Summertime is here, and that means it’s finally time to fire up the grill. Grilling provides an easy and enjoyable way to eat healthy while spending some time outside with family and friends. Here are some key tips to kick off your grilling season the right way:

The Perfect Grill

First and foremost, the most important ingredient for the perfect cookout is –you guessed it- the grill! When choosing the perfect grill, it’s important to consider the benefits and disadvantages to each type of grill in order to decide which is best suited to your lifestyle. For all you apartment dwellers out there, check out this portable and balcony- friendly grill. With the ability to easily clip onto balcony railings and also be unhooked to sit on tables or counters, this grill is perfect for cookouts in a small space.

Now for the fun part-cooking! We’ve put together a list of savory summer recipes that are perfect for any cookout:

Pizza: Who says pizza only comes in a box? Branch out from the typical grilled foods like steak and hotdogs and wow your family and friends with pizza on the grill! Here’s a complete guide to preparing a grilled pizza that will have people begging for more

Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Burgers: These mouth-watering cheesy burgers will make you and your grilling skills the talk of the neighborhood!

Kebabs: check out this Chicken-Vegetable Kebabs with White BBQ Sauce recipe! A healthy and easy meal for any occasion.

Under the sea: Seafood is also a great option for meals on the grill! These Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon Steaks or Grilled Scallops are sure to satisfy everyone’s seafood cravings.

Dessert: Every great meal needs the perfect dessert. Why not make the evening even easier and throw dessert on the grill too? These delectable desserts like the Grilled Lemon Pound Cake With Peaches and Cream or Campfire Biscuit S’mores will be the cherry on top of a perfect cookout!