Father’s Day is fast approaching – do you know how you are making Dad’s day extra special this year?
If your Dad considers himself the King of the Grill, what better way to treat him on Father’s Day than with a feast prepared on the barbecue!
We have put together our best barbecue recipes and tips to prepare for the big day and make it a success – with a little bit of planning and a lot of love mixed in, you’re sure to put a smile on Dad’s face this Father’s Day.
5 Easy Barbecue Recipes Dad Will Love
Here are some of our favorite grill-worthy Father’s Day dishes – and every one is a winner!
Bell Pepper Burgers
Homemade burger patties can’t be beat — especially when you can sneak fresh and healthy ingredients inside without Dad even noticing! Ready in 30 minutes, try throwing these Bell Pepper Burgers on the grill for Dad (and the whole family) to enjoy.
BELL PEPPER BURGERS: WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- NatureFresh™ Farms Bell Peppers
- Extra lean ground beef, chicken, or turkey
- Oats
- Red onion
- Barbecue sauce
- Egg
Build-Your-Own Tacos
Grill up your favorite proteins and veggies, then add them to a Build-Your-Own Tacos spread. Hard or soft shell, shrimp or chicken, sweet chili or ranch – whatever Dad prefers, make sure it’s an option!
BUILD-YOUR-OWN-TACOS: WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- NatureFresh™ Farms Red Bell Pepper
- TOMZ® Tomberry® Tomatoes (or TOMZ® Cocktail Tomatoes)
- Hard or soft taco shells
- Frozen baby shrimp (pre-cooked) – or your preferred protein
- Sweet chili sauce
- Pineapple or mango
- Avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Lime
- Fresh cilantro
Savory Chicken Burgers
Another great homemade burger recipe that Dad will love! Different from a traditional beef burger, this Savory Chicken Burger recipe is low in saturated fats (which makes it the perfect option for a Dad on a diet).
SAVORY CHICKEN BURGERS: WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- NatureFresh™ Farms Bell Peppers
- Extra lean ground chicken
- Oats
- Red onion
- Roasted red pepper jelly OR sweet chili sauce
- Egg
Tomato Salmon Kabob
Is Dad a fan of grilled fish? Surprise him by barbecuing these Tomato Salmon Kabobs! This kabob recipe is low in mess and high in flavor, making it easy to throw together if you are strapped for time this Father’s Day.
TOMATO SALMON KABOBS: WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- TOMZ® Red Cherry Tomatoes
- Salmon fillets
- Fresh dill
- Olive oil
- Cilantro
- Lemon
- Salt & ground pepper
- Skewers
Cherry Tomato Pizza
Pizza is a classic family favorite, which makes it a perfect option for Father’s Day dinner! Give this Cherry Tomato Pizza recipe some extra flair by grilling it on the barbecue – place it on your barbecue’s top rack and add Dad’s favorite toppings to make it extra special!
CHERRY TOMATO PIZZA: WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- TOMZ® Red Cherry Tomatoes
- Shredded mozzarella
- Low sodium mild salsa
- Lean deli smoked or roast turkey
- Gluten-Free 4” x 6” flat breads
4 Tips for a Hassle-Free Father’s Day
Organizing the details ahead of time is the best way to ensure your Father’s Day plans go off without a hitch.
Here are 4 important things to add to your checklist so that your Father’s Day is organized, hassle-free, and fun!
1. Buy Your Supplies
Once you know what you want to cook, make a list of everything you will need to prepare your Father’s Day feast. Don’t just include ingredients needed for the food – also add things like napkins, special drinks, or decorations to your list.
Give yourself lots of time to gather everything on your list. If you leave it to the day-of to go out and buy everything you need, that means you will have less time to spend with Dad on his special day!
2. Check Your Grill
Earlier in the week, check and make sure you have everything you need to run the barbecue or grill properly. Clean the grill if needed, check the propane tank, take stock of your grilling utensils, and add anything that you are missing to your list of items to buy before Father’s Day weekend arrives.
3. Make It Personal
When creating your plan for Father’s Day, think through the little details. Ask yourself questions like:
- What is Dad’s favorite dessert?
- Does he have any hobbies you can incorporate in a fun way?
- What is his favorite drink to enjoy on the patio?
Dad is sure to notice if you pay extra attention to the little details – which will make his day and the effort you put into it even more meaningful.
4. Keep Things Simple
The more complicated you make your plan, the more likely the execution will be difficult. Stick to the basics and keep your plan as simple as possible so that on Father’s Day, everything you have worked so hard to organize runs smoothly.
You also don’t have to plan or execute your Father’s Day event alone! If you know you will need additional support, recruit members of your family or even Dad’s friends to help – the more the merrier.
Making Memories to Last A Lifetime
On a final note, we asked our Student Nutrition Educators, Bryn B. and Dana C., to share some of their favorite Father’s Day memories. We hope their stories inspire you to make this Father’s Day unforgettable!
