Blooming Onions On the Grill

And Other Guilt-Free Summer Picnic Tips

By Christin Bummer

Heading to a summer party should be filled with joy, excitement with anticipation. Yet many people approach get-togethers with anxiety and dread. We know it's going to be filled with temptations, we're not sure what's going to be available to eat, and we start to worry. The last thing we need when we're trying to eat healthy is a whole group of people watching, judging, and asking questions.


Sadly, a lot of healthy eating experts advise skipping these get-togethers all together, but staying at home in isolation for many folks is a recipe for depression and binge eating behavior. Eek!


What if instead you could walk into a party with:

  • Confidence
  • Freedom
  • Joy
  • Confidence
  • Freedom
  • Joy

It's totally possible, and in a few minutes you'll be armed with a stellar strategy.

First, don't expect there's going to be healthy food there. Most people do not eat like we do, so their idea of food might very well be potato chips, tortilla chips, Doritos, and pop.


Secondly, try not to overthink it. As long as you have a couple of decent options to eat, you should be just fine. If it's a pot-luck, I recommend bringing a potato salad or bean salad that you'll enjoy. And in the worst case scenario, you can at least have that as your meal. That said, almost all summer parties have one or two perfectly healthy plant-based foods that we don't even think about:

  • Corn on the cob
  • Fresh veggie trays
  • Lettuce and tomato (for burgers)
  • Fruit salad
  • Watermelon
  • Corn on the cob
  • Fresh veggie trays
  • Lettuce and tomato (for the burgers)
  • Fruit salad
  • Watermelon

If you're going to be with a crowd of carnivores and you're uncomfortable bringing a bean salad, bring a gorgeous fruit salad or the corn on the cob. No one will even blink!

If you prefer to get fancy with it... consider this

Blooming onions on the grill.


Sometimes we all like to be a little fancy. And what better type of fancy than a recipe that makes it look like you've slaved away in the kitchen when it fact it only took you a few minutes!


This one fits the bill. It's crazy simple. All you need are sweet onions and a few seasonings. Cut the stem ends off and leave the root ends intact. Peel the onions. Cut down the center of the onion without cutting all the way through. Keep turning the knife to make cuts about 1/8" apart at the top, to form the petals.


Continue to turn the onion and cut petals, leaving them attached at the base by the root. Move all the way around the onion until you're back to where you started. The petals may start to fall and separate a little, but they'll open up much more while cooking.

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Sprinkle with seasoning if desired:

  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp salt-free seasoning
  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp salt-free seasoning
  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast

Place onions on a hot grill and gently open the petals. Sprinkle generously with seasoning mix. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Cook for 15-20 minutes over medium heat, checking frequently for burning.


If you'd like to serve with baked potatoes, I prefer to pre-cook in the microwave and then reheat on the grill for about 10 minutes on the top rack. Add corn on the cob and fruit salad and you'll be the envy of the BBQ!

Last but not least, remember why you're really there. Despite the fact that almost all of our social gatherings revolve around food, you don't have to let that be the central theme for you. For years now I've been setting an intention before showing up at an event. I remind myself that I'm not going there for the food. I'm going because I enjoy the company of my friends and family. Shifting the focus away from the food gives me a healthier perspective about the whole thing.


Having a positive perspective about the whole thing sets me up to enjoy the event! Talk about a win-win-win!