When the weather warms up, grilling season returns—and it’s one of the easiest ways to prepare quick, healthy meals packed with flavor. While burgers and brats often get most of the attention, the grill is also a great way to build balanced meals centered around lean proteins and
fresh seasonal produce.

A good place to start is by choosing a quality protein and building the meal around it. Lean options like chicken breast, salmon, shrimp, or steak pair well with a variety of grilled vegetables and nutrient dense carbohydrates.

Olivia Thiede, Hy-Vee Corporate Registered Dietitian, emphasizes the importance of balance when building meals on the grill. “Grilling season is a great opportunity to build nutritious, balanced meals by pairing lean proteins like chicken, fish, or beef with colorful vegetables and whole foods such as corn, quinoa, or potatoes. A simple way to structure your plate is to fill half with fruits and vegetables, one-quarter with lean protein, and one-quarter with whole grains. This combination provides essential nutrients that support energy, promote fullness, and contribute to overall health.”

For a simple, all-in-one option, try a sheet pan–style meal on the grill. Place chopped vegetables and your protein on a grill-safe pan or foil tray so everything cooks at once. Including a variety of different vegetables allows for greater nutrient profiles and diversity in your diet. Just toss them with olive oil, herbs, and spices to bring out their natural flavor while keeping cleanup minimal.

Skewers are another easy way to combine protein and produce into one flavorful meal. Pair lean proteins with colorful vegetables like zucchini, onions, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, and add fruit like pineapple for a touch of sweetness. A simple marinade made with olive oil, citrus juice, garlic, and herbs adds flavor without extra calories.

Grilling isn’t just for vegetables and proteins—fruits can shine on the grill too. The heat enhances their natural sweetness, making them a great addition to savory dishes or lighter seasonal meals.

Using herbs and spices is another easy way to boost flavor without extra calories. Ingredients like rosemary, thyme, garlic, and black pepper add bold taste, and some marinades may even help reduce harmful compounds formed when cooking at very high temperatures.

Grilling also creates opportunities to pair foods that help your body absorb nutrients more effectively. Thiede notes that “foods rich in vitamin C such as bell peppers, tomatoes, or citrus can enhance the absorption of iron from foods like grilled meats, beans, and lentils.” Simple pairings include topping grilled chicken with fresh tomato salsa or adding bell peppers to skewers.

Spring is also the perfect time to enjoy seasonal produce, with vegetables like asparagus, artichokes, and leafy greens at their peak, along with fruits like strawberries. In-season produce gives you an opportunity to save extra money on your grocery bill and enjoy fruits and vegetables at their best.

“As the weather warms up, grilling fresh produce is one of the easiest ways to elevate your meals with vibrant color, flavor and nutrition,” says Thiede. “I enjoy experimenting with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, asparagus and bell peppers as they develop a rich, caramelized flavor from the grill. Grilling fruits like pineapple and peaches add a naturally sweet touch that pairs beautifully with lean proteins. It’s a simple, delicious way to make spring and summer meals feel fresh, fun and full of nutrients!”

With a little creativity, the grill can be one of the healthiest tools in your kitchen—helping you
create fresh, flavorful meals all season long