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Easy tips for a healthier BBQ

Want to know how to grill up a storm and stay healthy at the same time? From choosing your meat to adding extra veg and finding fruity desserts, we've got all the recipes you need.

  1. Chicken

    First, start switching up the meat. This whole blackened spiced spatchcock chicken is a seriously impressive barbecue centrepiece – the fact that it is healthy is purely an added bonus. For easy individual servings, crispy dill and buttermilk chicken legs are sure to be a winner.

    Chicken
  2. Kebabs

    Swap steaks and hot dogs for a batch of crowd-pleasing kebabs, making the most of lean cuts of meat. Smoky sriracha beef kebabs use sirloin steak in a sticky spiced marinade, served with a quick-pickled cucumber salad. As a break from meat, serve up herby fish skewers with a mixture of succulent cod, salmon and king prawns for a seafood feast.

    Kebabs
  3. Seafood

    Add fresh seafood to your barbecue for some healthier griddled mains. These mojito prawn tacos are marinated in lime, paprika and garlic and wrapped up with a fresh cucumber and chilli salsa. For something more delicate, try these pretty prawn, mango and lettuce summer rolls with sweet barbecued mango and smoky prawns.

    Seafood
  4. Burgers

    It wouldn’t be a classic barbecue without burgers. Sneak in extra helpings of veg with these beef and mushroom burgers, or go fruity with juicy pork and pineapple burgers. For a veggie option, try spiced chickpea burgers with creamy houmous and charred red peppers.

    Burgers
  5. Vegetables

    The easiest way to make your barbecue better for you is to fill your plate with fresh veggie sides. Take your pick of summer veg – these courgette and asparagus ladders are easy to prep ahead for a crowd, or try Asian-inspired barbecued miso aubergine. Corn on the cob is a classic barbecue staple – brush with herby Parmesan butter for maximum flavour.

    Vegetables
  6. Potatoes

    Skip mayo-heavy potato salads for these lighter potato sides. Sweet potatoes are a great alternative – bake whole on the barbecue and stuff with smooth tahini yoghurt or griddle the potato in thick slices and toss into a salad with fennel, watercress and peppery radishes.

    Potatoes
  7. Desserts

    Having a healthier BBQ doesn’t mean you have to skip dessert. Stock up on plenty of fresh summer fruit and sear on a hot barbecue for a delicious sweet and smoky end to your feast. Try griddling slices of watermelon until charred or serve juicy strawberry skewers with a creamy dip.

    Desserts
  8. The extras

    Add healthy extra touches to your barbecue with homemade drinks, dips and sides so you can keep track of what you’re adding to your meal. Serve sweet iced tea for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, then griddle up some quick coriander flatbreads, perfect for wraps or dunking in dips.

    The extras