Imagine this scenario: you’ve just had an amazing barbeque party with your friends and family, and now you’re left with a fridge full of delicious leftovers from the grill. The question is, what do you do with all that excess food? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore some creative and innovative ways to make the most out of your leftover grilled goodies, transforming them into mouthwatering new dishes that will impress even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’ve got leftover burgers, sausages, or veggies, we’ll show you how to take your leftovers from drab to fab in no time. Get ready to be inspired and take your grilling game to the next level with these clever ideas!
Salads
Grilled vegetable salad
Grilled vegetable salad is a delicious and healthy way to use up those leftover grilled veggies. Simply chop them up and toss them with some fresh greens, such as lettuce or spinach. You can also add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados for extra flavor and texture. Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar as a light dressing, or you can get creative and make your own vinaigrette. This salad is not only a great way to enjoy the smoky flavors from the grill, but it’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients.
Grilled chicken salad
If you have leftover grilled chicken from last night’s barbecue, don’t let it go to waste! Transform it into a delicious grilled chicken salad. Slice the chicken into thin strips and combine it with some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and shredded carrots. For an extra kick of flavor, you can add some crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocado. To dress the salad, you can go for a classic Caesar dressing or try a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette. This refreshing salad is not only a great way to use up leftovers, but it’s also a perfect light and satisfying meal.
Grilled fruit salad
Grilled fruit salad is a unique and delightful way to enjoy the sweetness of fruits. Take your leftover fruits from the grill, such as pineapple, peaches, or watermelon, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Mix them with some fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, and sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on top. For an extra burst of flavor, you can drizzle some honey or a squeeze of lemon juice. This grilled fruit salad is not only visually appealing but also a refreshing and healthy dessert or snack option.
Sandwiches
Grilled burger sliders
Leftover grilled burgers can be easily transformed into flavorful sliders. Take your leftover patties and place them on mini buns. Top them with some sliced cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. You can also add some condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo to enhance the taste. These grilled burger sliders are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner option.
Grilled chicken panini
If you have leftover grilled chicken breasts, why not turn them into a tasty panini? Slice the chicken into thin strips and layer them on your favorite bread along with some cheese, tomatoes, and fresh basil. Grill the panini until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown. The combination of the smoky flavor from the grilled chicken and the crispy bread makes this grilled chicken panini a delightful and fulfilling meal.
Grilled vegetable wrap
Leftover grilled vegetables can be repurposed into a delicious grilled vegetable wrap. Take a tortilla or flatbread and spread some hummus or cream cheese on it. Lay the grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions, on top. To add some freshness, you can include some baby spinach or arugula. Roll it up tightly and cut it into bite-sized pieces. This grilled vegetable wrap makes a great on-the-go meal or a light and healthy lunch option.
Pasta and Rice Dishes
Grilled shrimp and vegetable pasta
Leftover grilled shrimp can be transformed into a mouthwatering pasta dish. Cook some pasta according to the package instructions and set it aside. In a separate pan, sauté some diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Add the grilled shrimp and toss them together. Pour in some marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. Finally, mix in the cooked pasta and garnish with some fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley. This grilled shrimp and vegetable pasta is a flavor-packed meal that will satisfy your cravings.
Grilled chicken and broccoli stir-fried rice
Leftover grilled chicken and some simple ingredients can create a delicious stir-fried rice dish. Start by cooking some rice and letting it cool. In a large pan, stir-fry some chopped onions, garlic, and diced carrots. Add the grilled chicken and broccoli florets and cook until the vegetables are tender. Push the ingredients to one side of the pan and crack in some eggs. Scramble the eggs and mix everything together. Finally, add in the cooked rice and stir-fry for a few minutes. Season with soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry sauce, and you’ll have a mouthwatering grilled chicken and broccoli stir-fried rice.
Grilled sausage and pepper penne
If you have leftover grilled sausage and bell peppers, you can create a flavorful pasta dish. Cook penne pasta according to the package instructions and set it aside. In a separate pan, sauté sliced onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Add the grilled sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces, and cook until heated through. Mix in the cooked pasta and drizzle with some olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs to enhance the flavors. This grilled sausage and pepper penne is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Mexican Cuisine
Grilled steak tacos
Leftover grilled steak is the perfect filling for delicious tacos. Slice the steak into thin strips and warm up some soft tortillas. Fill each tortilla with the grilled steak and add your favorite toppings, such as diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. For some extra heat, you can add sliced jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce. Enjoy these mouthwatering grilled steak tacos for a Mexican-inspired meal that will awaken your taste buds.
Grilled vegetable quesadillas
Transform your leftover grilled vegetables into a scrumptious quesadilla. Take a tortilla and layer one side with shredded cheese. Place the grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, on top. Fold the tortilla in half and grill it until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden brown. Serve it with some sour cream or salsa for dipping. These grilled vegetable quesadillas are a perfect option for a quick and tasty lunch or as a delicious snack.
Grilled shrimp fajitas
Leftover grilled shrimp can be used to create flavorful fajitas. Sauté sliced onions and bell peppers in a pan until they are tender. Add the grilled shrimp and stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through. Serve the shrimp and vegetables in warm tortillas and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and your favorite toppings like guacamole or salsa. These grilled shrimp fajitas are a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport you to the vibrant flavors of Mexico.
Pizza
Grilled chicken and pesto pizza
Turn your leftover grilled chicken into a mouthwatering pizza topping. Spread pesto sauce on a pre-made pizza crust and top it with sliced grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, and sliced tomatoes. Bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This grilled chicken and pesto pizza is a delightful combination of flavors that will surely satisfy your pizza cravings.
Grilled vegetable and goat cheese pizza
Transform your leftover grilled vegetables into a delicious vegetarian pizza. Spread some marinara sauce or tomato sauce on a pre-made pizza crust. Arrange the grilled vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, on top. Crumble some goat cheese over the vegetables and sprinkle with dried oregano or basil. Bake the pizza until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. This grilled vegetable and goat cheese pizza is packed with flavors and a perfect option for a meat-free meal.
Grilled sausage and peppers calzone
Leftover grilled sausage and bell peppers can be transformed into a tasty calzone. Roll out some pizza dough and spread tomato sauce on one half. Layer the cooked sausage, sliced bell peppers, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough in half to cover the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork. Bake the calzone until golden brown and the cheese is melted. This grilled sausage and peppers calzone is a satisfying and comforting meal that is perfect for sharing.
Soups
Grilled corn and chicken chowder
Leftover grilled chicken can be incorporated into a creamy and flavorful chowder. In a pot, sauté some diced onions and garlic until fragrant. Add diced potatoes, grilled corn kernels, and chicken broth. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender. Shred the grilled chicken and add it to the pot. Stir in some heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Allow the chowder to simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens. This grilled corn and chicken chowder is a comforting and hearty soup that will warm you up on colder days.
Grilled vegetable and quinoa soup
If you have leftover grilled vegetables, you can turn them into a nutritious and satisfying soup. In a pot, sauté diced onions, garlic, and your preferred vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Add vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender. Stir in cooked quinoa and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. This grilled vegetable and quinoa soup is a healthy and flavorful option for a light lunch or dinner.
Grilled shrimp and coconut curry soup
Leftover grilled shrimp can be used to create a rich and aromatic curry soup. In a pot, sauté diced onions and garlic until golden brown. Add curry paste and stir-fry for a minute to release the flavors. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, and bring it to a simmer. Add the grilled shrimp and let them cook for a few minutes. Stir in some lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar to balance the flavors. Finally, garnish the soup with fresh cilantro and serve it hot. This grilled shrimp and coconut curry soup is a fragrant and delicious option that will transport you to the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia.
Stir-Fries
Grilled beef and broccoli stir-fry
Leftover grilled beef can be transformed into a flavorful stir-fry. Slice the beef into thin strips and set aside. In a hot pan, stir-fry broccoli florets, sliced onions, and minced garlic until they are slightly tender. Push the vegetables to the side and add the beef. Cook the beef until it is heated through and mix everything together. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, or your favorite stir-fry sauce. This grilled beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and satisfying meal that pairs well with steamed rice.
Grilled tofu and vegetable stir-fry
Transform your leftover grilled tofu and vegetables into a nutritious and tasty stir-fry. Cut the grilled tofu into cubes and set it aside. In a pan, stir-fry your preferred vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas, until they are slightly tender. Add the grilled tofu and mix everything together. Season with soy sauce or a teriyaki sauce, and stir-fry for a few more minutes. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for added flavor and crunch. This grilled tofu and vegetable stir-fry is a healthy and plant-based option that will satisfy your taste buds.
Grilled shrimp and pineapple stir-fry
Leftover grilled shrimp and pineapple can be transformed into a sweet and tangy stir-fry. In a pan, stir-fry sliced onions until they are golden brown. Add pineapple chunks and stir-fry for a few minutes until they caramelize slightly. Add the grilled shrimp and toss them together. Season with a sweet and sour sauce or a homemade stir-fry sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is coated and heated through. This grilled shrimp and pineapple stir-fry is a tropical and delightful dish that will transport you to warmer climates.
Casseroles
Grilled chicken and rice casserole
Transform your leftover grilled chicken into a comforting casserole. In a casserole dish, combine cooked rice, shredded grilled chicken, diced onions, and your preferred vegetables such as peas, carrots, or corn. Stir in some chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings. Top the casserole with shredded cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly. This grilled chicken and rice casserole is a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner.
Grilled vegetable lasagna
Leftover grilled vegetables can be transformed into a delicious vegetarian lasagna. In a baking dish, layer lasagna noodles, grilled vegetables, and your favorite marinara sauce. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, and finish with a layer of cheese on top. Bake the lasagna in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This grilled vegetable lasagna is a flavorful and hearty dish that will satisfy even the meat lovers at the dinner table.
Grilled sausage and potato bake
Leftover grilled sausage can be used to create a hearty and flavorful potato bake. Slice the grilled sausage into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. In a baking dish, layer thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and the grilled sausage. Drizzle some olive oil over the layers and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Bake the dish in the oven until the potatoes are tender and golden brown. This grilled sausage and potato bake is a comforting and filling option that can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side dish.
Appetizers
Grilled chicken skewers
Leftover grilled chicken can be transformed into delicious grilled chicken skewers. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers. Marinate the chicken in your preferred marinade for a few minutes. Grill the skewers over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred flavor. Serve the grilled chicken skewers with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as barbecue sauce or a tangy tzatziki. These grilled chicken skewers can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a protein-packed snack.
Grilled vegetable bruschetta
Transform your leftover grilled vegetables into a flavorful bruschetta. Slice a baguette into thin slices and toast them until they are crispy. In a bowl, mix the grilled vegetables with some diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the vegetable mixture onto the toasted baguette slices and serve them as an appetizer or a light snack. This grilled vegetable bruschetta is a colorful and impressive dish that will impress your guests.
Grilled shrimp cocktail
Leftover grilled shrimp can be used to create a delicious shrimp cocktail. In a bowl, mix the grilled shrimp with your favorite cocktail sauce or make a homemade one with ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Serve the shrimp cocktail in individual glasses, garnished with a slice of lemon and fresh parsley. This grilled shrimp cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for entertaining or as a special treat for yourself.
Dips and Spreads
Grilled vegetable hummus
Transform your leftover grilled vegetables into a flavorful hummus. In a food processor, blend the grilled vegetables, such as eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini, with chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil. Process until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and your preferred herbs and spices. Serve the grilled vegetable hummus with pita bread, crackers, or fresh veggies for a delicious and healthy dip.
Grilled chicken and avocado dip
Leftover grilled chicken can be transformed into a creamy and flavorful dip. In a food processor, blend the grilled chicken with ripe avocados, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices. Process until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the grilled chicken and avocado dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a delicious and protein-packed snack.
Grilled shrimp and herb cream cheese spread
Leftover grilled shrimp can be used to create a flavorful cream cheese spread. In a food processor, blend the grilled shrimp with cream cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs and spices. Process until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the grilled shrimp and herb cream cheese on toasted baguette slices or use it as a dip for crackers or fresh veggies. This spread is a versatile and delicious option that will elevate any appetizer platter.
In conclusion, there are numerous innovative ways to use leftovers from the grill. From salads and sandwiches to pasta dishes and casseroles, the possibilities are endless. By repurposing these leftovers, you can create new and exciting meals that are both delicious and satisfying. So, the next time you have leftovers from the grill, don’t let them go to waste. Get creative and explore the different flavors and combinations that can be achieved with these innovative leftover recipes. Happy cooking!