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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    Grill for Two: 14 Easy Summer Recipes for Empty Nesters

    Published: Jun 1, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Now that it’s just the two of us, firing up the grill for two has become a little tradition we actually look forward to. No big grocery hauls, no chaos—just simple, tasty meals made for warm nights and quiet company. These easy summer recipes are perfect for keeping things low-key but still really delicious. Let’s be honest, we’ve earned this kind of dinner.

    BBQ Pork Tenderloin for Two

    A pork tenderloin sliced and covered in bbq sauce.
    BBQ Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.


     

    This BBQ pork tenderloin is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for smaller portions. It’s one of those grilling recipes for two that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple.
    Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Tenderloin

    Grilled Skirt Steak for Empty Nesters

    Skirt steak sliced on a cutting board.
    Grilled Skirt Steak. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

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    This grilled skirt steak is a tender, quick-cooking cut that’s ideal for empty nester meals. Pair it with a light salad or grilled veggies for a complete summer dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Skirt Steak

    Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken for Two

    Grilled chicken thighs on a patter with grilled pineapple.
    Tequila Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    This tequila lime grilled chicken brings zesty flavor and juicy texture to your summer cookout. It’s an easy pick for small-batch grilling when you want something a little different.
    Get the Recipe: Tequila Grilled Chicken

    Grilled Pork Chops for Empty Nesters

    Two grilled pork chops on a metal platter.
    Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    These grilled pork chops are seasoned to perfection and ideal for a cozy meal for two. They’re quick to make and taste like a weekend treat.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

    Shrimp & Corn Quesadillas on the Grill

    A close-up of a grilled quesadilla filled with shrimp, corn, melted cheese, green onions, and fresh cilantro on a plate—perfect for adding to your Cinco de Mayo recipes.
    Shrimp and Corn Quesadillas. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Grilled shrimp and corn quesadillas are a crispy, cheesy twist on traditional tacos. They’re perfect for grilling recipes for two and come together in minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp & Corn Quesadillas

    Simple Grilled Pork Tenderloin

    A platter of pork tenderloin with pineapple salsa.
    Grilled Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    This grilled pork tenderloin is juicy and packed with smoky flavor. It’s great for a laid-back date night on the patio.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Tenderloin

    Spiral Cut Hotdogs for Two

    Two grilled hot dogs in buns topped with shredded cheese, ketchup, mustard, and chili, served on a black plate with a small bowl of yellow mustard and a spoon on the side.
    Spiral-Cut Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    These spiral cut hotdogs are a fun twist on a cookout classic with more char and more flavor. They’re a playful choice for small-batch grilling on a casual summer night.
    Get the Recipe: Spiral Cut Hotdogs

    Buttermilk Ranch Chicken on the Grill

    A grilled ranch chicken kabob
    Buttermilk Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    This buttermilk ranch grilled chicken is tangy, juicy, and perfect for weeknight grilling. It’s one of those empty nester meals that’s both comforting and easy.
    Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Ranch Chicken

    Shrimp Boil Foil Packs

    Two shrimp boil packs with toasted bread.
    Shrimp Boil Packs. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Shrimp boil foil packs are packed with smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and juicy shrimp. It’s a no-mess grilling favorite with big flavor for small portions.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Boil Packs

    Cherry Chutney Pork Tenderloin

    A sliced pork tenderloin on a platter with cherry sauce around it.
    Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Chutney. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    This cherry chutney pork tenderloin is sweet, savory, and perfect for special summer evenings. It’s elegant enough for guests, yet sized right for small-batch grilling.
    Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Chutney

    Mustard Drumsticks with Peach Glaze

    A white platter full of grilled chicken drumsticks and thighs.
    Mustard Drumsticks with Peach Glaze. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    These mustard-glazed drumsticks are brushed with a sweet peach sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. They’re bold, flavorful, and great for empty nesters looking for something new.
    Get the Recipe: Mustard Drumsticks with Peach Glaze

    Honey Garlic Grilled Shrimp

    Close-up of grilled shrimp with a golden, slightly charred exterior, arranged on a white plate. The shrimp appear juicy and freshly cooked, with visible grill marks.
    Honey Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    These honey garlic shrimp skewers are sticky-sweet, garlicky, and grill in minutes. They’re ideal for quick empty nester meals on warm summer nights.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Grilled Shrimp

    Chipotle-Style Black Beans (Side Dish)

    Mexican black bean chili.
    Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    These chipotle-style black beans make the perfect smoky, hearty side for your favorite grilled mains. They’re versatile and round out any small-batch grilling menu.
    Get the Recipe: Chipotle Black Beans

    Margarita Grilled Steak

    A plate with two grilled steaks garnished with cilantro, served with a scoop of guacamole, a lime wedge, and a small portion of salsa. Lime slices and cilantro are in the background.
    Margarita Grilled Steak. Photo credit: Spicy Southern Kitchen.

    This margarita grilled steak is infused with lime, tequila, and bold seasonings for a juicy, tangy bite. It’s a festive pick from the grilling recipes for two collection.
    Get the Recipe: Margarita Grilled Steak

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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