Spice Islands® – The Best Grilling Spices for Your Summer Dishes
Summer is made for grilling. As soon as the sun comes out and it becomes warm enough to enjoy outdoor dining, nothing beats a meal made on the grill. While the grill brings a ton of flavor, the way to really make your meals stand out is by picking the right seasoning to bring out the best in your dishes.
At Spice Islands, we love bringing the highest-quality spices and seasonings to enhance any meal. Here are some of our favorite grilling must-haves to fire up your summer menu.
Old Hickory Smoked Salt
Our Spice Islands® Old Hickory Smoked Salt combines premium salt with the rich, aromatic essence of aged hickory. A few sprinkles can elevate everyday dishes, giving them that irresistible, smoky flavor you typically only get from hours over a fire. It adds even more complexity to your meat or vegetables on the grill.
Perfect for: Shaking over steaks, burgers, vegetables, or even mac and cheese.
Looking for inspiration? Here’s one of our favorite recipes to use this seasoning on the grill: Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Old Hickory Smoked Salt
Onion Salt
Simple, yet powerful. Our Spice Islands® Onion Salt starts with the highest-quality domestic onions, dehydrated at the peak of freshness, and blended perfectly with salt. It’s a wonderfully versatile seasoning that can liven up almost any savory dish. It adds even more of that zingy onion flavor to your favorite meals.
Perfect for: Seasoning grilled corn, burgers, potato salads, and savory dips.
Here’s one of our favorite grill-worthy recipes to try: Grilled Corn Mango Salsa
Smoked Paprika
If your grilling game needs a boost of color and even more smoky flavor, Spice Islands® Smoked Paprika is a must-have. Made from carefully selected Capsicum chili peppers, slowly smoked over wood fires, and ground to a vivid red powder, this spice delivers a sweet-smoky kick without overwhelming heat. It’s amazing for the grill, but also is a welcome addition to summer dips and casseroles for an extra smoky kick.
Perfect for: Rubbing onto chicken, pork, or even tossing with veggies before hitting the grill.
(Pro tip: It’s more intense than regular paprika, so use it sparingly.)
Chili Powder
Looking to add some fire to your summer table? Spice Islands® Chili Powder blends roasted chiles with premium spices to create the ultimate flavor booster. It’s a match for bold Mexican or Southwestern-style dishes.
Perfect for: Ribs, grilled vegetables, chili bowls, and anything that could use a little extra kick.
This recipe is one of our favorite ways to add chili powder to a grilled meal: Chile Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Sweet Potato Hash
Ground Chipotle Chile
Take your grilling to a whole new level with the bold, smoky intensity of Spice Islands® Ground Chipotle Chile. Made from ripened, smoke-dried jalapeños, this spice delivers a rich, smoky heat that’s noticeable but not overpowering. Chipotle gives a distinct flavor that adds dimension normal chiles don’t offer to create the perfect southwest style meals.
Perfect for: Adding smoky heat to chicken, beef, grilled corn, and even barbecue sauces.
We love this seasoning on Chicken Thighs with Chipotle Bourbon Sauce
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Bright, fresh, and full of flavor, Spice Islands® Lemon Pepper Seasoning is a summer essential. With a perfectly balanced blend of lemon peel, black pepper, garlic, and onion, it’s a versatile seasoning that wakes up the flavors of whatever you’re grilling. It’s got that perfect zest of lemon that can stand the heat of the grill.
Perfect for: Fish, chicken, and veggies—especially asparagus, zucchini, and summer squash on the grill.
(Pro tip: Toss veggies in olive oil and lemon pepper before grilling for an easy, flavorful side.)
Salt, Pepper, & Garlic
Sometimes, the classics are classics for a reason. Spice Islands® Salt, Pepper, & Garlic blend is a must-have staple that brings simple, robust flavor to any meal. Whether you’re grilling steaks, seasoning veggies, or marinating chicken, this trio delivers a perfect, well-rounded flavor profile. If you can only have one spice in your pantry, this is the one to keep!
Perfect for: Literally everything—meats, veggies, marinades, and even grilled tofu.
(Pro tip: Keep a jar by the grill—you’ll find yourself reaching for it constantly.)
Ready to Fire Up Your Summer?
Having the right seasonings can make all the difference when it comes to grilling. Spice Islands® offers a range of bold, high-quality spices that bring real depth and flavor to your summer dishes , from smoky salts to rich, vibrant blends that elevate whatever’s on the grill. Happy summer grilling!
