Summer is definitely your season, especially when you combine a love for grilling with the yumminess of cooking with essential oil-infused marinades! Explore exciting, new flavors no matter what’s on the grill—from tasty meat-and-veggie kabobs to juicy chicken sandwiches. These fresh summer marinades will take your next barbecue to the next level, no matter what season it is, with an essential oil zing that you and your guests are sure to love!
Why should you use essential oils in your marinades?
When you use Vitality™ essential oils in your recipes, they allow your flavors to shine. Due to essential oils’ natural potency, it takes less oil to achieve your desired flavor than other types of seasonings, dry herbs, or spices. So, when cooking with essential oils, be sure to take it easy. Start low with only a drop or two and gradually add more to taste. Not only are Vitality oils economical, but when you ingest Vitality oils, you also enjoy their benefits!
Try these essential-oil infused marinade recipes
Everyone’s taste buds are unique. That’s why, for each recipe, be sure to add salt and pepper and any other adjustments to satisfy your tastes. Each marinade recipe should provide enough flavoring for 1–2 pounds of meat or your protein of choice. Not a meat-lover? Try using these marinades on your favorite veggies or meat substitutes!
Citrus Town Spicy Marinade
Take your taste buds to flavor town with this mix of tangy citrus and spicy ginger! This marinade goes especially well with chicken and tofu.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive or other oil
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 drops Orange Vitality
- 2 drops Lemon Vitality
- 1 drop Ginger Vitality
- Optional: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients and pour over protein in a shallow glass bowl or baking pan.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–4 hours or overnight before grilling.
3. Discard marinade after use.
Make this dish a meal by adding rice and seasoned veggies to your plate. Top with extra sesame seeds to give it a little extra texture.
Mediterranean Grill n’ Greet Marinade
Give your barbecue a Mediterranean vacation vibe with this delicious blend of classic, flavorful ingredients. It’s perfect for pork, lamb, or chicken kabobs.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 drop Oregano Vitality
- 2 drops Lemon Vitality
- 1 drop Black Pepper Vitality
Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients and pour over protein in a shallow glass bowl or baking pan.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–4 hours or overnight before grilling.
3. Discard marinade after use.
For a delicious meal, add your marinated protein or veggie of choice to pita bread. Toss in your favorite toppings like olives, chickpeas, or feta cheese. Top with fresh lemon juice, parsley, and tzatziki sauce.
Sweet Honey Lovin’ Lime Marinade
This delicious marinade combines fun with yum by bringing together the fresh, citrusy zing of lime with sweet, delicious honey. It’s perfect for seasoning salmon, chicken, or beef.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive or other oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 drops Lime Vitality
Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients and pour over protein in a shallow glass bowl or baking pan.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–4 hours or overnight before grilling.
3. Discard marinade after use.
Serve this dish with rice or taco style with your favorite toppings. For extra kick, add as much chili sauce or flakes as your mouth can handle to the marinade.
YL tip: Place all marinade ingredients into a mason jar. Top with a lid and shake until everything is well combined for easy mixing.
Feeling too hot to grill? Summer heat getting you down? Cool off with these homemade YL Vitality™ Drops slushies or mix it up with these three sip-tastic refreshing summer mocktails.
Do you use Vitality essential oils when you grill?
Share your secret recipes with us in the comments!
