Grilling with the Garden: 10 Father’s Day BBQ Recipes
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Celebrate Dad with bold herbs, fresh produce, and backyard flavor — straight from the garden to the grill.
Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, but this year, instead of reaching for store-bought marinades and prepackaged sides, why not lean into what’s growing just outside your door? Whether you’ve got pots of herbs on the porch, cherry tomatoes ripening on the vine, or a handful of summer squash tucked in your crisper, there’s something extra satisfying about building a Father’s Day meal around garden-fresh ingredients.
These 10 garden-inspired BBQ recipes bring together flavorful herbs, colorful veggies, and simple grilling techniques to create something both festive and grounded. Whether you’re making dinner for a family gathering or just spoiling Dad with his favorite flavors, each of these dishes celebrates the joy of cooking with what you grow.
1. Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
Fresh rosemary, oregano, and thyme create a deeply flavorful marinade for juicy grilled chicken thighs. Add garlic, lemon, and olive oil, and you’ve got a tender, savory main dish that pairs beautifully with just about any side.
💡 Use a heavy hand with the herbs — they shine best when bold.
Pairs well with: grilled zucchini or sourdough flatbread.
2. Rainbow Veggie Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Skewer up the best of your garden: cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, and squash brushed with olive oil and kissed with balsamic vinegar. Grill until charred and sweet.
🌈 A drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving takes it to the next level.
Serve with: herbed yogurt dip or chimichurri.
3. Grilled Corn with Basil Butter & Smoked Paprika
Garden-grown corn on the cob gets dressed in softened butter mixed with fresh basil and a touch of smoked paprika. Grill until slightly blistered and finish with flaky salt.
🌽 Try basil + garlic scape butter for a fun variation.
Perfect alongside: burgers, steak, or grilled tofu.
4. Garden Salsa with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes and Peppers
Throw tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, and garlic on the grill until charred, then blend into a smoky salsa that tastes like summer in a bowl.
🔥 A handful of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten everything.
Spoon it over: grilled meats, tacos, or eggs the next morning.
5. Zucchini & Eggplant “Steaks” with Herby Marinade
Thick-sliced zucchini and eggplant take on beautiful grill marks when brushed with a marinade of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and chopped parsley.
🍆 Salt and pat dry the eggplant first to avoid bitterness.
Optional: top with shaved Parmesan and fresh basil.
6. Sweet Corn and Tomato Gnocchi Skillet
Boil your gnocchi and toss it into a skillet with butter, frozen sweet corn, and cherry tomatoes. It’s quick, fresh, and a perfect meatless side that feels like a main.
🍅 Use frozen or fresh corn from the garden — either works beautifully.
Pairs well with: grilled sausages or shrimp.
7. Grilled Herb-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Mint Chimichurri
Pork tenderloin gets a garlicky marinade with rosemary and thyme, then grilled and topped with a fresh mint chimichurri.
🌿 Mint is wildly underrated in savory sauces — don’t skip it!
Serve with: grilled sweet potatoes or garden salad.
8. Stuffed Grilled Bell Peppers with Herbed Rice & Cheese
Halved garden bell peppers get filled with herby rice, chopped tomatoes, garlic, and cheese, then grilled until tender and bubbly.
🫑 Use red and yellow peppers for sweetness and color.
Make it hearty: add ground beef, lentils, or mushrooms.
9. Grilled Flatbread with Garden Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes
Grill flatbreads or naan, spread with homemade pesto from basil, parsley, or carrot tops, then top with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
🍕 Add grilled zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms for a garden pizza twist.
Garnish with: arugula and balsamic drizzle.
10. Spicy Honey-Lime Grilled Shrimp with Garden Herbs
Shrimp marinated in lime juice, honey, garlic, and chopped cilantro or oregano are skewered and grilled until golden and juicy.
🍤 Finish with a squeeze of lime and sprinkle of sea salt.
Serve over: rice, salad greens, or grilled polenta rounds.
Wrap-Up
With a little creativity and a basketful of herbs and veggies, your Father’s Day BBQ can go from basic to unforgettable — no store-bought sauces required. Whether you lean into the smoky sweetness of grilled corn, the bold flavors of garden chimichurri, or the simplicity of herb-marinated meats, these recipes are meant to celebrate everything you’ve grown and everyone you’re gathering.
🌿 Which recipe are you most excited to try?
Tag @SouthernSoils on Instagram or drop your garden-grill combos in the comments!
Looking for more summer cooking ideas? Start here:
