One of my all-time favorite desserts—let me rephrase that—“healthy desserts” is grilled peaches. There is something uber refreshing about a juicy, naturally sweet peach, with a slight char from the grill to really enhance the flavor of the fruit.
Since peaches aren’t in season in my neck of the woods, I decided to check out my local farmer’s market to see what else would be suitable for a healthy grilled fruit kabobs recipe.
First up was apples. Never in a million years did I think apples would be a good fruit to grill, though I know how delicious apples can be when baked into a pie. I would 100% pair grilled apples with grilled pork chops, as together, these are a match made in heaven.
Second up, I went with pears. This is another one I have baked in the oven, albeit with brown sugar and cinnamon and topped with ice cream, but trust me when I say none of that additional sugar is needed when you grill the fruit.
With strawberry season in full swing, my kiddos wanted to see what these brightly colored berries would taste like grilled, and the strawberries did not disappoint. I will admit this one surprised me as I was afraid they would become mushy and the texture would just ruin it for me. They held their own and got two thumbs enthusiastically up from the young taste testers.
Pineapple is always a safe bet when it comes to grilling. Toss a few pearl onions and chicken breasts onto the skewer accompanied with a side of quinoa or rice and you have a solid meal.
Papaya and mango were my final kabobs, and while these held up nicely, they weren’t my most favorite thing. To ensure I wasn’t being biased, I did share some with my always eager-to-eat neighbors, and they shared my sentiments. The grilling really enhanced the sweet and sour flavors, and it was almost overwhelming. I would pair these with something to balance out the flavors. But don’t let my finicky taste buds deter you—give these a try for yourself.
Grilled Fruit Kabobs Recipe Keys
- Start off by giving everything a hearty squeeze of fresh citrus. You could pair the citrus with the individual fruit or just go with lemon/lime.
- Dust everything with a sprinkle of salt. I generally use Himalayan sea salt.
- Select your spices. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your culinary comfort zone.
- Add the denser fruits onto the grill first, being mindful not to overcrowd the space.
- Be sure to rotate the skewers to evenly cook the fruits.
Some of my favorite spices and enhancements for a good grilled fruit kabobs recipe are:
- Cinnamon
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Chili seasoning
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Rum 😉
Pro Tip: Grill your citrus fruits! The heat opens up the sour, citrusy juices that add to the tasty, charred flavor. You can either consume them alongside a meal, use them to add flavor to your other grilled items, or eat them by themselves.
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