skewers first

Soaking skewers for 15 minutes helps prevent burning on the grill.

18. Group similar vegetables together

Different vegetables cook at different speeds, so skewering similar produce together helps everything grill evenly.

19. Grill your pizza

Grilled flatbreads and pizzas are an easy summer entertaining win.

20. Make vegetables the star

Produce-forward grilling can be hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor especially when you add mushrooms to meat dishes, like in this Grilled Mushroom Chicken Burger.

21. Get kids involved

Kids are more likely to enjoy healthy foods when they help prepare them. Let younger children assemble fruit skewers or shuck corn while older kids help prep vegetables.

22. Upgrade your condiments

Fresh salsa, chimichurri, hummus, and pickled vegetables add brightness and flavor to grilled meals. Check out the variety of salsa’s we have on dole.com to upgrade your next grilling spread.  

23. Master grilled seafood

Fish grills quickly and pairs perfectly with fresh produce for a meal that comes together in minutes.   

24. Finish with herbs and citrus

Fresh herbs, lemon, lime, and orange juice instantly brighten grilled dishes.

25. Serve refreshing summer drinks

Light dishes pair perfectly with sparkling water, fruit spritzers, and smoothie-style beverages.

Published June 1st 2026