5 Fresh & Fun Spring BBQ Dinner Recipes with a Protein-Packed Twist

Spring is the perfect season to fire up the BBQ and get creative with fresh, seasonal ingredients. We've crafted five must-try recipes, each packed with flavor, balance, and high protein to keep you fueled and satisfied. Plus, each recipe includes a twist that takes these classics to the next level.

1. Herbed Flank Steak with Baby Potatoes and Charred Lemon Asparagus

Protein Punch: Flank steak is lean yet protein-rich, providing about 25g of protein per 4-oz serving.

The Twist: Topped with a bright chimichurri sauce made from parsley, cilantro, garlic, and a splash of red wine vinegar for a fresh pop of flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 1.5 lbs flank steak

• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved

• 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed

• 2 lemons, halved and grilled

• Chimichurri sauce (blend parsley, cilantro, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and chili flakes)

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Prep the Steak: Season the flank steak generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika.

2. Grill the Sides: Toss baby potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap in foil and grill for 15 minutes. Grill asparagus for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, and finish with a squeeze of charred lemon.

3. Cook the Steak: Grill steak 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing across the grain.

4. Serve with chimichurri, potatoes, and asparagus for a fresh, zesty spring meal.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Calories: 410

• Protein: 34g

• Carbs: 18g

• Fat: 22g

2. Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs with Grilled Bell Peppers and Sweet Potato Rounds

Protein Punch: Chicken thighs deliver approximately 21g of protein per 4-oz serving, with juicy tenderness.

The Twist: A glaze of honey, garlic, and paprika with a touch of cayenne for sweet, smoky heat.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

• 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), cut into thick strips

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into ½-inch rounds

• Honey glaze (mix honey, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, olive oil, and lime juice)

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Prep the Glaze: Whisk honey, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, and olive oil for the glaze.

2. Grill Sweet Potatoes: Brush slices with olive oil and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and charred.

3. Marinate and Grill Chicken: Brush thighs with honey glaze and grill 5-6 minutes per side, basting as they cook. Add bell peppers to the grill for the final 5 minutes.

4. Serve with grilled sweet potato rounds and an extra drizzle of glaze.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450

• Protein: 36g

• Carbs: 30g

• Fat: 18g

3. Garlic Herb Pork Chops with Rainbow Veggie Skewers

Protein Punch: Lean pork chops pack 26g of protein per 4-oz chop.

The Twist: Sprinkle pork chops with an herbed garlic butter post-grill for a luxurious finish.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 4 bone-in pork chops

• Mixed vegetables for skewers (zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and mushrooms)

• Garlic herb butter (butter mixed with chopped parsley, thyme, garlic, and lemon zest)

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Season Pork Chops with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried rosemary.

2. Skewer Veggies: Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then assemble on skewers.

3. Grill the Pork & Veggies: Grill chops 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through. Add veggie skewers to the grill, cooking 4-6 minutes per side.

4. Finish with Herb Butter melted over the pork chops before serving for an added punch of flavor.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Calories: 370

• Protein: 31g

• Carbs: 12g

• Fat: 22g

4. Soy-Glazed Salmon Fillets with Garlicky Greens and Jasmine Rice

Protein Punch: Salmon offers approximately 24g of protein per 4-oz serving, along with healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

The Twist: A soy-honey glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, and fresh ginger in the greens adds a zingy kick.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 4 salmon fillets (4-5 oz each)

• 1 cup jasmine rice, cooked

• Soy glaze (mix soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and a hint of chili flakes)

• 2 cups kale or spinach

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Glaze the Salmon: Brush fillets with soy glaze.

2. Grill the Salmon skin-side down for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes.

3. Sauté Greens with olive oil, garlic, and ginger just until wilted.

4. Serve salmon over jasmine rice with garlicky greens for a nutrient-packed plate.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 37g

• Carbs: 28g

• Fat: 22g

5. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms and Halloumi with Fresh Herb Salad

Protein Punch: Portobello mushrooms and halloumi combine to deliver 20g of protein per serving.

The Twist: A lemony herb salad brings refreshing brightness to the rich, smoky flavors of this dish.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 4 large portobello mushrooms

• 8 slices halloumi

• Mixed fresh herbs (parsley, mint, and dill)

• 1 cup arugula

• 1 lemon, juiced

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Prep Mushrooms by brushing with olive oil and seasoning generously.

2. Grill Mushrooms & Halloumi for 3-4 minutes per side, just until the mushrooms soften and halloumi develops golden grill marks.

3. Toss the Herb Salad with arugula, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

4. Plate It Up with the mushrooms and halloumi topped with the fresh herb salad.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Calories: 340

• Protein: 20g

• Carbs: 8g

• Fat: 26g

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of spring with these BBQ recipes that combine seasonal ingredients, high-quality proteins, and creative twists. Whether you're a steak lover, a pescatarian, or a vegetarian, these dishes have something exciting for everyone!