Grilling with California style is fresh and fun! The key is creativity and a willingness to try new things.
We’re all about health and wellness in California.
Why We Grill In California
Did you know outdoor grilling is generally a year-round activity out here on the west coast. The reason being, the weather is generally cooperative and it is so easy! We grill at least once a week and far more often in the summer and fall. Why? The short answer is that’s it’s hot!
Our family home is near the beach and while we may be lucky in that regard, we have never seen fit to add air conditioning to our home. The ocean breezes are steady and keep us comfortable most of the time. Living in an incredibly expensive state, you have to make compromises at times.
That being said, turning on the oven is the quickest way to clear out the family who instantly go running for the patio. Yes, the stove turns comfy California living into an absolute sweatbox! Hence, we grill A LOT in the summer and fall seasons.
Health and Wellness, Why Grilling Is A Lifestyle Choice
Why the focus on health and wellness? We are all affected in one way or another with dietary restrictions, allergies, preferences and so much more. Several of our contributors deal with medical conditions that have an effect on them and their families on a daily basis. Remember our post about Special Diets? It highlights why simple meals are essential for dealing with special diets for you or those of your guests. Consequently, grilling is the perfect solution!
Grilling adds fun and conversation to preparing a meal. It gets you outside in the fresh air and allows for simple preparations. We use less additives when we grill fresh produce and proteins. With the use of hardwoods, you can add woody flavor instead of through bottled sauces. Marinades from simple ingredients like herbs, citrus, red onions and peppers all add tremendous flavor without artificial sugars or excessive amounts of sodium.
With that in mind the pins and recipes below are some of our favorites that we think you’re going to want to try!
Grilling Pins On Pinterest
Now, not being a recipe blogger or chef, I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite grilling dishes that have that California vibe you’d expect from our team.
In addition, we have a California Health & Wellness board on Pinterest that you may want to follow with our own articles and posts but we also include other favorites as well.
A Few Favorite Grilling Recipes and Pins
Grilling Starters and Sides
- Mexican Street Corn (Elotes). This approach to an ear of corn will have you experimenting in no time. The corn is grilled then lightly coated with Mexican Crema or a mayo mixture, typically infused with garlic. Top with cotija cheese (a crumbly white Mexican cheese) and sprinkle with chili powder. This super easy recipe from Sunday Supper Movement is pinned to our California Health and Wellness Pinterest Board, but we’ve linked directly to their site as well.
- Romaine Hearts Grilled. I know it sounds weird but a warm salad fresh off the grill is a refreshing take on the ordinary. It’s our summery Caesar Salad. This recipe is quick and easy. Just hit “Jump To Recipe” for the recipe card from Seeking Good Eats. Grab our recipe card down below for Caesar dressing made from scratch to top this one off!
- Grilled Sweet Potatoes. A little olive oil, lime juice and kosher salt are plenty in elevating a bland potato side dish to something to chat about. This recipe from Simply Recipes will get you started.
Mains for the Grill
- Lime Cilantro Chicken from the Grill. Averie Cooks has several recipes for marinades and some great grilling tips as well. Lime and Cilantro are staples in California cuisine and thus this recipe for Lime Cilantro Chicken is the simplest and tastiest we’ve found.
- Salmon Burgers with Avocado. I grew up on a tight budget and mom used canned salmon to make salmon burgers. At that time, it was actually tastier than ground beef and easier on the budget. Kim’s Cravings has lots of healthy versions of your favorite recipes but this recipe for Salmon Burgers is outstanding!
- Grilled Cauliflower Steak. Admittedly this is either a side or a main but I’ve reduced animal protein intake by more than half with substitutions like these. It was necessary for health reasons but it has the added side benefit of changing up what’s on the plate. The flavors are usually great and I feel so much better. Cauliflower steak is one that makes a regular appearance in our household and we tracked down this grilling recipe from Gimme Some Grilling to help you enjoy it too.
Grilled Sweets?
- Honey Mascarpone Over Grilled Peaches. Who wants to bake when you can grill! In all honestly, I’m not much a baker but I do love desserts that allow me to avoid the oven, especially in summer time. Peaches on the grill fulfill that strategy perfectly. The recipe and tips from Erhardts Eat is simple with options if honey isn’t your thing.
- Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar & Sea Salt. Maybe it’s just me but I’m always wanting to eat things that remind me of places I’ve been. I absolutely adore pineapple. It reminds me of trips to Hawaii and beachy towns with fun drinks. Back in the real world at home, I don’t get to use it all that often. I found Hey Grill, Hey with a terrific recipe for Grilled Pineapple and even a whole page dedicated to choosing a grill.
Garnishes and Dressings
Interestingly, avocado Is the Go-To Garnish in California. If you don’t believe the mighty avocado is a food staple in California then simply type California cooking into Pinterest. Avocados are everywhere and on everything! It’s not just for tacos! Keep this in mind when you’re doing the weekly shopping or planning the next grilling meal. It’s just one food trend we wrote about in 3 Tasty California Food Trends You Need To Know About.
Savvy Tip! Keep a few avocados on hand, especially if you are hosting. Also, did you know you you can freeze avocados???
Our Creamy Caesar Dressing
Savvy Tip! When you can, do it from scratch.
Caesar dressing is so much better when you make it from scratch with real sardines. The sardines basically melt away and become a creamy and flavorful part of this dressing (not fishy at all). It is a step above the bottle you’ll appreciate!
