15 Healthy Grilled Dishes for Weight Loss
As someone who loves delicious food but is also focused on staying healthy and maintaining a balanced diet, I’ve found that grilling is one of the best ways to cook healthy meals. Grilling allows food to retain its natural flavors without the need for excess oil or fat.
Plus, it’s quick and easy! Over the years, I’ve experimented with grilling lean proteins, veggies, and even fruits, and each dish has been both nutritious and satisfying.
If you’re looking to shed some pounds or simply eat healthier, here are my top 5 healthy grilled dishes that are perfect for weight loss. They’re light, full of flavor, and can be enjoyed guilt-free!
1. Grilled Chicken Breast with Lemon and Herbs
This grilled chicken breast is packed with protein and flavored with a light marinade of lemon and herbs. It’s a simple, healthy dish that’s perfect for weight loss.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
2. Grilled Veggie Skewers
These veggie skewers are a colorful and nutrient-dense option. The grilling enhances the natural flavors, and they’re light yet satisfying, making them perfect for a healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating as you go.
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, until vegetables are tender.
- Serve with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
3. Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
This grilled salmon is rich in healthy fats and protein, and the avocado salsa adds a refreshing, creamy topping. It’s a perfect dish for weight loss, packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix avocado, tomato, lime juice, and cilantro to make the salsa.
- Serve the grilled salmon topped with avocado salsa.
4. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
These grilled Portobello mushrooms are meaty and satisfying, making them an excellent plant-based alternative to meat. They’re also low in calories, perfect for weight loss.
Ingredients:
- 4 large Portobello mushrooms
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the stems from the mushrooms and brush both sides with olive oil.
- Season with garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Grill mushrooms for 5-7 minutes per side, until tender.
- Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
5. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
These grilled shrimp tacos are light, flavorful, and packed with lean protein. The shrimp cook quickly and are served with a tangy cabbage slaw for a fresh, low-calorie meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Toss the shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage with lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the slaw.
- Assemble the tacos by placing grilled shrimp in tortillas and topping with the cabbage slaw.
6. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
These grilled lemon herb chicken thighs are juicy, full of flavor, and perfect for a healthy meal. Marinated in a mix of lemon, garlic, and herbs, they offer a deliciously light option that’s packed with protein.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken thighs in the mixture for 15-20 minutes.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with a side of grilled veggies or a light salad.
7. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
These grilled sweet potato wedges are smoky, slightly sweet, and a healthy side dish perfect for weight loss. They’re packed with fiber and vitamins, making them both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the sweet potatoes for 4-5 minutes per side until they are tender and lightly charred.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light yogurt dip for extra flavor.
8. Grilled Zucchini and Squash
This grilled zucchini and squash is an easy, low-calorie dish full of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s light, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with any grilled protein.
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
- 2 yellow squashes, sliced lengthwise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Toss zucchini and squash slices with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the vegetables for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and grill marks appear.
- Serve immediately with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
9. Grilled Tilapia with Mango Salsa
This grilled tilapia with fresh mango salsa is light, refreshing, and a great source of lean protein. The sweet and tangy salsa complements the delicate fish, creating a delightful dish perfect for weight loss.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 mango, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the tilapia fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- For the salsa, mix diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Serve the grilled tilapia fillets topped with mango salsa.
10. Grilled Chicken and Veggie Salad
This grilled chicken and veggie salad is a vibrant, healthy option that’s low in calories but high in protein and fiber. It’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for weight loss and packed with fresh flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- In a large bowl, toss cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, and mixed greens.
- Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the salad. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette before serving.
11. Grilled Turkey Burgers
These grilled turkey burgers are a lean, protein-packed alternative to traditional beef burgers. They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy meal without the excess fat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and onion for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into 4 patties.
- Grill the turkey burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve on whole wheat buns with lettuce, tomato, and onion.
12. Grilled Eggplant Steaks
Grilled eggplant steaks are a hearty, satisfying plant-based dish that’s full of flavor. They’re a great low-calorie option and can be paired with a variety of toppings or sauces.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants, cut into thick slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Grill the eggplant for 3-4 minutes per side, until tender and grill marks appear.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, if desired, before serving.
13. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon
Grilled asparagus with lemon is a quick and healthy side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. It’s high in fiber and low in calories, making it perfect for a weight-loss-friendly diet.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the asparagus for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and slightly charred.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest before serving.
14. Grilled Fish Tacos
These grilled fish tacos are light, refreshing, and packed with lean protein. The fish is grilled to perfection and paired with a simple cabbage slaw for a healthy, low-calorie meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the fish fillets with olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through and easily flaked.
- In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, apple cider vinegar, and cilantro.
- Assemble the tacos by placing grilled fish in tortillas and topping with the cabbage slaw.
15. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Grilled cauliflower steaks are a hearty, flavorful vegetarian option that’s perfect for weight loss. The cauliflower becomes tender and slightly caramelized on the grill, making it a satisfying, low-calorie dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into thick slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the cauliflower steaks for 5-6 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
