At SportPort Active, we believe you can enjoy great flavor and smart nutrition. We’ve scoured top chefs and food sites to bring you trendy, healthy grilling recipes perfect for celebrating Dad—with flare!
Chicken & Pineapple Kebabs
Inspiration: Andrea Cohen’s lean-and-mean kebabs—light, flavorful, and kid-approved.
Why Chef Loves It: “Combines lean chicken with sweet pineapple for a sizzling sweet–savory combo that’s as fun to eat as it is nutritious.”
Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp honey
• Pinch cayenne
• Salt & pepper
Instructions:
1. Whisk oil, lime, honey, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken & veggies 20 mins.
3. Thread onto skewers alternating colors and pineapple.
4. Grill over medium heat 10–12 minutes, turning until cooked.
5. Serve on platter or over greens.
Calories: ~220 kcal per skewer
Inspiration: Giada De Laurentiis’s protein-rich, trendy salmon bites.
Why Giada Loves It: “High in omega-3s and vitamin B12, these are not only healthy—they're Instagram-ready.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb salmon, cubed
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp ponzu
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp chopped scallions
• 6 nori sheets, cut to fit muffin tins
• 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix mayo, honey, ponzu, sesame oil, scallions. Toss with salmon cubes.
3. Line muffin tin with nori; add 1 tbsp rice, top with seasoned salmon.
4. Bake 18 minutes until salmon is done.
5. Garnish with extra scallions.
Calories: ~180 kcal per cup
Cajun-Style St. Louis Spareribs
Inspiration: Katie Workman’s flavorful ribs, a festive Father’s Day center piece.
Why Katie Loves It: “An overnight rub creates tender, deep flavor—ideal for celebrating Dad!”
Ingredients:
• 2 racks St. Louis spareribs (~4 lb)
• Dry rub: 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, pinch cayenne, salt & pepper
• BBQ sauce: 1 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp molasses, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp mustard
Instructions:
1. Rub ribs thoroughly and refrigerate 8–12 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 275°F; bake ribs on foil 3 hrs until tender.
3. Mix sauce; baste ribs and grill or broil until caramelized (5–7 min each side).
4. Slice between bones and serve.
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Recipe Round-Up: Balanced BBQ Menu Sides
Bang Bang Broccoli Salad
A vibrant, spicy side that’s perfect for backyard brunches—easy, flavorful, and colorful.
Why we love it:
Chef-inspired and wildly popular, this crunchy salad combines fresh broccoli with a creamy, zesty dressing. It’s quick to assemble and pairs beautifully with grilled proteins—ideal for those wanting flavor without fuss.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
• 2 large heads broccoli (~2 lb), cut into florets
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 2 tsp sriracha (or hot sauce of choice)
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional garnishes: 2 Tbsp fried onions, chili flakes
Instructions
1. Blanch or roast the broccoli until just tender-crisp. Let cool.
2. In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss broccoli in dressing until evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle with fried onions or extra chili flakes.
5. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Calories: Approx. 255 kcal per serving
A herb-packed, cozy side that’s healthy and full of flavor—ideal for BBQs or comfort-food cravings.
Why it’s great:
This veggie-forward twist on ranch flavor brings savory comfort to your table with minimal effort. The cauliflower roasts to golden perfection, infused with herbs and spices.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
• 6 cups cauliflower florets (~1 medium head)
• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley or chives)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Toss cauliflower with ranch dressing, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are golden and crispy.
5. Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh herbs, and serve warm.
Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese and Pistachios
This salad is an incredible blend of sweet, smoky, creamy, and crunchy, created by renowned chef Kimber Dean. It offers the perfect balance of nutrients, making it an ideal meal for active, health-conscious individuals.
Ingredients:
• 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Grill Peaches:
o Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
o Brush peach halves with olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper.
o Grill peaches, cut side down, until slightly caramelized and tender, about 4-5 minutes.
o Remove from grill and allow to cool, then slice each half into thin wedges.
2. Prepare Salad:
o In a large salad bowl, add mixed greens.
o Arrange grilled peach slices over the greens.
o Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese, chopped pistachios, and sliced basil evenly over the peaches.
3. Dress & Serve:
o Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
o Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
o Gently toss to combine and enjoy immediately.
Calories: Approx. 250-280 per serving
Why Go Healthy This Father’s Day?
✅ Lean proteins (chicken, salmon, lean ribs) support muscle health and active lifestyles.
🌱 Plenty of produce adds fiber, antioxidants, and freshness.
🔥 Smart grilling keeps heart health in check and flavor at peak.
Final Tips from Experts
• Portion smart: Aim for 4–6 oz lean protein, half plate veggies
• Marinate meats: Adds flavor and may reduce harmful compounds
• Grill mindfully: Avoid charring by grilling at moderate heat and flipping frequently
Celebrate with a getaway from grilling guilt—enjoy gorgeous flavors, vibrant health, and a meal Dad will savor.
Celebrate Dad & Nourish Your Crew
This Father’s Day, fire up the grill and treat Dad (and yourself!) to a cookout that’s indulgent yet wholesome. Pair your grill menu with SportPort Active's functional athleticwear—supporting your active lifestyle on and off the mat.
Happy Father’s Day and happy grilling!
More Fun Father’s Day Grilling Recipes!
Healthe Cooks/10 Healthy Grilling Recipes for Father's Day
Wheatgrass/Father’s Day Grilling Healthy BBQ Recipes
Damn Delicious 2025/15 Best Father's Day Recipes to Celebrate Dad
