Summer Grilling
The Ultimate Low Carb BBQ Guide
There’s nothing quite like firing up the grill on a warm summer day, surrounded by friends, family, and the mouth-watering aroma of smoky, sizzling food. But for those following a low carb lifestyle, or catering to guests who are, traditional BBQs can pose a few challenges. From sugary sauces and marinades to carb-heavy sides and buns, it’s easy to stray off track.
Luckily, with a few smart swaps and a well-stocked pantry, it’s entirely possible to host a delicious, satisfying, and 100% low carb BBQ that everyone can enjoy. In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you how to master summer grilling without compromising on flavour or health goals. We’ll explore sugar-free marinades, low carb sides, must-have pantry staples from Low Carb Grocery, and even share crowd-pleasing recipes perfect for your next outdoor gathering.
Low Carb Grilling Essentials
Stock Your BBQ Toolbox
Before diving into recipes, it’s important to stock your kitchen (and grill station) with a few key ingredients and tools that make low carb grilling a breeze.
Must-Have Ingredients from Low Carb Grocery:
- G Hughes Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce – Available in flavours like Smoky Mesquite, Teriyaki, and Pineapple Ginger. These sauces deliver the same tangy, smoky, and sweet BBQ taste without the added sugar.
- Crazy Mooskies BBQ Sauce – Canadian-made and keto-friendly with natural ingredients.
- Walden Farms Sugar-Free Dressings – Great for marinades and salads.
- Unbun bread or Carbonaut Buns – Low carb bread options for burgers and sandwiches.
- Low carb tortillas (like Mama Lupe’s or La Tortilla Factory) – Ideal for grilled wraps and skewers.
Essential Tools for a Great BBQ
- Long-handled tongs
- Meat thermometer (to ensure perfect internal temperatures)
- Grill basket (great for vegetables)
- Basting brush
- Skewers or grilling sticks
The Art of Sugar Free Marinades and Rubs
Marinades and rubs are where a lot of hidden sugars lurk in traditional BBQ. Fortunately, making your own low carb versions is easy, and the flavour payoff is well worth it.
Basic Low Carb BBQ Rub
Combine:
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne (optional)
- 1 tsp Swerve or erythritol for a subtle sweet edge
Rub onto meats like chicken thighs, pork ribs, or steak before grilling. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
Zesty Sugar-Free Marinade (Perfect for Chicken or Shrimp)
Whisk together:
- 1/4 cup Skinny Girl Italian dressing
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Marinate your protein for 1–4 hours before grilling.
Sweet & Spicy Keto BBQ Sauce
Mix:
- 1/2 cup G Hughes Maple Brown BBQ Sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp Swerve Brown Sugar
Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened. Use to baste ribs or brush over grilled wings.
What to Grill (and How to Make It Shine)
Let’s talk protein. BBQs are all about showcasing meat and plant-based mains that pair beautifully with fire and smoke. Here are our top picks with low carb prep tips.
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Sweet Heat BBQ Glaze
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup G Hughes Hickory BBQ Sauce
- 1 tbsp Swerve Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Grill over medium heat, 6–7 minutes per side.
- In the last few minutes, brush on sauce mixed with Swerve Brown Sugar.
- Grill until caramelized.
Serving Tip: Serve with grilled peppers or wrap in a low carb tortilla with coleslaw.
Keto-Friendly Beef Burgers with Carbonaut Buns
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Carbonaut buns or Unbun Keto Bread
- Toppings: cheddar cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, sugar-free ketchup
Instructions:
- Mix beef with seasoning and form into 4 patties.
- Grill 3–4 minutes per side.
- Add cheese in the last minute of grilling.
- Serve on a toasted low carb bun with your favourite fixings.
Optional Add-On: Serve with a side of Quest Chips for crunch.
Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, lemon slices
Lemon-Dill Butter:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions:
- Brush salmon with olive oil, season, and grill skin-side down for 6–8 minutes.
- Top with lemon-dill butter just before serving.
Perfect Pairing: Cauliflower rice or grilled asparagus.
Veggie & Halloumi Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 block halloumi cheese
- Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion
- Olive oil, oregano, salt
Instructions:
- Cube cheese and vegetables.
- Toss in olive oil and seasoning.
- Skewer and grill until charred (about 8 minutes).
Great for Everyone: These skewers are a hit with vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Low Carb Sides That Steal the Show
No BBQ is complete without killer side dishes, but instead of carb-heavy pasta salads and baked beans, try these vibrant, low carb alternatives.
Creamy Avocado & Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 avocados, cubed
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 tbsp avocado mayo
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
Toss everything together and chill until serving. Garnish with cilantro or fresh dill.
Grilled Broccoli with Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Toss broccoli in olive oil.
- Grill in a basket until tender and charred.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and chili flakes before serving.
Cauliflower Faux-tato Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, steamed and chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup avocado mayo
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt, pepper, paprika
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients and chill before serving. Tastes just like the classic but with a keto twist!
Crunchy Coleslaw with Tangy Kick
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 2 tbsp avocado mayo
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of Swerve
Instructions:
Toss all ingredients together and chill for at least an hour. The mild sweetness and tang balance the richness of grilled meats perfectly.
Refreshing Low Carb Summer Drinks
Skip the sugary sodas and beer bloat. Try these refreshing low carb sips instead.
Sparkling Limeade (1g net carbs per serving)
- 1 can sugar-free lemon lime soda
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Ice & fresh mint
Keto Mojito Mocktail
- Sparkling water
- Fresh lime
- Mint leaves
- 1 tbsp Monk Fruit Syrup (classic or flavored)
Iced Berry Tea Punch
Ingredients:
- 2 cups brewed hibiscus or berry herbal tea, chilled
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
- Handful of raspberries or sliced strawberries
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Stevia or monk fruit to taste
Serve over ice for a colourful, hydrating party drink.
Low Carb Desserts to Close the Grill Session
Just because you’re keeping things low carb doesn’t mean dessert is off the table.
Grilled Berry Skewers with Sugar-Free Chocolate Drizzle
- Skewer strawberries and blackberries
- Grill briefly until warm
- Drizzle with sugar-free dark chocolate sauce
Keto Ice Cream Sandwiches
What You Need:
- Atkins cookies or Glutenull cookies
- Low carb ice cream
Instructions:
Scoop ice cream between two cookies, wrap in parchment, and freeze until firm. Instant crowd-pleaser!
Chilled Lemon Cheesecake Cups
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
Whip until fluffy, portion into cups, and chill. Optional: top with a few blueberries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Grilling Tips to Wow Your Guests
A successful BBQ isn’t just about the food, it’s about the experience. Here are a few tips to make your event smooth and enjoyable for all.
- Create a build-your-own burger or wrap station with low carb bun and tortilla options.
- Offer a variety of condiments, including sugar-free ketchup, mustard, relish, and mayo.
- Label everything clearly (especially helpful for guests with allergies or dietary needs).
- Keep cold dishes chilled using a bowl set inside a tray of ice.
- Add a few vegetarian or pescatarian options to keep things inclusive.
- Create a “build-your-own” bar with toppings, sauces, and low carb breads.
- Let meat rest for maximum juiciness.
- Pre-chop veggies and store in the fridge for easier prep during the party.
- Double-up recipes to ensure there’s something for everyone, especially keto-friendly options, which tend to disappear fast!
Make It a Party
Hosting a BBQ? Go beyond the food to make it memorable:
- Tropical Luau – Serve grilled pineapple (just a small portion for low carb folks), coconut sparkling water, and seafood skewers.
- Tex-Mex Fiesta – Offer low carb tacos, guacamole, and grilled fajita platters.
- Classic Canadian Cookout – Serve all-beef burgers, sausage, and low carb poutine using cheese curds and grilled rutabaga fries.
Entertaining for All Diets
Want to make your gathering welcoming to all? Here’s how:
- Label dishes clearly with tags like “low carb,” “dairy-free,” “gluten-free,” or “vegan.”
- Include a plant-based protein option like grilled marinated tofu, portobello burgers, or seitan skewers.
- Set up a low carb dip station with pork rinds, seed crackers, or cucumber rounds alongside guacamole, baba ghanoush, or a creamy avocado dip.
Remember: a few small tweaks can make everyone feel included, without compromising your low carb theme.
Shop Smart at Low Carb Grocery
Everything you need to host your dream low carb BBQ is available online at Low Carb Grocery. From sauces and marinades to buns, chips, drinks, and desserts, we’ve curated the best low carb and keto-friendly products so you can shop with confidence.
Low Carb Party Picks:
- BBQ Essentials: G Hughes, Crazy Mooskies
- Bread Alternatives: Carbonaut, Unbun, Joseph’s
- Keto Sweeteners & Syrups: Lakanto, Swerve
- Condiments & Spreads: Walden Farms, Nature’s Hollow
- Sweets & Snacks: Quest Chips, Smart Sweets, HighKey Cookies
Stock up early to avoid last-minute scrambles before your next big grill day.
Fire Up the Grill and Stay on Track
Hosting a low carb BBQ doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour, variety, or fun. With a bit of planning, the right products, and a creative approach to grilling, you can wow your guests while staying aligned with your health goals.
Whether you’re keto, low carb, gluten-free, or just trying to reduce sugar and processed carbs, summer grilling can still be the highlight of your season. So, light the coals, grab your tongs, and let Low Carb Grocery help you build a BBQ experience that’s unforgettable.
Here’s to great weather, great company, and even better food, low carb style.
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