Summer has officially arrived, which means it's time to fire up that grill! Just the smell of a sizzling steak is enough to make mouths water. But before you pile a mountain of condiments on your hot dog, consider these healthy, yet still finger-licking-good, alternatives to your usual platter of burgers.

Turn your chef hat into a creative cap.
Grilling doesn't have to mean hamburgers and hot dogs. Some of your favorite foods can be grilled into delicious meals. Here are some creative ideas to turn your grilled food from mundane to marvelous.

What's your beef?
Whether you love beef, chicken, or fish, many cuts of meat can be prepared in healthier ways. Just follow these tips:

• Choose lean cuts.
• Trim the fat and remove the skin.
• Place thick flanks directly onto the grill and thin pieces or fillets in foil packets along with some lemon and your favorite vegetables.

Grilling Tip: If you're worried that trimming the fat will sap the flavor, never fear: Marinade is here! Marinades add flavor and keep meat tender. Try Asian Grilled Flank Steak for a far-East-inspired marinade—pair it with a bowl of microwaveable Healthy Choice® soup for a completely oven-free meal.

Color your plate with vegetables.
With so many colors and flavors to choose from, vegetables are an aesthetically pleasing way to satisfy appetites. Whether you marinate and roast them, stick them on a skewer, or toss them onto your salad, vegetables can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Some favorite vegetables include corn on the cob, eggplant, summer squash, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms. This recipe for Grilled Tuna with Corn and Avocado Relish can get you started in the art of grilling vegetables.

Grilling Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, brush veggies with fruit juice, chicken broth, or olive oil.

Fruit has never tasted so sweet.
Believe it or not, healthy grilling can include dessert, too. The dry heat of grilling intensifies and caramelizes the natural sugars in fruit, which makes it as delicious as cake or ice cream. Try almost any fruit, including apples, peaches, pineapples, pears, and nectarines. If the kids aren't in the mood for grilled apples, try one of the many Healthy Choice frozen novelties for a more contemporary dessert idea.

Grilling Tip: Try grilling slices of angel food cake and topping them with chilled berries. Brush honey onto grilled cantaloupe kabobs. Grill a banana in its peel for a custard-like delicacy. For extra sweetness, sprinkle some brown sugar on top.

Don't let the rain ruin your game.
Grilling is great if the weather cooperates, but if it's raining out and you had your heart set on a meal from the grill, don't worry. You can enjoy a Healthy Choice dinner, instead. They come in a bunch of different "grilled versions" such as Grilled Chicken with Smokehouse BBQ Sauce, Grilled Monterey Chicken, and Grilled Steak in Roasted Garlic Sauce.

Grill healthy, grill safe.
Keep your eaters safe and happy. To ensure evenly cooked food, completely thaw meat and poultry before grilling. And to ward off bacteria, follow these easy tips:

• Marinate in your refrigerator, not on your counter.
• Keep food cold until you grill it.
• Don't eat or serve off plates that have had raw meat on them.
• Clean your grill regularly. Try spraying your grill with PAM® For Grilling for easy cleanup.

Grilling Tip: Don't overcook foods. Keep an eye on the time, and if you do burn food, cut off charred sections.