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Reinvent the Grill with Fruit Desserts

While steaks and burgers are grill favorites, consider finishing off the meal with a healthy grilled fruit dessert. When fruit meets the flame, its sweet component allows for caramelization that develops complex flavors. Combined with Greek yogurt, grilled fruit desserts pack in fiber and antioxidants for a sweet and healthy treat.

Fruits that are firm and not overripe taste great on the grill. Try grilling these fruits:

  • Pineapple
  • Banana
  • Watermelon
  • Peaches
  • Figs
  • Pears
  • Plums
  • Apricots
  • Lemons

Check out these taste-tested grilled fruit dessert recipes:

Grilled Peaches with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Drizzle – Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 4 peaches
  • 4 oz plain goat cheese
  • 4 basil leaves, chopped into long thin strips
  • 4 tsp balsamic reduction

Instructions

  1. Cut ¼ inch slices from the sides of the peaches. Spray peaches and grill with olive oil.
  2. Grill each side for 2-4 minutes, or until grill marks and caramelization appears.
  3. For one serving, top two slices of peach with 1 oz goat cheese, 1 chopped basil leaf and 1 tsp balsamic reduction.

Grilled Banana Dessert – Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 2 bananas
  • ½ cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • 4 tbsp chocolate chips
  • 2 tsp honey
  • Spray oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare bananas by cutting them in half and down the middle.
    1. Spray bananas and grill grates with oil.
    1. Place on hot grill for 2-5 minute on each side, or until grill marks and caramelization appears.
    1. For one serving, top two pieces of banana (while warm) with 1 tbsp chocolate chips, a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

Grilled Watermelon and Pineapple Skewers – Serves 4-6

Ingredients

  • 1 pineapple
  • ½ watermelon
  • 1 tbsp balsamic reduction for each serving
  • Optional: ¼ cup of vanilla ice cream for each serving

Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes or overnight in water.
  2. Cut pineapple and watermelon into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Spray fruit and grill with spray oil.
  4. Grill for 2-5 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear.
  5. Serve skewer with 1 tbsp balsamic reduction and optional ice cream.

Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family.

A Healthier Michigan
Author: A Healthier Michigan

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