Grilling 101: My Go-To Summer Recipes + Must-Have Tools

Because Girls Can Grill Too

Today marks the first day of June which means we’re officially in one of my favorite seasons: grill season. There’s just something about food on the grill, a warm breeze, and a glass of wine in hand that feels so right.

This time of year, I’m all about simple, flavorful meals that come together quickly but still feel nourishing and fun. And listen… I know grilling can feel intimidating, but I’m here to say it’s not just for the guys. We’re bringing together the girls who grill!

I’ve rounded up a few of my go-to grilling recipes along with the must-have tools that make it all easier (plus a few that honestly feel like grill hacks). These are my staples for easy summer cooking that looks as good as it tastes!

Before you even think about firing up the grill, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. From a solid meat thermometer to the trays and tongs I swear by, here’s everything you need to make prep easy, clean-up simple, and grilling way less intimidating.

Grill 101

This one may seem obvious, but investing in a grill that will last for years to come is key. I have the Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Grill, and it’s literally everything I wanted in a grill and more. I know it’s a splurge, but since I cook and develop recipes for a living, it’s been 100% worth it and has held up beautifully over time. If you're looking for a more affordable option or you're tight on space, I’d recommend a smaller Weber gas grill — they’re compact but still powerful enough to get the job done.

If you’re not sure which type of grill is right for you, here’s a quick breakdown:

• Gas grills are super convenient — they heat up quickly, are easy to control, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Charcoal grills give that classic smoky flavor and are great for those who love a more hands-on cooking experience.

• Pellet grills (like mine!) are a great hybrid — they give you that delicious wood-fired taste but are way more user-friendly than charcoal.

  

Once you’ve got your grill situation figured out, it’s time to stock up on the tools that make grilling feel EASY (and honestly, way more fun). These are the essentials I reach for every time I fire up the grill!

A Good Grill Brush – I just shared this one on IG stories and you guys went CRAZY for it. It’s stainless steel and bristle-free — so no worrying about any scary metal bits ending up in your food. It also comes with a wide scraper that makes cleaning your grill so much quicker. Truly one of those tools that makes a big difference!

Oven Mitts for Grilling – I fully believe that grilling calls for a specific pair of oven mitts. The regular kitchen ones just don’t cut it — you need something longer and thicker to protect your arms when you're reaching over an open flame. I grabbed this pair from Amazon recently and not only are they super durable, they’re actually cute too!

Grilling Tongs Set – This durable set is a must! It comes with stainless steel tongs and a turner designed for easy flipping, a non-slip grip, and even a built-in bottle opener.🤪 The silicone tool rest keeps things clean (your grill needs a spoon rest too! haha)

Smart Meat Thermometer – This little gadget changed my grilling game. It connects to your phone so you can keep an eye on the temp without constantly checking! No more guessing if your meat is done!

Barbecue Skewers – You guys know I’m all about making food look pretty and cook evenly. These skewers are reusable, easy to flip on the grill, and perfect for loading up with colorful veggies, meat, or whatever you’re feeling. They’re one of my go-to’s for summer dinners!

Let’s talk upgrades: once you’ve got the basics down, a few fun extras can take your grill game to the next level. These are the little add-ons I’ve found that make grilling easier, more flavorful, and honestly… way more fun!

Grill Baskets - Grill baskets are a total game changer when you want to cook smaller or delicate veggies without losing them through the grates. I love how easy they make grilling things like peppers or even shrimp!

Steel Griddle - It’s perfect for cooking breakfast foods, pancakes, or even fajitas without worrying about anything sticking or falling through the cracks. Plus, it adds a whole new way to use your grill beyond just burgers and steaks! My favorite one is from MadeIn!

Vertical Spit - I’ve been obsessed with using my vertical spit. And even though you guys have seen me use it in the oven, it can also be used on the grill! It’s perfect for making restaurant-style chicken, shawarma, or even gyros right at home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back!

Grill Tray - Hear me out, I’m all about protecting my kitchen stuff and making it last, so even though I could just use a regular pan, I always use a grill-specific tray. It keeps my other pans safe from the heat and any grill debris. Mine’s a simple Amazon find, no frills but it gets the job done every time!

Now that we’ve covered all the grilling basics from must-have tools to the little upgrades that make a big difference, it’s time for the fun part: the food. I’m sharing three of my go-to grill recipes that are easy, insanely flavorful, and total crowd-pleasers. These are the ones I come back to again and again, and I just know you’re going to love them too.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

These are a staple in my house all summer long. The marinade is SO good—just a little sweet, a little savory, and super easy to throw together. I love serving them with some grilled veggies and rice, and boom, dinner’s done. Make extra because everyone always goes back for seconds.

Bang Bang Corn

This is grilled corn but make it extra. The sauce is creamy, a little spicy, and totally addictive. I started making this as a side for BBQ nights and now it’s what people ask for every time. Just trust me and double the batch.

Grilled Lemon Salmon Skewers

If you want something that feels fancy but takes no time, this is it. The lemon and spices add so much flavor, and the red onions get all caramelized on the grill—SO GOOD. I like to keep it simple and pair them with a big salad or some roasted potatoes.

Before I sign off, I just want to say that if grilling has ever felt a little intimidating, I get it. I used to think I needed a ton of fancy tools or some kind of secret sauce (literally) to get it right. But once you get the hang of a few basics, it’s actually so fun and way easier than it seems. Plus, there’s something kind of magical about cooking outside and making meals that bring everyone together.

If you’ve got a go-to grill hack or a recipe you swear by, hit reply or drop a comment! I’m always looking for new inspo and would love to hear what’s been working for you!

Happy Grilling!

Xo, Nicole