Clean Grillin’

Now that we’re in the peak of the grilling season I hope these things give you the incentive to take good care of your grill. I know I’m going to do a better job with mine.

Smokey-Sweet Barbecue Sauce

This Smokey-Sweet Barbecue Sauce is a great addition to your recipe collection. This can be made spicier with the addition of cayenne. I kept mine mild and spiced it up for my husband.

Baked Pork Loin Kebabs

It may be grilling season, and for some it’s ALWAYS grilling season.  Maybe you don’t have access to a grill, or maybe you just don’t want to fire that grill up but want to feel like you’re eating grilled food.  At least sort of. So, here’s my rendition of baked kebabs. Of course, you could grill these but let’s look at a baked option.

Grilled Asian Salmon

When my husband is in the mood for Asian food, this is his favorite dish: It’s a super easy dish, so it doesn’t take much to talk me into it.

Grilled Shrimp “Scampi”

Grilled shrimp is a delicious summer treat. Enjoy this easy and tasty recipe!

Blistered Tomatoes

Sometimes the simplest things are the best. I am offering up two options for grilled veggies.

‘Cue Tips

For lots of people, cooking in the summer revolves around the barbecue. The stereotypical vision is a guy with a slightly rounded belly standing barbecue ready, favorite beverage in one hand and a long tong in the other. The grill is smoking away behind him.

Lamb Kebabs (Z2 Version)

Marinating lamb beforehand adds a depth of flavor that can't be beat. And when it's grilled, it's phenomenal. So, if you like lamb, this recipe is a home run.

Dave’s Grilled Anaheim Peppers

This recipe was submitted by dieter Dave, who is an avid gardener and serious grill-master. He grows his own peppers and likes this recipe because it is so simple - and always delicious. Even though this recipe calls for Anaheim peppers, you can use any type of pepper that suits your fancy. 

Seared and Roasted Burgers

My favorite technique for cooking low-fat burgers is to quickly sear the burger and finish it by roasting it in the oven. Here’s the recipe for seared burgers that are then oven-roasted.

BBQ Ranch Sauce (Smear) for Burgers

This will go well with beef burgers or even ground chicken breast burgers or grilled chicken breasts; even a steak.

How to Successfully Make Low Fat Burgers

One of the tricks to making good burgers when you’re in ZReduction on Plan Z is to find a way to keep them as moist and juicy as possible. This is my favorite technique and recipe for cooking a low-fat burger.

Grilled Romaine

Okay, don’t freak on me. Grilled romaine is really good and tastes better than it looks. Impress your guests with something they’ve probably never had before.

Cajun Butter Steak

My version of this steak is done by searing and roasting the meat. You can also choose to do this on the grill. Choose your favorite steak cut. It was a special occasion at our place, so I used beef tenderloin.

Grilled Eggplant

I have decided the grilled Chinese eggplant tastes better than potato chips! Even better than French fries! And it’s so easy.

Asian Barbecue Salmon (Roasted or Grilled)

Ever made your own BBQ sauce? Here's a quick, easy and delicious recipe for a home made option.

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan

A nice, summery meal that can also be eaten in cooler months. You can make this in a grill pan or on an outdoor grill.  This is much lighter and lower carb than the breaded and fried version.

Barbecue Burgers – Zola Style

There’s no way to use a commercial sauce for barbecued meats. They ALL have copious amounts of sugar in them. I know. I checked every bottle in the store, so I set about to come up with a rub and a sugarless barbecue sauce for Plan Z.

Grilled Italian Veggies with Steak

This is super easy. A great summer entrée that comes together in a flash.

Grilled Peaches

I adapted this recipe for Plan Z from one of Bobby Flay’s ideas. I love a good grilled peach in the summer. Even if you have a crowd over for a barbecue you can grill up a bunch of these in a jiffy and everyone will enjoy a healthy dessert.

Ranch Chicken

This chicken is super moist and yummy. The ranch dressing gives it a gourmet feel without any work at all!

International Steak Marinade

A great but simple marinade contributed by Dieter Insider Amy.

Grilled Baby Lobster Tails with a Shallot Tomato Salad

Fancy on the budget, fancy on the fare, light on the calories, and delicious in the air! This dish will make you feel spoiled, even when you are on a diet.

Grilled Tuna with an Asian Flair

Tuna is a hearty piece of fish full of antioxidants and protein. This meal will leave you full and satisfied.

Lemon-Garlic Chicken Kebabs on Top of a Chopped Salad

Grilling makes Plan Z easy and popular. This dish can be served to a whole family or even as part of an outdoor cookout party.

Grilled Sausage and Summer Fruit Kebabs

This meal makes for a perfect summer barbecue. The sweetness of the apricot and plums melds nicely with the delicious meatiness of the sausage. Don't be afraid! Although it sounds strange these two ingredients compliment each other wonderfully.

Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Butter Sauce

I adapted this recipe for Plan Z from one of Bobby Flay’s ideas. I love a good grilled peach in the summer. Even if you have a crowd over for a barbecue you can grill up a bunch of these in a jiffy and everyone will enjoy a healthy dessert.

Quick Grilled Chicken and Veggies 4 Ways

This simply grilled chicken dish can be prepared in a variety of different styles--from French and Italian to Mexican and Asian. It makes for a perfect excuse to blow the dust of your grill and say hello to summer.

Steak Marinade #4

Summer grilling is not over yet. This one can be done on the grill, in the broiler, or follow my lead to sear it and roast it in your oven. The last option is used by French restaurants who serve steak.

Italian Grilled Steak with Balsamic Onions

Get out the grill! This is one way the Italians do steak. I took a Food Network recipe and Zolafied it to come up with this option for a healthy steak dinner.

Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa

This is a perfect way to start off the summer. Enjoy!

Salmon Burgers

These burgers will travel well as a leftover. I came up with this recipe when I saw fresh wild-caught salmon on sale at the grocery store.

Hillary Burgers

There was a restaurant in the late ‘70’s called Hillary’s. I used to get a craving for Hillary burgers so I ate them often so I decided I could make my own. This is the result.

Lemon and Garlic Chicken Kabobs

This dish serves up nicely as a hot or cold item. I had mine warm for dinner and then for lunch they were great cold. They travel well too.

Grilled Veggies with Pasta Sauce

For this recipe let's get out the grill. This pasta sauce tastes so fresh. It's really worth the effort to grill the veggies.

Chicken & Italian Sausage Kabobs

This offering is going to involve two recipes. One for chicken kabobs and one for Italian sausage kabobs. Both use the same glaze. You can make both flavors or choose one.

Grilled Cajun Tuna Steaks with a Mustard Smear and Tomato Salad

See how you can be “gourmet” and still be on a diet. My mission is always to make diet food that tastes good.

Grilled Chicken Parmesan

Today’s recipe is a really easy version of a summer, grilled chicken parmesan; only I changed it. Everyone talks about de-constructing recipes these days.

Barbecue Chicken – Z3 Style

There’s no way to use a commercial sauce for barbecued meats. They ALL have copious amounts of sugar in them. I know, I checked every bottle in the store.

Barbecue Ribs – Zola Style

There’s no way to use a commercial sauce for barbecue ribs. They ALL have copious amounts of sugar in them. I know.

Orange-Saffron Shrimp Kebobs

This recipe was contributed by Plan Z dieter Karen. “The shrimp was delectable last night and I wanted to share the recipe, so here it goes!” - Karen

Grilled Tuna Nicoise Salad

A Nicoise salad is a French tradition. I have had to change it to adapt to Plan Z but the adjustments made for a delightful change.

Simple Grilled Tuna, Swordfish or Salmon Steaks

This recipe will work with any fish but why not try something different and grill some swordfish.

Grilled Fish with Mexican Slaw

This is a great dish on a hot night. Perfect for the novice cook. Also good enough to invite company over or make this for a new date you are trying to impress.

Grilled Fish with Fresh Fruit Salsa

This is a very light, Mexican meal. It’s great on a hot day… or anytime you have a hankering for fish tacos or a trip to the beach.

Barbecue Chicken – Zola Style

If you are not a major cook don’t worry. This looks harder than it is. Stick with this and you’ll love your chicken!

Thai Chicken Burgers with Asparagus Stir Fry and Wilted Greens

There’s no need for noodles or rice with this kind of Asian cooking.