Are you a grilling enthusiast looking for ways to elevate your outdoor cooking game while still keeping things healthy? Look no further! Traeger recipes have taken the world by storm, and for good reason – they offer a foolproof way to cook delicious meals with minimal effort. And the best part? Many of these recipes can be adapted to fit your dietary needs.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 flavorful and healthy Traeger recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household. From classic grilled meats to innovative vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, these recipes will guide you through the process of cooking mouthwatering meals on your Traeger.
Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in some seriously delicious eats! In our next installment, we’ll dive into the first 5 recipes, including Smoked Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs and Traeger Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa. Stay tuned!
Smoked Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the brightness of lemon, the earthiness of herbs, and the depth of smoke. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Smoke or grill the chicken for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Traeger Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Get ready to elevate your seafood game with this mouthwatering Traeger Grilled Salmon recipe, perfectly paired with a creamy and zesty Avocado Salsa. The smoky flavor from the Traeger grill complements the delicate taste of the salmon, while the salsa adds a burst of freshness.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Grill the salmon for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine avocado, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the salsa.
5. Serve the grilled salmon with the Avocado Salsa spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Healthy Smoked Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious smoked turkey breast recipe, infused with the savory goodness of garlic and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless turkey breast
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, and thyme.
3. Place the turkey breast in a shallow dish and brush the garlic-herb mixture evenly over both sides of the meat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Smoke the turkey for 2-3 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Grilled Vegetable Medley with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your summer gatherings with this vibrant and flavorful grilled vegetable medley, perfectly balanced by a rich balsamic glaze. This colorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping side at your next BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill vegetables for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
4. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the grilled vegetables and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Add a smoky twist to traditional stuffed bell peppers with this flavorful recipe. Smoked quinoa and tender bell peppers come together in a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup smoked quinoa
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in smoked quinoa, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture and top with cheese (if using).
6. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Traeger Smoked Sweet Potato Wedges
Transform sweet potatoes into a savory delight with this Traeger Smoked Sweet Potato Wedges recipe. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these crispy wedges are infused with the rich flavor of hickory smoke.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 275°F.
2. Cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch wedges.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the sweet potato wedges to the mixture and toss until coated.
5. Place the wedges on the Traeger pellet grill, leaving space between each wedge.
6. Smoke for 2-1/2 hours or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro (if using).
8. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Elevate your summer BBQs with these sweet and savory skewers featuring marinated chicken, juicy pineapple, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken and pineapple chunks to the marinade; toss to coat.
4. Thread 2-3 pieces of chicken and 1 piece of pineapple onto each skewer.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides or as a snack.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Smoked Cauliflower Steaks with Tahini Drizzle
Elevate your veggie game with this innovative recipe that combines the deep flavor of smoked cauliflower with a creamy tahini drizzle. Perfect for a flavorful and healthy side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup liquid smoke (optional)
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 3 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F (110°C).
2. Cut cauliflower into 1-inch thick slices.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and liquid smoke (if using). Add cauliflower steaks and toss to coat.
4. Smoke/grill cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Meanwhile, mix tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
6. Serve smoked cauliflower steaks with tahini drizzle spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Healthy Traeger Smoked Trout with Lemon and Dill
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the richness of smoked trout with the brightness of lemon and the freshness of dill. Perfect for a healthy dinner or brunch, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 trout fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F (110°C).
2. Rinse the trout fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the trout fillets in a single layer on the Traeger grates.
5. Brush the lemon-dill mixture evenly over the trout.
6. Close the lid and cook for 2 hours or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant Parmesan
Savor the flavors of summer with this refreshing twist on classic eggplant parmesan, featuring grilled zucchini and eggplant instead.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Shredded mozzarella cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Brush both sides of zucchini and eggplant slices with olive oil, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
4. Grill vegetables for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
5. Assemble by placing grilled vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spooning marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkling with shredded mozzarella cheese (if using).
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Black Bean and Corn Stuffed Peppers
These flavorful peppers are packed with a delicious blend of smoked black beans, sweet corn, and spices. Perfect as a main dish or side, they’re sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in black beans, corn, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff each pepper with the bean mixture and top with cheese (if using).
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Traeger Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Elevate your mealtime with these flavorful and healthy Traeger grilled chicken lettuce wraps! Tender, smoky chicken pairs perfectly with crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, and tangy ranch dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 large lettuce leaves
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– Ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger grill to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill chicken for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
6. Assemble wraps by placing sliced chicken on a lettuce leaf, topping with avocado slices, and drizzling with ranch dressing.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Smoked Butternut Squash Soup
Smoked Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
This autumnal soup is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, with the added depth of smoky notes from smoked butternut squash. Perfect for a cozy fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C) with wood chips of your choice (e.g., apple, cherry, or maple).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the squash, then sprinkle diced onion and minced garlic on top.
4. Smoke the squash for 2-3 hours, or until caramelized and tender.
5. Scoop out the cooked squash flesh and puree it in a blender with broth, heavy cream, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 3 hours (including smoking time)
Grilled Shrimp and Mango Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of mango with the savory flavor of grilled shrimp, perfect for a light and flavorful meal or as a starter for a dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bag of mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine mango, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil; stir gently.
4. Add cooked shrimp to the bowl and toss to combine.
5. Place mixed greens on individual plates or serving platter; top with grilled shrimp and mango mixture.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Healthy Smoked Tofu with Teriyaki Glaze
Elevate your plant-based game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of smoked tofu with the sweet and sticky teriyaki glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup liquid smoke
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or oven to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together liquid smoke, soy sauce, water, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and ginger.
3. Place the tofu cubes in a shallow dish and pour the teriyaki glaze over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Smoke or bake the tofu for 30-40 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of smokiness.
5. Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Traeger Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (Optional)
Elevate your side dish game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts with the smokiness of a Traeger and the richness of bacon (optional).
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 275°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Place the Brussels sprouts on the Traeger grill mat or directly on the smoker rack.
4. If using bacon, scatter it over the Brussels sprouts.
5. Smoke for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized.
6. Remove from heat and toss with apple cider vinegar.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
These meaty mushrooms are the perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional burgers, packed with earthy flavor and satisfying texture. With just a few simple ingredients and some quick grilling time, you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the mushrooms.
4. Grill mushrooms for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Assemble burgers by placing grilled mushrooms on hamburger buns and adding desired toppings.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes total (4-5 minutes per mushroom)
Smoked Apple and Cinnamon Stuffed Acorn Squash
This recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of smoked apples to create a deliciously flavorful stuffed squash dish perfect for fall gatherings. The smoky flavor adds a depth and complexity that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium acorn squashes
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked apple butter (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked apple butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Divide the mixture evenly among the squash halves.
5. Top each squash with rolled oats and chopped pecans (if using).
6. Place the squashes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Traeger Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Elevate your asparagus game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of grilled asparagus with a burst of citrusy freshness from lemon zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line the Traeger grill grates with aluminum foil or a perforated grill mat, if desired.
3. Place the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared grill grates.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with minced garlic.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Close the Traeger lid and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly charred.
7. Remove the asparagus from the grill and squeeze the lemon juice over the top. Sprinkle with grated lemon zest.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Healthy Smoked Chicken and Vegetable Kebabs
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with these flavorful and nutritious kebabs, featuring tender smoked chicken paired with colorful vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 onion, peeled and quartered
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers (10-12 inches long)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat.
3. Thread chicken, bell peppers, onion, garlic, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Place kebabs on the smoker or grill and cook for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Summary
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these 20 flavorful and healthy Traeger recipes! From chicken thighs smothered in lemon herb goodness, to salmon fillets served with creamy avocado salsa, and even sweet potato wedges smoked to perfection – there’s something for every taste bud. Discover how easy it is to cook up a storm on your Traeger grill, with recipes that combine bold flavors and nutritious ingredients. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts looking to take their meals to the next level!