Strawberry Salsa (5 Ingredients)

Add a burst of fresh, fruity flavor to your table with this Strawberry Salsa. This quick and easy recipe combines sweet strawberries with a hint of spice and is perfect for a light and refreshing snack in just 10 minutes!

Salsa is my favorite when fruit is in it! It’s the perfect combo of sweet and savory. Check out some more delicious fruit salsas like this 5 Minute Mango Salsa or this yummy Pineapple Salsa!

Reasons You’ll LOVE This Recipe

Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes, this strawberry salsa is the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish for any meal. I especially love serving it at summertime BBQs—it’s always a hit!

Only uses 5 Ingredients: With just 5 ingredients, this recipe is not only fast and easy but also budget-friendly!

Delicious: Each bite of this strawberry salsa delivers a delicious mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that will make your mouth water.

Ingredients For Strawberry Salsa

These ingredients are fresh and delicious and combined together make the yummiest salsa! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

Strawberries: Provide a sweet and fruity base for the salsa.

Jalapeños: Add a spicy kick to balance the sweetness.

Red onion: Adds mild sharpness and crunch.

Fresh cilantro: Introduces a fresh taste.

Lime: Adds a tangy brightness to tie the flavors together.

Salt (optional): Enhances the overall flavors.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Salsa

This recipe is so easy and ready to eat in less than 10 minutes!

Prep: Prepare the salsa ingredients by washing and cutting the strawberries, jalapeno, red onion, and cilantro.

Combine: Add all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and toss to combine.

Serve: Serve with chips!

Add the strawberries, jalapenos, onion, and lime zest to a bowl.

Squeeze in the lime juice.

Add the cilantro and toss to combine.

Ways to Serve Strawberry Salsa

There are so many ways to enjoy this fresh strawberry salsa! It’s such a fun twist on salsa, and everyone will love it. Here are some ideas for serving it.

Chips: Serve with your favorite tortilla chips. The salty chip complements the sweet salsa perfectly!

Meat: Use it to top grilled meats, such as chicken or pork.

Seafood: Use it to top seafood, such as cod, tilapia, salmon, or shrimp

Salads: I love this salsa on top of salads! I just whip up a green salad, add grilled chicken, then top it with strawberry salsa.

Appetizer or Side Dish: This strawberry salsa also makes a great appetizer or side dish for a summer BBQ!

Storing Leftover Salsa

Strawberry salsa is best made ahead of time and refrigerated an hour before serving. It allows the flavors to meld together.

In the Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, the salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. However, the berries will soften and release a lot of moisture, so it’s best to eat it fresh!

More Homemade Salsa Recipes

Avocado Salsa

Slow Cooker Restaurant Style Garden Salsa

Mouthwatering Cowboy Caviar

20 mins

Mouthwatering Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Pita Chips

25 mins

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Strawberry Salsa

Course Appetizer
Keyword strawberry salsa
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 10 minutes minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 27kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

3 cups strawberries, hulled and diced2 jalapenos, deseeded and diced1/4 cup red onion diced1/2 cup fresh cilantro choppedjuice and zest of 1 limesalt to taste, optional

Instructions

Prepare the salsa ingredients by washing and cutting the strawberries, jalapeno, red onion, and cilantro.
Add all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and toss to combine.
Serve with chips!

Nutrition

Calories: 27kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 149IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Zesty BBQ Chicken (5 Ingredients)

This zesty BBQ chicken is an easy crockpot recipe that only takes 5 ingredients to make! The slow-cooked tender pulled chicken is dripping in a tasty BBQ sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or to feed a crowd!

Crockpot dinners that don’t require a lot of ingredients are my favorite because they’re affordable and easy to make. For more ideas, try my bourbon chicken, this Olive Garden chicken, and my Mississippi pork roast!

Reasons to Make Zesty BBQ Chicken

Quick and Easy: Only 5 minutes of prep and the crockpot does all the work. Fast and easy to put together, and a great option on those busy nights!

Feeds a Crowd: Double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd! Enjoy the shredded meat on sliders or hamburger buns.

Affordable: With only a few ingredients, this crockpot chicken is very affordable!

Crockpot Zesty BBQ Chicken

Your family is going to LOVE this zesty BBQ chicken made in the crockpot. It cooks low and slow in a zesty BBQ sauce and the chicken shreds perfectly! It doesn’t get any easier than a 5 ingredient recipe and it will become a go-to dinner! The sauce uses bottled BBQ sauce and Zesty Italian dressing…the combination of the two together is DELICIOUS! Throw it all together in the crockpot before your day gets busy then come home to shredded chicken slathered in a sweet and savory BBQ sauce.

Here’s how to make this meal complete! Serve the shredded zesty BBQ chicken on toasted hamburger buns, top the chicken with coleslaw, then serve grilled corn on the side. A perfect summertime meal that everyone devours!

Ingredients Needed

It only takes 5 ingredients, and most you’ll already have on hand! Search your fridge first for an opened bottle of BBQ sauce and Italian dressing before you head to the store. Follow the recipe card below for exact amounts!

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: I used about 4 chicken breasts for this recipe.

BBQ Sauce: My kids love sweet baby rays! You can your favorite barbecue sauce or try my easy homemade recipe!

Zesty Italian Salad Dressing: I love the zesty flavor but you can use any Italian dressing that you prefer.

Brown Sugar: Adds extra sweetness to the sauce!

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and a smokey flavor.

Zesty BBQ Chicken Recipe

Easy to throw together with only 5 minutes of prep! I love crockpot recipes because it doesn’t require a lot of work. This recipe is so easy that even my older kids can make it! Such a great dinner idea for a busy family.

Place Chicken in the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.

Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, add the BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce then whisk to combine.

Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3 hours. 

Shred and Serve: Use 2 forks to shred the chicken then enjoy on hamburger buns! I also love this tool for shredding cooked chicken.

Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Add the sauce ingredients to a bowl.

Mix the sauce ingredients until combined.

Pour the sauce into the slow cooker and cook.

Tips and Variations

This zesty BBQ chicken recipe is so versatile! I’ve added some tips and variations to making this recipe just the way you like it!

Chicken: I prefer fresh chicken breasts, but frozen chicken breasts work great too! I’ve also used boneless skinless chicken thighs and it turned out incredible!

Buns and Sliders: Serve the shredded chicken in hamburger buns or slider buns. I love to use slider buns because they can feed a crowd!

More Serving Options: Ditch the buns and serve the chicken over mashed potatoes or rice. I’ve also enjoyed this chicken on a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.

Leftover Zesty BBQ Chicken

This zesty BBQ chicken makes great leftovers for lunches or meals throughout the week. It’s a quick option to reheat and eat on the go. Just pile the meat on a bun then enjoy!

In the Refrigerator: Store the shredded and cooled chicken in an airtight container. The leftover meat can be kept in the fridge for 5-7 days.

In the Freezer: Place the shredded and cooled chicken into freezer-safe bags or an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or over the stove until warmed through. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat the next day!

More BBQ-Inspired Recipes

Grilled BBQ Pork Chops

1 hr 15 mins

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

2 hrs 5 mins

Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken

20 mins

Melt in Your Mouth Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

4 hrs 10 mins

Print

Zesty BBQ Chicken

This zesty BBQ chicken is an easy crockpot recipe that only takes 5 ingredients to make! The slow-cooked tender pulled chicken is dripping in a tasty BBQ sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or to feed a crowd!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword bbq chicken, chicken
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Slow Cooker Time 5 hours hours
Total Time 5 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 272kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 4 breasts1 cup BBQ sauce ¼ cup Zesty Italian salad dressing¼ cup brown sugar1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
In a medium bowl, add the BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce then whisk to combine.
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Use 2 forks to shred the chicken and enjoy with hamburger buns!

Notes

Updated on May 27, 2024

Originally Posted on June 30, 2012

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 759mg | Potassium: 573mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 147IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars are classic key lime pie flavors baked into delightful little bars. They have a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy lime filling. The sweet and zingy lime flavors make for an irresistible treat!

I love making pie bars to serve to a crowd because they’re so easy to make and serve! Bring these cherry pie bars, my peaches and cream bars, or pecan pie bars to your next party.

Reasons to LOVE These Bars

Perfect Summer Dessert: Key lime just says Summer! These bars are a light and tasty dessert option.

Crowd Favorite: Double these bars to feed a crowd. Key lime pie bars are always the first to go at a party or gathering!

Easy to Make and Serve: With just a few layers and steps, these bars come together easily. You choose the serving size by cutting the squares into any size you desire!

Key Lime Pie Bars

I LOVE key lime pie…it’s my favorite pie of all time! The sweet and tart filling gets me every time! These key lime pie bars are simply the bar version of the classic dessert and are just as delicious. The sweet graham cracker crust is baked to perfection and then topped with a layer of smooth key lime pie filling. The filling is my favorite because it’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with zesty lime flavor. And any dessert recipe that uses sweetened condensed milk is a win in my book!

If you love key lime anything like I do, then I have some incredible recipes for you to try! This no-bake key lime pie is an easy summer dessert to make. I also love this cheesecake and my kids always request this key lime poke cake.

Ingredients Needed

Each layer of these key lime pie bars uses minimal ingredients making this a surprisingly easy recipe! Follow the recipe card below for exact ingredients and measurements.

Crust

Graham Cracker Crumbs: I used about 8 full crackers.

Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the crust.

Salted Butter: Melted to moisten the crust and add a buttery flavor.

Key Lime Filling

Egg Yolks: Adds richness to the filling.

Key Lime Zest: Fresh zest is a must to enhance and brighten the lime flavor.

Key Lime Juice: Key limes are very small limes that are often sold in bags at the grocery store. Use fresh key limes or bottled key lime juice. Regular limes can be substituted.

Sweetened Condensed Milk:

Granulated Sugar:

Whipped Cream

Heavy Cream: Chilled heavy cream gives the best results.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream to perfection!

Lime Zest: Extra lime zest to garnish and for more lime flavor.

Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

I love how easy these bars are to make and take to a party! This recipe makes about 9 bars or 12 smaller bars. You can also double the recipe if you need to feed more people. I walk you through every step, so let’s get baking!

Crust

Preheat Oven/ Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper then coat with non-stick cooking spray.

Make the Crust: Place the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a bowl and mix until well combined.

Press the Crust Into the Pan: Firmly press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the pan in an even layer.

Bake: Bake the crust for 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Key Lime Filling

Beat the Yolks and Mix in the Condensed Milk: Beat the egg yolks with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy, 2-3 minutes. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk.

Add the Key Lime Juice, Zest, and Sugar: Add the key lime juice, zest, and sugar. Beat until completely smooth.

Bake: Pour the filling over the crust then bake for 15 minutes or until the filling is just set.

Cool and Chill the Bars: Cool the bars completely then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 3 days.

Whipped Cream

Beat the Heavy Cream and Powdered Sugar: Place the heavy cream and powdered sugar into a bowl then beat until stiff peaks form.

Spread the Whipped Cream on the Chilled Bars: Before serving, spread the whipped cream on top of the chilled bars. 

Cut, Garnish, and Serve: Cut the bars into 9 equal squares and garnish with lime zest and wedges.

Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar,
and melted butter.

Press into the prepared pan and bake.

Beat the egg yolks and mix in the condensed milk.

Add the lime juice, zest, and sugar.

Pour the filling over the baked crust and bake again.

Whip the cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Key Lime Pie Bars Tips and Variations

Here are some tips to help you make these incredible bars! These key lime pie bars are easily adaptable to other diets. Follow my gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions below!

Key Limes: Key limes are essential for key lime desserts, but they aren’t always in season. You can substitute the juice and zest of key limes for the juice and zest of Persian limes. You can also use bottled key lime juice. Nellie & Joe’s bottled key lime juice is a great option and it’s easy to find!

Whipped Topping: You may use thawed whipped topping instead of whipped cream if you’d like.

Dairy-Free: I haven’t tried the non-dairy sweetened condensed milk with this recipe, but I believe coconut or oat milk sweetened condensed milk would still work if you want to make this a dairy-free recipe. You can omit the whipped cream or use your favorite dairy-free whipped cream.

Butter Substitutions: Replace the butter with 4 tablespoons of clarified butter, ghee, or margarine in the crust.

Gluten-Free: You can easily make this a gluten-free recipe by using gluten-free graham crackers to make the crust. Depending on the brand, it might be more or less than 8 crackers to make 1 cup of crumbs.

Storing Key Lime Pie Bars

These delicious key lime pie bars are great to make in advance for parties! Follow my tips below for storing these yummy little bars then you can enjoy them later.

In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

In the Freezer: Place the cooled bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet then place it in the freezer for a few hours. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Freeze them for up to 3 months.

To Thaw: Set the frozen bars on a plate covered with plastic wrap then place them in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until thawed. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Make in Advance: These bars can be prepared 2-3 days in advance, however, I recommend waiting until you serve it to top it with whipped cream.

More Key Lime Desserts

Key Lime Poke Cake

35 mins

Key Lime Cheesecake

8 hrs 30 mins

Mini Key Lime Pie

27 mins

Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie

45 mins

Print

Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars are classic key lime pie flavors baked into delightful little bars. They have a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy lime filling. The sweet and zingy lime flavors make for an irresistible treat!
Course Dessert
Keyword key lime pie bars
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 9 bars
Calories 261kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Crust

1 cup graham cracker crumbs, about 8 crackers¼ cup granulated sugar4 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Key Lime Filling

4 egg yolks1 tablespoon key lime zest cup key lime juice1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk¼ cup granulated sugar

Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream, chilled¼ cup powdered sugarlime zest, for garnish

Instructions

Crust

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and coat with non-stick cooking spray.
Place the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a bowl and mix until well combined.
Firmly press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the pan in an even layer.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes.

Key Lime Filling

Beat the egg yolks with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy, 2-3 minutes. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk.
Add the key lime juice, zest, and sugar, then beat until completely smooth.
Pour the filling over the crust then bake for 15 minutes or until the filling is just set.
Cool the bars completely then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 3 days.

Whipped Cream

Place the heavy cream and powdered sugar into a bowl then beat until stiff peaks form.
Before serving, spread the whipped cream on top of the chilled bars.
Cut the bars into 9 equal pieces and garnish with lime zest and wedges.

Notes

Updated on May 26, 2024

Originally Posted on June 23, 2017

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 113mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 669IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

Salmon Marinade

A great salmon marinade makes your fish flavorful, tender, and juicy! This recipe gives each filet the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Most of my favorite meat recipes start with a good marinade. And I love experimenting with different ingredients to create new flavors, especially during grilling season! Here are some of our go-to marinades that you’ll definitely want to try: pork chop marinadeshrimp marinade, and chicken marinade!

Reasons You’ll Love This Marinade Recipe

Easy to Prepare: Requires just a few simple ingredients.

Delicious: Delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy tender, juicy salmon that’s perfect every time.

Versatile: Ideal for salmon, chicken, or steak. While store-bought marinades are convenient, homemade always tastes better!

What Ingredients are in Salmon Marinade?

You’re going to love how easy this salmon marinade recipe is! It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Just check the recipe card below for all the exact measurements.

Soy Sauce: Adds a savory and umami flavor to the marinade that enhances the taste of the salmon.

Lemon Juice: A little acidity is a must in marinades. It provides fresh flavor and also helps to tenderize the salmon. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Ensures the marinade coats the salmon completely while adding plenty of moisture.

Honey: The sweetness from the honey balances the savory flavor from the soy sauce.

Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the salmon with an incredible savory taste!

Fresh Parsley: Love adding fresh herbs for depth of flavor.

Salmon: This marinade makes enough to fully coat 2-3 pounds of fresh salmon.

How to Make Salmon Marinade and Cook Salmon

Homemade marinade is super simple to make! All you have to do is mix all of the ingredients, and then add everything to a large ziplock bag! Below, you’ll find instructions for making the marinade and also 4 different ways to cook your salmon:

Make the Marinade: Combine all the ingredients in a large ziplock bag or a large bowl.

Marinate the Fish: Add the salmon, ensuring the fish is completely covered with the marinade. Let it marinate for 30-60 minutes. Avoid letting it marinate for longer than an hour, as fish can start to break down and become mushy after too long. 

Choose Your Cooking Method

Air Fryer: Spray the basket of the air fryer with pan spray and place the salmon skin side down. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick foil. Place the salmon skin side down on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat before adding the salmon skin-side up. Let the salmon sear for 4-5 minutes before flipping it skin side down. Cook for an additional 3 minutes. 

Grill: Preheat the grill to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and either brush or spray with oil. Place the salmon skin side down for 6-8 minutes. When it is ready to flip, it should easily release with a fish spatula. Flip the fish and cook over indirect heat for 2-4 minutes, until the fish reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix the salmon marinade and place it in a Ziplock bag.

Variations and Substitutions

This sweet and savory salmon marinade is a game-changer, making your fish tender and juicy with incredible flavor. Here are some easy tweaks to tailor it to your taste:

Switch up the Citrus: For a fun twist, try swapping the lemon juice with lime or orange juice. Each one adds its own unique zing!

Change the Herbs: Feel free to mix in different herbs like rosemary, thyme, cilantro, or dill. Fresh herbs are great, but if you’re using dried, go with 1 teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh.

Alternative for Soy Sauce: If you need to switch out the soy sauce, go for gluten-free or low-sodium soy sauce, or try liquid aminos for a similar taste.

Make it Spicy: Craving some heat? Add a pinch or two (or more, if you like it hot) of crushed red pepper to spice things up.

Sweetener: Honey does a great job balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce, but you can swap it with brown sugar or agave. If you need to skip the sweetener, that’s okay too—just know it adds a nice touch!

How to Store Salmon Marinade

You can get a head start by whipping up your marinade a day in advance. Just remember, don’t add the fish to it until about an hour before you plan to cook. If you let the fish soak for more than 60 minutes, the marinade will start to break down the fillet’s structure, leaving you with mushy fish.

In the Refrigerator: Your homemade marinade will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks if you keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. But be careful! Once the marinade has been in contact with raw meat or fish, you’ll need to toss it out to avoid any food safety issues.

In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze your marinade. Just pour it into a freezer-safe ziplock bag, and it will keep for 3-6 months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

More Marinade Recipes

A tasty marinade can take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary! It infuses the protein with flavor, tenderizes it and makes the meat perfectly juicy and tender.

Bourbon Marinade

10 mins

Skirt Steak Marinade

2 hrs 10 mins

World’s Best Steak Marinade

2 hrs 10 mins

Grilled Flank Steak with Asian-Inspired Marinade

1 hr 15 mins

Print

Salmon Marinade

A great salmon marinade makes your fish flavorful, tender, and juicy! This recipe gives each filet the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Course marinade
Cuisine American
Keyword easy marinade, fish marinade, salmon marinade
Prep Time 2 minutes minutes
Marinate 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 32 minutes minutes
Servings 2 cups marinade
Calories 1951kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 cup soy sauce3 tablespoons lemon juice3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoons honey3 cloves garlic, minced1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced2-3 pounds fresh salmon

Instructions

Make the Marinade

Combine all the ingredients in a large ziplock bag or a large bowl.
Add the salmon, ensuring the fish is completely covered with the marinade. Let it marinate for 30-60 minutes. Avoid letting it marinate for longer than an hour, as fish can start to break down and become mushy after too long.
Cook according to your preferred cooking method.

Different Salmon Cooking Methods

Air Fryer: Spray the basket of the air fryer with pan spray and place the salmon skin side down. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick foil. Place the salmon skin side down on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat before adding the salmon skin-side up. Let the salmon sear for 4-5 minutes before flipping it skin side down. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Grill: Preheat the grill to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and either brush or spray with oil. Place the salmon skin side down for 6-8 minutes. When it is ready to flip, it should easily release with a fish spatula. Flip the fish and cook over indirect heat for 2-4 minutes, until the fish reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nutrition

Calories: 1951kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 205g | Fat: 100g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 28g | Monounsaturated Fat: 50g | Cholesterol: 499mg | Sodium: 13365mg | Potassium: 5064mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 703IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 14mg

John Wayne Casserole

This delicious John Wayne Casserole is Mexican comfort food at its finest! Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese mixture, and more shredded cheese are baked on top of a biscuit crust for a crowd-pleasing family dinner!

Casseroles make some of the best meals. They always satisfy and are usually super easy to throw together. Try out some of my other favorites like this crowd-pleasing Sloppy Joe Casserole, this family-favorite Cheeseburger Casserole and this delicious Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food: Looking for delicious, classic comfort food? This John Wayne casserole uses ground beef, cheese, and biscuits to create a yummy dinner.

Easy: Whip this casserole up and be eating it within an hour. Thats cooking time included!

Uses Pantry Staple Ingredients: Don’t have time to run to the store and grab a million seasonings you will never use again? Me either! This recipe uses classic ingredients that I bet you already have at home!

What is a John Wayne Casserole?

As for the origin of this deliciousness, the recipe was first published in a 1979 cookbook, “Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends,” a collection of different celebrities’ favorite dishes. John Wayne’s actual recipe was made with eggs and cheese. Over the years, it has evolved to become more of a southwestern-inspired dish with different ingredients like biscuits, onions, bell peppers and seasoned beef.

It makes such a great family meal with all of the wonderful textures from the biscuit crust and beefy layer to the creamy cheesiness! We love to enjoy it with roasted tomato salsa and/or this classic guacamole with tortilla chips.

What’s in John Wayne Casserole

Using simple ingredients, this casserole is hearty and makes 12 servings, so it’s great for feeding a crowd! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Grands Biscuits: The dough from a can of biscuits is pressed into the pan to serve as the buttery, fluffy crust. So good!

Meat: I like to use lean ground beef, but you can really use any ground meat, from ground turkey to ground chicken.

Onion: Sautéed with the beef, diced onion will add savoriness and depth of flavor.

Bell Pepper: Use any color for heartiness and flavor.

Taco Seasoning: 1 packet of taco seasoning is mixed in with the meat to give this dish great Tex-Mex flavor. If you want to make your own, try my tasty homemade version.

Green Chiles: Adds a subtle spice and smokiness.

Rotel: This is a combination of diced tomatoes and green chiles, which adds a nice little kick of flavor to any recipe.

Sour Cream: Has a milky, rich taste with a slight acidic tang.

Mayonnaise: Mixed with the sour cream to balance the tang for the creamy layer.

Cheddar Cheese: If you have the time, use freshly grated cheese. It will have the best flavor and melt more smoothly.

How to Make a John Wayne Casserole

Get ready for this to be one of your new favorite dinners! It’s so simple and incredibly delicious that you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Here’s how it all comes together:

Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with pan spray. 

Cook the Meat: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain off the fat before adding the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent.

Mix in Seasoning, Chiles and Rotel: Add the taco seasoning, can of green chiles, and Rotel, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and thickened slightly.

Make the Creamy Mixture: In a small bowl mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ½ cup of the cheddar cheese. 

Add Biscuits: Remove the biscuits from the can and press them into the bottom of the pan, stretching and pinching as needed for them to completely cover the bottom. Bake the biscuits for 12 minutes.

Assemble: After 12 minutes of baking, top the biscuits with the beef mixture and then spread the creamy mixture as evenly as you can over the top. Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese.

Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and browning. Serve immediately.

Brown the beef then add in the onions and peppers.

Add the taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and green chiles.

Press the biscuits in the bottom of the baking
dish and bake.

Spread the meat mixture on top of the baked biscuits.

Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese.

Add mayonnaise mixture and cheese to meat.

Tips and Variations

Follow these tips and ideas for making this John Wayne Casserole just the way your family likes it!

Use Italian Sausage: Change things up by substituting 1 pound of ground beef for 1 pound of Italian sausage. This will add some extra spice and flavor to your casserole.

Spice Level: This dish is fairly mild. However, if you’re sensitive to heat, be sure to use mild taco seasoning and mild Rotel. You could also use canned diced tomatoes instead of Rotel (which contains green chiles).

Toppings: Serve with avocado, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced olives.

Adding Cheese: Adjust the cheese to your liking. I love a very cheesy casserole, but you are welcome to change the amount on top to fit your preference. You may even substitute cheddar cheese for another cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese.

Storing Leftovers & Make Ahead Tip

John Wayne Casserole is delicious for lunch the next day because the flavors get even better!

In the Refrigerator: Place leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 45-60 seconds per serving.

Make Ahead: The meat filling and cream topping can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. When you are ready to assemble the casserole, continue with step 6. Par-bake the biscuits before adding the cooked filling and continue as directed.

More Delicious Casseroles

Looking for more casserole recipes? Here are a few more hearty and mouthwatering dishes that your family will devour! They come together with very little effort and are all so warm and comforting. For more dinner ideas, find my full list of casseroles here!

Broccoli and Rice Chicken Casserole

35 mins

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Casserole

1 hr

Crack Chicken Casserole

35 mins

Monterey Spaghetti

1 hr

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John Wayne Casserole

This delicious John Wayne Casserole is Mexican comfort food at its finest! Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese mixture and more shredded cheese are baked on top of a biscuit crust for a crowd-pleasing family dinner!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword Dinner casserole, Easy Casserole, taco casserole
Prep Time 25 minutes minutes
Cook Time 47 minutes minutes
Total Time 1 hour hour 12 minutes minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 497kcal

Ingredients

1 can Grands biscuits2 pounds lean ground beef1 cup onion, diced½ cup bell pepper, diced1 packet taco seasoning1 4-ounce can diced green chiles, drained1 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained¾ cup sour cream¾ cup mayonnaise2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 baking dish with pan spray.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain off the fat before adding the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
Add the taco seasoning, can of green chiles, and Rotel, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and thickened slightly.
In a small bowl mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ½ cup of the cheddar cheese.
Remove the biscuits from the can and press them into the bottom of the pan, stretching and pinching as needed for them to completely cover the bottom. Bake the biscuits for 12 minutes.
After 12 minutes of baking, top the biscuits with the beef mixture and then spread the creamy mixture as evenly as you can over the top. Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and browning. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 674mg | Potassium: 490mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 538IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 243mg | Iron: 4mg

Memorial Day Menu Plan

This Memorial Day Menu Plan makes holiday planning a breeze! I’ve even included a shopping list, so you can spend less time organizing and more time celebrating!

I love any excuse for a celebration with food! These Fall off the Bone Slow Cooker Ribs and Cherry Pie Bars are a hit at every party!

Easy Memorial Day Menu

I absolutely love hosting parties, but the food can be stressful! Knowing what to buy and what to make is the hardest part. I wanted to pass all of my food party prep along to you so that you can skip that step and go straight to celebrating! This Memorial Day menu plan has a few options for main entrees, sides, and even dessert! One of them even uses a slow cooker so it free’s up your grill! You can click here to find a roundup of more delicious potluck recipes.

Entree:  The Best Burger and Secret Sauce

Entree: Fall off the Bone Slow Cooker Ribs

Side: Easy Grilled Corn

Side: BLT Avocado Pasta Salad

Dessert: Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad

Dessert: Cherry Pie Bars

How Many Does This Feed

Each recipe on this Memorial Day meal plan is meant to feed about 6 adults so if you are making all of them, this amount of food should easily be able to feed about 15+ people. More if its a combination of adults and kids!

The Best Burger & Secret Sauce Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Get ready for the ultimate burger experience topped with my irresistible Secret Sauce. The flavor packed into this burger is a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

View Recipe

Slow Cooker Ribs

4.92 from 12 votes
These Slow Cooker ribs are going to melt in your mouth and fall off the bone! They are cooked low and slow so they are perfectly tender and then covered in a sauce that’s absolutely to die for!

View Recipe

Easy Grilled Corn

Grilled Corn is a family favorite! It’s so easy to make this incredibly delicious side dish that you’ll have on repeat all summer long.

View Recipe

BLT Avocado Pasta Salad

5 from 1 vote
BLT avocado pasta salad is fresh and crisp romaine lettuce tossed in bacon, tomato, pasta, and avocado. Topped with a creamy dressing and sprinkled with feta cheese this is one amazing salad!

View Recipe

Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad

Introducing the red, white, and blue cheesecake salad, a delightful and patriotic summer fruit salad that combines the vibrant flavors of strawberries and blueberries with creamy cheesecake and fluffy marshmallows. It’s super easy to throw together and a hit at every potluck!

View Recipe

Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry pie in the best form possible: cherry pie bars! You can whip up a whole pan of these bars in minutes using cherry pie filling. They’re pretty, easy to make, and always a hit to serve!

Each recipe on this meal plan is meant to feed about 6 adults so if you are making all of them, this amount of food should easily be able to feed about 15+ people. More if its a combination of adults and kids!

More Desserts for Memorial Day

You can never go wrong with having too many desserts at your party! Here are a few more favorites that you can try out!

No Bake Snickers Bar Pie

3 hrs 25 mins

Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake

1 hr 10 mins

Churro Crack

14 mins

Monster Cookies

26 mins

Grilled Tilapia

Fire up the grill! This grilled tilapia is deliciously seasoned and has the best flaky texture. Mix a few simple ingredients for the marinade, give it a little time to get super tasty and then it is grilled to perfection in a matter of minutes!

Grilling recipes are some of the best! They are easy, quick to prepare and have the best smoky flavor. I love to pair this grilled tilapia with grilled sides like grilled zucchini, grilled Mexican street corn and this fresh grilled caesar salad!

Reasons You Will Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: Making grilled tilapia is so easy and can be ready to serve in just over 30 minutes including marinating time.

Light and Filling: Fish is a great source of lean protein and includes essential healthy fats.

Versatile: This is the perfect dinner that pairs with EVERYTHING!

Filled with Bright Flavors: Fresh lemon and garlic create the best flavors combined with the smokiness of grilling. You will love the taste and texture of this fish!

What You Need to Make Grilled Tilapia

You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this super tasty grilled tilapia! They come together for tender tilapia that will rival even the best seafood restaurant! The complete list of ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon adds fresh flavor to almost any grilled fish.

Olive Oil: Provides the marinade with a bit of fat and also is used for cooking the filets on the grill.

Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a delicious savory taste.

Seasoning: A simple blend of fresh ground black pepper, salt and mustard powder brings out all of the flavor in the fish.

Tilapia Filets: This recipe calls for 4 tilapia filets to feed 4 people.

How to Make Grilled Tilapia

Tilapia is one of the easiest proteins to grill! Marinate the fish for about 30 minutes, and then grill it for less than 12 minutes. You will want to make this recipe all season long!

Make the Marinade: Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, salt, and mustard powder to prepare the marinade.

Marinate the Fish: Pour the marinade into a large sealable bag or container and place the tilapia filets into the container. Marinate the tilapia for 30 minutes to an hour. While the filets are marinating, preheat a grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grill: Once the tilapia filets are ready, remove them from the marinade. Brush the grill with olive oil and grill the filets for 4-6 minutes per side. The filets should easily come off the grill, if they are sticking give them another 1-2 minutes.

Serve: Remove the grilled tilapia from the grill and enjoy!

Whisk together the marinade.

Marinate the tilapia in a Ziplock bag for 30 minutes.

Grill the tilapia for 4-6 minutes.

Carefully flip the tilapia and grill for 4-6 minutes on the other side.

How to Know When Tilapia is Cooked

You’ll know your fish is cooked through when it’s completely opaque. However, you definitely don’t want to overcook it, or it will become dry. Additionally, you can use a meat thermometer to check and see if it has an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Grilling Tilapia

Here are a few things to keep in mind when grilling tilapia. They are simple tips, but will ensure your fish turns out perfect!

Serving Options: This dish goes great with rice, couscous and your favorite vegetable side like grilled asparagus!

Thaw Filets: If using frozen, be sure they are thawed before you marinate. Thaw overnight in the fridge or place packaged frozen filets in cold water for about 10 minutes.

Discard the Marinade: Be sure to discard the used marinade after using.

Cook Time: The fillets I used were a little on the thicker side, so about 5 minutes was perfect. If your fillets are thinner, reduce the time.

How to Store Leftover Tilapia

Although grilled tilapia is best served right away, here’s how to store leftovers to enjoy them later!

In the Refrigerator: Once it has cooled, then place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Put it in your fridge, and your fish will stay good for up to 3 days.

Reheating: The quickest way to reheat your grilled tilapia is in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 350 degrees. You can also reheat it over medium heat on the stove with a little melted butter in the pan.

More Seafood Recipes

We love to enjoy seafood dishes often because they are satisfying yet light and typically contain many nutrients. Here are some of our favorite fish recipes that we make on repeat. And if you’re looking for more, browse through our many other seafood recipes!

Glazed Air Fryer Salmon Bites

31 mins

Tuna Burger

15 mins

Baja Fish Tacos

15 mins

Baked Cajun Garlic Butter Cod

20 mins

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Grilled Tilapia

Fire up the grill! This grilled tilapia is deliciously seasoned and has the best flaky texture. Mix a few simple ingredients for the marinade, give it a little time to get super tasty and then it is grilled to perfection in a matter of minutes!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled tilapia recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 68kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice2 tablespoons olive oil2 cloves garlic, minced1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper1 teaspoon salt½ teaspoon mustard powder4 tilapia filets

Instructions

Prepare the marinade by whisking together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, salt, and mustard powder.
Pour the marinade into a large sealable bag or container and place the tilapia filets into the container. If using frozen be sure they are thawed before you marinate.
Marinate the tilapia 30 minutes to an hour. While the filets are marinating, preheat a grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the tilapia filets are ready, remove them from the marinade. Brush the grill with olive oil and grill the filets for 4-6 minutes per side. The filets should easily come off the grill, if they are sticking give them another 1-2 minutes.
Remove the grilled tilapia from the grill and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 22mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.1mg

The Best Burger and Secret Sauce

Get ready for the ultimate burger experience topped with my irresistible Secret Sauce. The flavor packed into this burger is a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

You’ll love this burger recipe because the juicy patties are packed with flavor from the onion and garlic powder, and the Secret Sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick that will leave you craving more. Pair your burgers with crispy fries for a classic combo, or opt for a side salad for a fresh contrast to the savory goodness of the burgers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique: This recipe uses my secret sauce to up the flavor. It’s so delicious that you won’t want burgers served any other way.

Easy: This recipe is easy to make, and you will be enjoying it in less than 30 minutes!

Affordable: Using ground beef and pantry staple ingredients, this recipe will not break the bank when you go to the grocery store!

Ingredients to Make Burgers Flavorful 

Sure, you could just grab some meat and grill it up! But if you want to LOVE your burger, you need to season it first!!

Ground Beef: I used 80/20 lean ground beef. Higher fat content makes a juicier burger!

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These seasonings add in delicious flavor that goes with just about anything.

Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: To season the meat.

Buns: I used sesame buns, but use your favorite hamburger buns!

What’s in the Secret Sauce?

This sauce is so delicious, you won’t want to keep it a secret after you try it! Everyone will want to use this sauce!

Mayonnaise: Smooth and tangy, it adds creaminess to the sauce.

Ketchup: Sweet and tangy, the ketchup brings a vibrant tomato flavor to the mix.

Sweet relish: Offering a sweet crunch, it’s made from finely chopped pickled cucumbers and onions and adds a tang to the sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: With its savory and tangy notes, it adds depth and richness to the sauce.

Seasoned salt: A balanced blend of herbs and spices, it enhances the overall flavor with its seasoning.

How to Make the Best Burger Patty

This is definitely a great go-to recipe when you are in charge of hosting the next family BBQ. It’s easy to throw together, especially if you ever need to make plenty to feed everyone! 

Burgers

Prepare the Grill: Heat up your grill to medium-high heat while you prepare the patties.

Combine: Add the ground beef and seasonings to a large bowl and mix to combine.

Shape Patties: Shape the patties to be about 1-inch thick, making an indention in the center of each patty. This creates a flat burger and prevents the middle from mounding as it cooks.

Cook: Place the burgers on the grill. Allow this side of the patty to cook for about 4-6 minutes, but make sure it doesn’t burn. Flip them over and cook to the desired doneness.

Secret Sauce

Combine: Add all of the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Taste and adjust ingredients to your liking.

Toppings: Assemble the burgers and serve with the special sauce and all of your favorite hamburger toppings!

Add the beef and seasonings to a bowl.

Mix to combine.

Shape the patties.

Make an indention in the middle of the burger.

Grill the burgers.

Make the secret sauce.

How Do I Know When a Burger is Done?

The temperature of ground beef is ready to eat when it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check this by using a meat thermometer!

Burger Topping Ideas

This best burger and secret sauce would not be complete without delicious toppings! Here are some ideas on what you can use on a hamburger:

Lettuce: I think the best lettuce for burgers is iceberg lettuce or butter lettuce.

Tomatoes: Beefsteak tomatoes are the heartiest tomatoes and are perfect for a burger!

Cheese: I like to use Sharp cheddar or melted American cheese.

Pickles: You can use Dill or bread and butter pickles, depending on which flavor you like.

Onions: Try freshly sliced red onions or even some caramelized onions

Bacon: It adds in a yummy flavor!

Mushrooms: I like to sautée my mushrooms before adding them to a burger.

Avocado: You can use avocado slices or whip up some fresh guacamole.

Egg: I know it sounds strange, but trust me on this one: there is nothing like a fried egg on a burger!

Jalapeños: Add a few jalapeño slices for a spicy kick.

Sauce: Want to change up the sauce? Try barbecue sauce or fry sauce!

Tips for Making a Good Burger

There are so many different ways to cook a burger. This recipe is all about grilling them on your BBQ so you can get that smokey charbroiled taste. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when you are preparing your burgers for your next meal! 

Make sure that you prepare your toppings before cooking the burgers so they are all ready to go as soon as the burgers come off the grill

Remember to shape your patties about 1” wider so that the buns will help because once they are on the grill, they will shrink.

Do not overwork the meat

It helps if you make an indentation in the center of the patty to prevent it from rising and plumping in the middle. 

Seasoning the burgers with salt and pepper right before you place them on the grill helps toughen the meat

When you place the patties on the grill, let them sear well and brown(takes about 3-5 mins) before you flip them and do not press down on the burger. 

Sides for Your Burger

As far as sides go, there are a variety of things that pair well with a burger. You can choose fries, chips, salad, green or potato, a fruit salad, fresh veggies, and whatever else you love having at your BBQs! 

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

20 mins

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

1 hr 15 mins

Grilled Watermelon

15 mins

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

30 mins

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The Best Burger & Secret Sauce Recipe

Get ready for the ultimate burger experience topped with my irresistible Secret Sauce. The flavor packed into this burger is a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword hamburger recipes, the best burger, the best burger with sauce, the best burger with secret sauce recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 30 minutes minutes
Servings 5 Hamburgers
Calories 343kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Burgers

1 pound 80/20 ground beef½ teaspoon onion powder½ teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon cracked black peppersesame seed buns, for serving

Secret Sauce

cup mayonnaise1 tablespoon ketchup1 tablespoon sweet relish2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce½ teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions

Burgers

Heat up your grill to medium-high heat while you prepare the patties.
Add the ground beef and seasonings to a large bowl and mix to combine.
Shape the patties to be about 1-inch thick making an indention in the center of each patty. This creates a flat burger and prevents the middle of the burger from mounding as it cooks.
Place the burgers on the grill. Allow this side of the patty to cook for about 4-6 minutes, but make sure it doesn’t burn. Flip the burgers over and cook to desired doneness.

Secret Sauce

Add all of the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Taste and adjust ingredients to your liking.
Assemble the burgers and serve with the special sauce and all of your favorite hamburger toppings!

Video

Notes

Originally posted on May 29, 2012

Updated on May 22, 2024 

Nutrition

Calories: 343kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 704mg | Potassium: 283mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 64IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 2mg

Grilling Basics (Tips for Beginners)

Fire up your grill because these grilling basics will give you all the confidence you need! Discover how easy it is to cook and make incredible food on an outdoor grill.

Grilling isn’t just for burgers and steaks! There are so many delicious ways to use a grill. Try these shrimp skewers, the most incredible grilled pineapple, or simply grill up some zucchini!

Reasons to Start Grilling

You’ll Love This Beginner’s Guide: I’m here to help you feel confident on the grill! I walk you through all the grilling basics you need to know.

It’s Tasty: Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook! It makes meat taste succulent and vegetables super tender. There are SO many recipes that can only be made on a grill.

Outdoor Entertaining: Summertime to me means hosting BBQ parties and grilling! I love cooking in the outdoors and enjoying the weather with friends and family.

What to Know Before You Grill

Grilling involves cooking food over an open flame, and with so many types of grills available, it’s helpful to know the basics for any grill you use. Here are some essential tips, especially for beginners. We’ll focus on the most common household grills: propane and gas grills.

Prepare the Recipe: Get everything ready before you even think about lighting the grill. If your recipe includes marinating meat, make sure to allow enough time for the flavors to infuse. Form your burger patties, season your chicken, or thread your skewers in advance. Having everything prepped ensures you won’t be scrambling while the grill is hot and ready.

Check the Propane Tank: Before you begin grilling, ensure your propane tank is full and properly connected. If your grill won’t start and the tank is empty, you can exchange it for a full one at most hardware stores or gas stations for a small fee. They typically have filled propane tanks ready for exchange.

Clean the Grill: For optimal performance, start with a clean grill. Use a grill brush to scrub the grates thoroughly. This not only keeps your food safe but also helps the grill function properly. For detailed cleaning instructions, refer to the manufacturer’s manual.

Oil the Grates: To prevent food from sticking, oil the grill grates before you start cooking. Use tongs to hold a paper towel dipped in olive or canola oil and rub it over the grates.

Preheat the Grill: Make sure to preheat your grill with the lid closed before you begin cooking. This ensures the grill reaches the right temperature, allowing your food to cook evenly and efficiently.

How to Check the Temperature of Your Outdoor Grill

The hand check for an outdoor grill is a simple method to estimate the grill’s temperature without a thermometer. Here’s how to do it:

Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill to the desired temperature.

Hold Your Hand Above the Grill: Place your hand about 4-5 inches above the grill grate.

Count the Seconds: Count how many seconds you can comfortably hold your hand in place before needing to pull it away.

Here are the approximate temperatures based on the time you can hold your hand over the grill:

2-3 seconds: High heat (450°F to 550°F or 230°C to 290°C)

4-5 seconds: Medium heat (350°F to 450°F or 175°C to 230°C)

6-7 seconds: Medium-low heat (325°F to 350°F or 165°C to 175°C)

8-10 seconds: Low heat (250°F to 325°F or 120°C to 165°C)

This method gives you a rough estimate to help ensure your grill is at the right temperature for cooking.

Clean the grill.

Oil the grill.

Must-Have Grilling Tools

Before firing up your grill, make sure you have the right tools ready. The type of tool you need depends on what you’re grilling. Here’s a list of the most common tools and when to use them:

Skewers: Use wood or metal skewers for grilling. Both work well, but if you use wood skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading meat, veggies, or fruit. This prevents them from burning or becoming brittle.

Meat Thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked to the right temperature. Wireless thermometers are especially convenient and easy to use.

Tongs: Strong metal tongs are essential for grilling and flipping meats like steak and chicken. They’re also great for handling brats, ribs, and hot dogs.

Metal Spatula: A large metal spatula is perfect for flipping burgers.

Basting Brush: A basting brush is useful for applying sauces or marinades while cooking. It’s particularly handy for recipes like grilled huli huli chicken.

Grilling Tips For Beginners

I want you to be successful at grilling so you can enjoy summer dinners outside! Here are my helpful tips for beginners.

Don’t Flip Too Often: Be careful not to flip steak too often. You want the grill marks to give the steak the perfect outer crust. I’m also careful when flipping burgers. I find it causes them to shrink more and not cook as evenly. Flipping burgers too much can also cause the beef to crumble.

Allow the Meat to Rest: Giving your meat time to rest after it comes off the grill is important. The muscle fibers need time to relax and for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Your meat will be so TENDER!

Meat Thermometer: Know the temperatures to cook your meat to. Invest in a good meat thermometer that can measure the correct temperature of your meat.

Heat Zones on the Grill: Heat a portion of the grill to a higher heat and another zone on medium or low. This creates a hot and cooler zone for cooking. It also creates a place to quickly move the meat to a cooler zone if it’s starting to burn or cook too fast. This is also known as direct heat and indirect heat.

Don’t flip the meat too often.

Know the right cooking temperatures.

Allow the meat to rest before slicing.

Marinade vs. Rub (Seasoning)

Grilling meat is a popular way to enjoy your outdoor grill, and how you prepare the meat is entirely up to you! Most people choose between marinating their meat or applying a dry rub. Marinating adds flavor and makes the meat incredibly tender, while a dry rub creates a flavorful crust. Both methods are delicious, and if you want to try both, you have to try my famous steak marinade or this chicken seasoning!

Meat Temperature and Grilling Time

Understanding how long to cook your meat is essential for perfect grilling. To help, I’ve created a handy temperature guide for steak that includes cooking times and visual cues for doneness. This makes it easier to achieve your preferred level of doneness. Here are additional recommended temperatures for other meats:

Chicken: Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Fish: Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Pork: Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and allow it to rest for at least 3 minutes.

Recipe Ideas to Grill Up!

Grilling isn’t just for meat! There are so many ways to use your grill and you’re going to love these ideas. I always look forward to these summertime grill recipes!

Skewers: Skewers hold meat, veggies, and fruit pieces perfectly! If you use wood skewers, soak them for 30 minutes before using them. This prevents the skewers from burning. Try these steak skewers or our favorite Hawaiian teriyaki skewers!

Fruit: Grilling fruit makes it tender and enhances the sweetness. Try grilling this pineapple or these peaches and serving them with ice cream!

Vegetables: Tender-grilled veggies are my favorite, especially in the summer when my garden is bursting. These vegetables are the perfect side dish and my kids love these fun vegetable kabobs!

Foil Packets: We love to make foil packets in the summer! Everyone can make their packet just the way they like it. It’s a perfect dinner for when you don’t want to heat the kitchen with the oven. These shrimp packets or these easy potato foil packets are delicious!

Summer BBQ Grill Recipes

Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken

20 mins

Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

25 mins

Grilled Mexican Street Corn

25 mins

Awesome Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa

20 mins

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Fresh and delicious Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a crowd-pleasing hearty salad with tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons!

Satisfying and flavorful salads like this one never go out of style. They make the perfect lunch or light dinner! Try out this greek broccoli pasta salad, this delicious honey mustard chicken salad, and this amazing Portillo’s chopped salad.

Reasons to Make This Salad

It’s so filling: This chicken Caesar salad includes vegetables, lean protein, and many essential vitamins and minerals. It’s one of those salads that will fuel you for hours.

So delicious: The combination of crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, flavorful chicken, delicious parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s a hit with almost everyone.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

This grilled chicken Caesar salad is my favorite refreshing meal when the weather starts to warm up! I’ve always been a huge fan of a good classic Caesar salad, but this one with juicy, flavor-packed grilled chicken and juicy tomatoes is on a whole new level.

It’s actually pretty easy to make, too! Let the chicken marinate in Caesar dressing to add plenty of that delicious Caesar flavor. Then, once the chicken is grilled, everything comes together in minutes. Serve it alone or with some crusty buttered sourdough bread on the side.

Ingredients in Chicken Caesar Salad

This grilled chicken salad recipe is the absolute best! The ingredients are simple and come together with very little effort. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Chicken

Caesar Dressing: You can use store-bought dressing, but we highly recommend this homemade Caesar Dressing. It’s perfectly creamy with incredible flavor!

Olive Oil: Smooths out the marinade and adds some necessary fat for juicy grilled chicken.

Lemon Juice: All good marinades have just enough acidity to tenderize the meat.

Salt & Pepper: Brings out all of the delicious flavor.

Chicken Breasts: These will marinate in the dressing for at least 1 hour making them tender, juicy and full of flavor.

Salad

Romaine: Chopped romaine adds bright green color and makes the salad fresh and crisp.

Cherry Tomatoes: For juicy bursts of sweetness.

Croutons: I love using my homemade croutons to add plenty of crunchy texture.

Parmesan Cheese: Add shredded or shaved parmesan cheese for a bit of nutty sharpness that enhances the flavor of the dressing.

Caesar Dressing: You can’t have a Caesar salad without Caesar Dressing! It adds the most wonderful briny, tangy and rich taste.

Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper is the perfect finishing touch!

How to Make a Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Just five simple steps and you’re well on your way to the best salad of your life! This is one of those salads that even the kids will love. It’s that good! Here’s the easy process of how everything comes together:

For the chicken

Make the Marinade: In a large sealable bag or container, mix together the Caesar dressing, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.

Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bag or container and coat each breast evenly. Place the chicken in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour.

Grill: Heat a grill up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the marinade and grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Discard the marinade.

For the salad.

Slice Chicken: Once the chicken is grilled, let it rest at least 5 minutes before slicing into ½ inch strips.

Assemble and Toss Salad: To a large bowl add the chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, croutons, parmesan cheese, sliced chicken and caesar dressing, top with freshly cracked black pepper and toss.

Tips and Variations

With a joining of fresh ingredients and a flavorful, creamy salad dressing, this is definitely my new favorite salad recipe! Here are some helpful tips and ways to make it your own!

Using Homemade Dressing: I like to use my homemade dressing, but a store-bought dressing works just as well! The same goes for the croutons

Marinating the Chicken: Your chicken can marinate for up to 4 hours, but 1 hour is sufficient. If you’re in a hurry, even 30 minutes will be okay, but not quite as good.

Salad Greens: Romaine is classic in Caesar salads; however, any favorite greens will work. You can even use a combination of several varieties.

Precooked Chicken: You can totally use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe, but what makes it special is the marinated grilled chicken.

Make Ahead & Storing Leftovers

Make Ahead: Get a head start by making the dressing and grilling the chicken a day or two ahead, and store each separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also chop the lettuce and tomatoes beforehand. Then, when it comes time to serve, pull everything out of the fridge, assemble, and enjoy!

Leftovers: Once the salad is tossed, it’s best enjoyed the day it’s made, but you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the dressing separately from the salad.

More Delicious Caesar Recipes

The garlicky, smoky, salty and lemony flavors that make up that classic Caesar taste we all know and love is one of my favs. Anything with that delicious Caesar flavor and I’m bound to be obsessed!

Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

4 hrs 40 mins

Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps

10 mins

Caesar Wedge Salad

10 mins

Grilled Caesar Salad

25 mins

Print

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Fresh and delicious Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a crowd-pleasing hearty salad with tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons!
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword caesar salad recipe, chicken caesar salad, grilled chicken salad
Prep Time 1 hour hour
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 373kcal

Ingredients

Chicken

½ cup Caesar Dressing2 tablespoons olive oil2 tablespoons lemon juicesalt and pepper to taste1 pound chicken breasts, boneless skinless

Salad

2 romaine hearts, chopped10 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved1 cup croutons½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded cup Caesar Dressingfreshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

For the chicken

In a large sealable bag or container, mix together the Caesar dressing, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
Add the chicken breasts to the bag or container and coat each breast evenly. Place the chicken in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour.
Heat a grill up to 375 degrees fahrenheit. Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the marinade and grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Discard the marinade.

For the salad

Once the chicken is grilled, let it rest at least 5 minutes before slicing into ½ inch strips.
To a large bowl add the chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, croutons, parmesan cheese, sliced chicken and caesar dressing, top with freshly cracked black pepper and toss.

Notes

 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 659mg | Potassium: 504mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3611IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 2mg
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