There’s a version of the summer barbecue that feels like a compromise. It’s the one where you’re standing at the grill wondering what exactly went into the hot dogs you’re about to serve your kids, or feeling a little uneasy about the ingredient list on the sausage package you tossed into the cart.
But grilling doesn’t have to feel that way. You can serve food that feels satisfying and crowd-pleasing without giving up on quality. Think hot dogs made from humanely raised beef, with no synthetic nitrates and no artificial ingredients. Sausages that are full of flavor but still made with simple, clean ingredients. Toppings that add color, crunch, and freshness instead of covering everything in processed extras.
A healthier cookout doesn’t have to be boring, complicated, or preachy. It just means choosing better versions of the foods people already love. Here’s how to build a grilling menu with cleaner hot dogs, better sausages, and toppings everyone will actually want to eat.
Start With Meat You Feel Good About
The foundation of a better cookout is what you put on the grill, and for most families, that means rethinking the all-natural sausages and hot dogs that have been default cookout food for decades.
Most conventional hot dogs and sausages are made with sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite, synthetic preservatives used to extend shelf life and maintain color. Research has raised ongoing questions about high consumption of these additives, which is why so many health-conscious families have started looking for cleaner alternatives.
The good news is that cleaner doesn’t mean sacrificing anything at the cookout. Wellshire’s uncured hot dogs and sausages are free of synthetic nitrates and nitrites, made from humanely raised animals, minimally processed, and free from artificial ingredients, MSG, and growth hormones. And they taste like the real thing because they are.
Wellshire’s Premium Uncured Beef Franks even won “Best Texture” from Delish and “Best Backyard BBQ” from Food and Wine magazine, which says everything you need to know about whether clean ingredients come at the cost of flavor. They don’t.
Here’s a look at what to put on the grill this summer:
The Grill Guide: Wellshire Favorites
Premium Uncured Beef Franks
The classic. All-beef, no fillers, no synthetic nitrates or nitrites, gluten-free, and packed with 7 grams of protein per serving. These are the hot dogs you grew up wanting, just made the way they should have been all along. Great for kids, adults, and literally any summer gathering. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and heated through.
Pro tip: Score the hot dogs with a few diagonal cuts before grilling. This way, they’ll get more char, more flavor, and stay juicier on the inside.
Uncured Turkey Kielbasa
If there’s a more universally crowd-pleasing sausage than kielbasa, we haven’t found it. Wellshire’s Smoked Fresh Turkey Kielbasa delivers that smoky flavor everyone loves with none of the synthetic preservatives. Saute it for a one-pan recipe, grill it whole and slice at the table, or chop it and use it as a pizza topping . Any way you serve it, it disappears fast.
Turkey Chorizo Sausage
Wellshire’s Turkey Chorizo brings a kick of flavor in a leaner package that still delivers on the grill. With 17 grams of protein per link, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and made with humanely raised turkey, it’s a standout option for guests who want something bold without the heaviness of a traditional pork chorizo. Slice into rounds for a shareable appetizer platter, thread onto skewers with summer squash and peppers, or serve whole in a bun with toppings.
Elevate the Toppings: Better Than Basic
A great hot dog or sausage deserves toppings that do it justice. Whether you’re starting with a classic sausage, kielbasa, or a sugar-free hot dog, the right toppings can make the whole meal feel fresher and more flavorful. Here are some combinations that go beyond the standard ketchup-and-mustard routine without requiring a culinary degree to pull off.
For the Classic Hot Dog
- The “Upgraded Classic.” Whole grain mustard + caramelized onions + a drizzle of honey. Takes about 15 minutes of mostly hands-off cooking time and completely transforms a simple hot dog.
- The “California Dog.” Avocado slices + pico de gallo + a squeeze of lime + crumbled cotija cheese. Lighter, brighter, and a crowd-pleaser for anyone who wants something fresh.
- The “Garden Party.” Cucumber ribbon + cream cheese + everything bagel seasoning. Sounds unexpected, but it’s wildly good. Great for a mixed crowd where not everyone wants something heavy.
For the Kielbasa
- Grilled Pepper and Onion Medley. Toss sliced peppers and onions in olive oil and grill alongside the sausage until soft and slightly charred. Pile them on or serve on the side.
- Whole Grain Mustard and Sauerkraut. A nod to the traditional kielbasa preparation that’s both satisfying and lighter than it sounds. Look for a naturally fermented sauerkraut for an extra gut-health bonus.
- Sweet and Spicy Mango Slaw. Shredded cabbage, diced mango, jalapeño, lime juice, and a little honey. Pairs beautifully with kielbasa and takes five minutes to make. Add it to the bun or serve it on the side.
For the Turkey Chorizo
- Smoky Avocado Crema. Blended avocado, lime juice, a pinch of cumin, and a little Greek yogurt. Cools the heat just enough while keeping the flavor going. Spoon over sliced chorizo or serve as a dipping sauce.
- Charred Corn Salsa. Grilled corn cut off the cob, diced red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime. The sweetness of the corn plays beautifully against the chorizo’s spice and makes for a topping that works equally well in a bun or over rice.
- Simple Pickled Red Onions. Thin-sliced red onion soaked in red wine vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and salt for at least 30 minutes. Bright, tangy, and exactly what bold chorizo needs to balance it out.
The Cleanest Cookout Checklist
Before your next cookout, use this simple checklist to build a menu everyone can feel good about:
- Meat from a brand you trust, made with humanely raised ingredients, no synthetic nitrates or nitrites, and no artificial additives
- Toppings that add real flavor, like guacamole, fresh salsa, grilled onions, sauerkraut, or whole grain mustard
- At least one fresh, vegetable-forward side, such as corn on the cob, a green salad, grilled peppers, or a crisp summer slaw
- Condiments with ingredients you recognize, so the extras feel just as intentional as what is coming off the grill
- A bun that fits the meal, whether that means whole grain, brioche, or a lettuce wrap for anyone who wants a lighter option
That’s it. A summer cookout that feels fun, fresh, and satisfying — with no compromises required.
Find Wellshire Near You
Wellshire products are available at select retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, as well as through other grocery stores and online retailers. Look for the Wellshire logo to ensure your cookout is made with meats that are all natural, uncured, and free of synthetic nitrates, nitrites, artificial ingredients, and growth hormones. Find the full product line at eatwellshire.com.
Here’s to a summer worth grilling for.