What fruits are best for grilling?

Firmer fruits that hold their shape and aren’t overly ripe work best for grilling. Stone fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines are popular choices because their natural sugars caramelize well. Pineapple and watermelon also grill nicely due to their thick texture. Pears with firmer flesh are great too. Smaller or softer fruits like berries can be grilled when threaded onto skewers to prevent falling through the grill grates.

How do you prepare fruit for grilling?

Start by washing and drying the fruit thoroughly. Cut it into even, manageable pieces, usually about 1 to 2 inches thick, to ensure they cook evenly without falling apart. For fruits with pits, remove the stones first. Lightly coat the fruit with oil or a marinade to prevent sticking and add flavor. Preheating the grill to medium-high heat will help achieve nice grill marks and caramelization.

How long should fruit be grilled?

Most fruits require about 3 to 5 minutes per side on a medium-high grill. The exact time depends on the type and thickness of the fruit slices. You’re looking for softened fruit with caramelized grill marks but not mushy texture. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as grilled fruit can quickly become overly soft and lose its structure.

Can grilled fruit be used in savory dishes?

Yes, grilled fruit adds a sweet and smoky dimension to many savory dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or pork, can be added to salads for a burst of flavor, or served alongside cheese and charcuterie. Adding herbs like mint or basil enhances the savory-sweet contrast. Experimenting with spices such as chili powder or black pepper can also create unique flavor profiles.

Is grilled fruit healthy and how can it fit into a balanced diet?

Grilled fruit retains most of its vitamins and minerals while gaining natural sweetness through caramelization, which can reduce the need for added sugars. It’s a nutritious way to enjoy dessert or snacks and contributes fiber and antioxidants. Just be mindful of added sugars or syrups when marinating. Including a variety of grilled fruits can support a balanced diet and offer a tasty alternative to processed sweets.

Grilled Fruit Recipes With 2 Easy Tasty Methods to Try

Name: Grilled Fruit
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 peaches Add sweet, juicy flavor when grilled; – 2 nectarines; – 2 plums; – 1 pineapple; – 1 watermelon; – 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt; – 1 tablespoon honey; – 1 to 2 tablespoons water; – Optional: ice cream (dairy-free if desired); – 1/4 cup Greek yogurt Creates a creamy drizzle for topping

Ingredients

– 2 peaches Add sweet, juicy flavor when grilled

– 2 nectarines

– 2 plums

– 1 pineapple

– 1 watermelon

– 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 to 2 tablespoons water

– Optional: ice cream (dairy-free if desired)

– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt Creates a creamy drizzle for topping

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Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare Your Grill and Ingredients
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat for even cooking. Remove pits from peaches, nectarines, and plums, and peel the tough outer skins from pineapple and watermelon. Cut peaches, nectarines, and plums in half, and slice pineapple and watermelon into 1/2-inch planks or wedges.

For kabobs, cut all fruit into 1-inch cubes and thread them onto skewers. Wash your hands and keep everything clean to avoid any mess. For more ideas on fresh fruit dishes, check out our homemade mango ice cream recipe for inspiration.

2-Second Step: Grill the Fruit
Place the fruit or kabobs on the grill and cook for 3 minutes on each side until grill marks form. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as fruit can soften quickly. Use tongs to flip the pieces gently for the best results.

Once done, remove the fruit from the grill and let it cool for a moment. The total preparation time is 15 minutes, cook time is 6 minutes, and overall it takes about 21 minutes. Learn about the benefits of pineapple to see why it’s a great choice here.

3-Final Steps: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the grilled fruit plain, with a drizzle of honey yogurt made by mixing 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 to 2 tablespoons water, or with your favorite ice cream. Add tips like using firmer, less ripe fruits for better results and stone fruits for their thick skins. Grilled fruit can also be a breakfast topping with granola or a dessert option.

4- Wash and slice fruit evenly.

5- Brush with honey for extra flavor.

6- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

7- Drizzle with yogurt mixture.

8- Serve right away for the best taste.

Notes

🍑 Use firmer, less ripe fruits for optimal grilling and to prevent mushiness.
🍓 Thread smaller fruits like berries onto skewers for easy grilling.
🥭 Stone fruits and fruits with thicker skins grill best and hold up well.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 120 calories
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg