At Fresh Thyme Market, we look forward to summer all year round. Who doesn’t love the warmer days, fresh, seasonal produce, and lazy afternoons in the shade? We can hardly believe Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner, and with it, the official kick-off of grilling season! Because nothing says summer quite like firing up the grill for a good old-fashioned backyard barbecue.

 

While burgers, brats, and even quick-pickle dogs are always crowd-pleasers, there are many seasonally-inspired dishes to add color and flavor to your plate while upping your nutrient intake.

 

 

 

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Grilled Watermelon Pico de Gallo – This flavorful, grilled chicken takes only 30 minutes to marinate—making it an easy, tasty choice for your Memorial Day festivities. Marinades help tenderize meat, making the protein more easily digestible. Marinades also tend to be lower in fat, sodium, and calories than traditional bottled BBQ and steak sauces. With a nice char from the grill, and topped with fresh cilantro, lime, red onion, and watermelon, this dish tastes just like summer.

 

Tropical Grilled Shrimp and Scallop Kabobs – Ready for a taste of the tropics? Bring on the shrimp, scallops, fresh pineapple, and summer veggies for skewering! Our seafood kabobs are simple, delicious, and sure to be the star of your summer soiree. Opt for meatier fish like salmon, tuna, scallops, and shrimp for these kabobs, as these choices will stay firm and not crumble through your grill grates. Also, don’t skip the sesame coconut marinade here, and not only because it’s delicious. Always using a marinade or oil will prevent your fish from drying out or sticking to the grill. We love this dish served over a spring mix salad or a bed of Jasmine rice. Grass skirts optional.

 

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks — Grilled cauliflower is always a hit for vegetarians and omnivores alike! This easily prepared, nutrient-dense summer veggie makes a great side or main dish. Simply slice, brush with olive oil, add your favorite Fresh Thyme herbs and spices, garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, and serve! You’ll know your cauliflower is perfectly cooked when it’s easily pierced, tender to the touch, and charred on both sides. The grill gives this familiar veggie some added sweetness, and the smokiness from the grill will have you making this dish on repeat.

 

Succulent Homemade Chicken Burgers — Pick up a pack of ground chicken and bring some patties to the party with homemade chicken burgers! Ground chicken is a lean source of protein and contains many essential nutrients while having lower calorie and fat content than other popular grillable meats. We recommend dark meat for a juicier—but still lean—bite. Seasoned with fresh green apple, dijon mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper, this chicken burger is flavorful and juicy. We love this burger in a traditional bun or wrapped in lettuce to make it gluten-free friendly. As for toppings, we love arugula, sliced tomato, and onion. If you’re feeling extra creative, try our Cherry Tomato Aioli recipe to wow your taste buds and guests.

 

Make this Memorial Day holiday the ultimate backyard bash with some of these “better-for-you” grilling options. Share your favorite bites on social media and tag us @freshthymemarket! We’d love to see how you celebrate.