Finally, FINALLY summer has arrived, and a delicious al fresco celebration is in order. So we compiled 12 of our all-time favorite grilling recipes that range from chicken to burgers, sausage to salmon, pineapple to peaches, and pizza to salads. This way, you can spend less time searching for something to cook this Memorial Day weekend, and more time actually enjoying the (fingers crossed!) nice weather. 

1. Grilled Greek Flatbread Pizza

We combined the classic, down-to-earth charm of pizza with the fancy-pants elegance of flatbread. And then we topped it with feta, olives, arugula, and other Greek(ish) foods. Oh — and we grilled it, too. Get the recipe here.

2. Grilled Romaine with Avocado, Corn, and Tomatoes

The firm, thick ribs of romaine lettuce are hearty enough to stand up to some heat, so don’t be afraid to grill ’em! Just cut the individual heads in half, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and throw over medium heat until slightly charred but not wilted, about 5 minutes. Top with creamy avocado, corn, diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of Parm, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and you’ve got yourself an appetizer (or veggie main) for the books.

3. Grilled Fish en Papillote

In traditional French “en papillote” cooking, food is sealed in parchment paper packets and then baked. Flavors mingle and intensify as the steam conducts heat and gently cooks what’s inside. Not only is there little to no cleanup, but it also makes for a stunning presentation as the folds of the packet are opened up like a present to reveal an elegant and aromatic result.

But because it’s summer, we’re swapping out the parchment paper for foil and trading in the oven for a grill. Get the recipes here.

4. Penne with Sausage, Corn, and Zucchini

This summery, fully-loaded pasta balances al dente penne with greens and tomatoes, then takes things over the top with smoky charred sausage and zucchini you can prepare on or off the grill. Get the recipe here.

5. Pesto Turkey Burgers with Melty Mozzarella and Lemony Roasted Carrots on the Side 

6. Creamy Lemon Salmon over Tomato Scallion Couscous 

7. Char-Grilled Barbecue Chicken with Creamy Green Bean and Potato Salad

These barbecue chicken thighs get beautifully smoky and charred on the grill (but are just as delicious if you’d rather make them in your oven). And because sometimes classics are better left as is, our chefs kept it simple with traditional creamy potato salad and green beans on the side. Get the recipe here.

8. Za’atar Crusted Grilling Cheese with Sumac Roasted Veggies

Did you ever think you could grill cheese? We’re not talking about sandwiches, but about throwing a big hunk of cheese directly onto the heat (fry pan or grill) so the outsides get beautifully charred while the insides get warm and melty. In this recipe, the cheese is dredged in fragrant za’atar — a Middle Eastern herb blend speckled with thyme, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, oregano, marjoram, and pepper — and served on top of bubbly couscous, tender zucchini, and onion. Get the recipe here.

9. Tropical Fish Tacos with Mango Cabbage Slaw and Chipotle Crema

There’s an unexpected but quite delightful surprise hidden in these tacos: slivers of golden, nectar-sweet mango. The fruit is tucked into a crisp and tangy red cabbage slaw, providing a dazzling contrast to the spice-rubbed warmth of the tilapia (which can absolutely be grilled en papillote) and chipotle smoke in the sour cream drizzle. And even better, all that goodness comes together in a flash; you can have these tacos on the table in just 20 minutes. Get the recipe here.

10. Melty Monterey Jack Burgers with Red Onion Jam and Crispy Zucchini

There are burgers, and then there are THESE burgers — loaded with oozy, melty Monterey Jack cheese and jammy balsamic onions, with crispy breaded zucchini on the side. Get the recipe here. 

11. Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Whipped Cream

The vibrantly sweet, tropical fruit only gets better with some char marks, so learn how to grill pineapple in a few easy steps here and enjoy every juicy bite.

12. Sweet Grilled Peaches with Berries

Keep that grill on all the way through dessert. For a fruity end to the meal, place peach halves cut side up on heavy-duty foil. Top with blueberries, honey, butter, and lemon juice before folding over the foil and sealing tightly. Grill, covered, over medium-low heat until the peaches are tender, about 20 minutes. Don’t get too excited, though! Open up the foil slowly to allow the steam to gradually escape.

Did you know you can also skip the oven and actually grill brownies? This is NOT a drill. Get the drool-worthy recipe here (along with a whole lot more grilling recipes, tips, and tricks).