It’s officially grilling season and now is the perfect time to commit to cooking up a healthy barbecue. Whether it’s preparing food over an open fire at a camp site, or cooking from the barbecue on the deck, there are great ways to ensure your family is getting a healthy meal. Just follow these tips:

• Seared salads – Take a break from ordinary lettuce, and substitute the usual salad with grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, squash or red peppers.

• Beefless burgers – While extra lean ground beef (93 percent lean) is always a smart favorite, why not try a salmon, tuna, chicken or turkey patty instead? Bulk up these burger alternatives by adding chopped vegetables or fruits, as well as low calorie sauces and rubs. Nestle burgers onto a whole grain bun or pita for added fiber and flavor.

• Side pockets – Not every side needs to be served in a dish. Cook potatoes, onions and herbs together in a tinfoil pocket. Tear off a 12-inch sheet of foil and fill. Fold the foil over and seal tightly until the vegetables are tender, turning at least once. Grilling in foil locks in flavors and nutrients, and makes for easy clean up.

• Sweet Endings – Swap the cakes and cookies for Mother Nature’s favorite dessert – fruit. Make a tropical treat with easily prepared fruit kabobs. Put chunks of bananas, pineapple or mangos on water soaked skewers and sear over the fire. For extra flavor, lightly brush with a touch of melted butter, brown sugar, ginger and rum.

Here’s a great recipe for Feta-stuffed chicken burgers:

Serves: Four

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 16 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound uncooked ground chicken breast

1 tablespoon fresh oregano

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

7 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled

4 small wheat pitas

4 pieces of romaine lettuce

2/3 cup roasted red peppers, sliced (without oil)

5 small olives, black, sliced

Preparation:

Preheat grill or broiler. Mix chicken, oregano, garlic powder and feta together in a medium-sized bowl. Divide mixture into four balls and then press gently into patties.

Grill or broil patties until internal temperature of burgers reaches 165 degrees, about 7 to 8 minutes per side. Serve each burger in a pita with a lettuce leaf, 1/4 of peppers and 1 teaspoon of olives.