19 Jun 7 Healthy BBQ Ideas

If you’re in search of healthy BBQ ideas, look no further. Barbecues don’t have to be a nutritional disaster. Say goodbye to charred meat and white baps, here’s how to have a healthier BBQ.

7 HEALTHY BBQ IDEAS

SERVE HEALTHIER NIBBLES

Instead of crisps, olives and unroasted nuts make good nibbles for picking on whilst you wait for the main event. Make some kale crisps or serve a healthier dip, such as guacamole with vegetable crudités.

BE A MINDFUL MEAT EATER

Instead of opting for processed burgers and sausages from intensively farmed animals, invest in better meat. Coombe Farm offers organic BBQ boxes in sizes to cater for varying amounts of guests. If you’re planning a last minute BBQ and don’t have time to order, pop down to your local butcher (if you have one) or select organic / free range meat where possible. And don’t forget that fish is great on the BBQ too.

Cooking food, especially meat, over smoke and flames can create carcinogens. Aim to cook food for longer over a lower heat. Don’t burn food and clean the grill well after you’ve finished.

SWAP TO HEALTHIER SAUCES

Most traditional ketchups and BBQ sauces are high in sugar while most mayonnaise is made from refined seed oils. Instead, try healthy sauces from Dr Wills or healthy mayo from Hunter and Gather. Meats, fish and tofu can be marinaded in herbs, spices and citrus fruit zests combined with olive oil for flavour which will reduce your need for sauces.

Read more: How To Avoid Hidden Sugars

BE CREATIVE WITH SALADS

There are many delicious ingredients that can be added to salads so think beyond lettuce and cucumber. Great ingredients for jazzing up a salad include: pomegranate, spiralized courgette, walnuts, pine nuts, rocket leaves, fresh basil and mint. Or try this strawberry and avocado salad recipe.

DON’T FORGET VEGETABLES

Many of us tend to be so focussed on meat that we miss out on delicious barbecued vegetables. Peppers, aubergine, mushrooms and courgette work well cut into similarly sized pieces and cooked on skewers. Corn on the cob works well too.

RETHINK YOUR DRINK

If alcohol is often a key feature of your barbecue, offer some non alcoholic drink options too. Pitchers of infused waters will ensure everyone stays hydrated, try one of these three flavourful combinations from Marbella Club‘s Chef Andrés:

• Cucumber, green apple, thyme sprigs and lemon peel.
• Mango, lime, juniper berries and basil leaves.
• Pineapple, strawberry, ginger, mint leaves and star anise.

BARBECUE FRUIT FOR DESSERT

Slices of fresh pineapple are delicious barbecued. Or wait until the BBQ has died down leaving just white coals and place bananas onto it, leaving the skins on. Wait until the entire skin has turned black and they are soft to pinch then peel away the skin and eat. Barbecued fruit is delicious served with coconut milk yoghurt and topped with a drizzle of tahini and a sprinkle of cacao nibs.