11 Healthy Summer Cookout Picks from Walmart

May 13, 2024

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Planning a summer barbecue can be exciting, but also stressful, with so much to shop for — that’s why it’s helpful to get everything you need in a one-stop store like Walmart. The massive chain has everything you need for a fun cookout, from an outdoor picnic table, to grills, and, of course, all of the ingredients you could possibly need to create a delicious summertime meal.

We strolled through the store to find some of the best — and healthiest — summer barbecue picks that Walmart has to offer.

1. Morning Star Spicy Black Bean Veggie Burgers

A cookout isn’t always the most enticing event for vegetarians, or anyone following a plant-based diet, because there’s usually a lot of meat and fewer veggie options. But these days, there are plenty of choices for anyone looking for a plant-based meal, including these black bean patties.

The burgers, which you can cook on a grill, but also in the oven or in a skillet, contain 9 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Plus, they’re made with black beans, brown rice, onions, corn, tomatoes, and just a few other wholesome ingredients.

Buy it: Morning Star Spicy Black Bean Veggie Burgers

2. Westbrae Organic Salad Beans

Every barbecue needs side dishes, and Westbrae Organic Salad Beans are a nutritious option, with three types of beans — kidney, pinto, and garbanzo. Add the beans to any salad, or toss them with a few spices and serve them as a bean salad. They’re nutritionally dense, and a great source of fiber, with 6 grams per half-cup serving.

Buy it: Westbrae Organic Salad Beans

3. BelGioiso Burrata Cheese

When it comes to barbecue food planning, burrata might not always be at the top of the list — but maybe it should be. You can add it to a cheese plate, create a twist on Caprese salad by pairing it with fresh tomatoes and basil, or serve it with grilled peaches for a perfect summer starter. Along with it rich flavor and unique texture, this cheese gives you 3 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving.

Buy it: BelGioiso Burrata Cheese

4. JENNIE-O Jumbo Turkey Franks

Hot dogs are a barbecue essential, and these turkey dogs are a great option. With 7 grams of protein per dog, and less sodium than some other brands, they still have great flavor and the texture you expect. Each 16-ounce package comes with 8 turkey franks.

Buy it: JENNIE-O Jumbo Turkey Franks

5. Primal Kitchen Greek Vinaigrette and Marinade

One way to instantly elevate your cookout fare is to properly marinate the chicken. Primal Kitchen’s Greek Vinaigrette and Marinade is packed with flavor, and contains no added sugars. It isn’t just reserved for chicken, either. Marinade veggies or other protein sources like fish, lamb, and tofu, before grilling. Or, simply use it as a salad dressing. Another perk? This marinade/dressing is made with avocado oil, which contains lutein, an antioxidant that can help improve vision.

Buy it: Primal Kitchen Greek Vinaigrette and Marinade

6. Wild-caught salmon

It’s no secret that there are plenty of health benefits associated with eating salmon. The fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve heart health and boost mood. Walmart sells wild-caught sockeye salmon filets with 25 grams of protein and 80% of your day’s vitamin D per 4-ounce serving. Marinate it and grill it, or cook it in foil packets on the grill. Alternatively, you could make patties out of canned wild salmon and grill those.

Buy it: Wild-caught salmon

7. Tempeh

Veggie burgers and grilled tofu are plant-based cookout go-tos, but if you want to wow your vegetarian and vegan friends, try grilling some tempeh. Made from soaked and cooked soybeans, it’s firmer than tofu and tastes great when grilled. Plus, a serving of just under 3 grams has a whopping 17 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber, about 14% of the recommended daily intake.

Buy it: Tempeh

8. Yo Mama’s Foods Keto Classic BBQ Sauce

No cookout is complete without barbecue sauce, but barbecue sauces are usually laden with added sugar, in the form of brown sugar, molasses, honey, maple syrup — or even corn syrup. But you don’t have to skip the sauce: Grab Yo Mama’s Foods Keto Classic BBQ Sauce at Walmart. It’s tangy and flavorful thanks to tomato paste, cider vinegar, and spices, with a touch of monk fruit for sweetness.

Buy it: Yo Mama’s Foods Keto Classic BBQ Sauce

9. Fire & Smoke Society Street Corn Elote Seasoning

Fresh corn just screams summer. Give your corn on the cob a glow up with an elote-inspired dish. Elote, a street food from Mexico, is corn that’s slathered in a mayonnaise-based sauce, and then topped with chili powder, cheese, and lime. This seasoning mix is a blend of spicy and sweet flavors, with chilies, Mexican oregano, coriander, cumin, and cinnamon. The flavorful mix contains just 15 calories per serving, and no fat. Spread a thin layer of mayo on corn and add this seasoning, or just brush cobs with a little olive oil before sprinkling it on and grilling.

Buy it: Fire & Smoke Society Street Corn Elote Seasoning

10. Grass-fed ground beef

A cookout just isn’t the same without burgers, and it’s a good idea to opt for grass-fed ground beef. A 2022 study found that grass-fed ground beef contains more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef, which helps prevent inflammation and lowers the risk of autoimmune disease.

Grass-fed ground beef also contains higher amounts of antioxidants than grain-fed beef, which can help prevent cell damage. Marketside Organic’s grass-fed ground beef, which is available at Walmart, contains 25 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving, and is very budget friendly at $7.50 per pound.

Buy it: Grass-fed ground beef

11. Keto Culture Hamburger Buns

No matter what kind of burger you prefer at a cookout — beef, turkey, veggie, or something else — the bun you put it on is just as important. Keto Culture hamburger buns are a great option for anyone on a low-carb diet. With 16 grams of carbs, plus 15 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein (compared to 25 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of protein in a typical hamburger bun), you can enjoy your hands-on burger and stay within your macro goals.

Buy it: Keto Culture Hamburger Buns