One of my favorite parts of the summer is grilling with friends and family. I get bored with ho-hum BBQ sauce and bottled marinades, so I looked around the globe for inspiration, then built up an arsenal of simple, creative sauces to pair with veggies, meats and fish.

These four simple sauces are very versatile. I've revamped them from their traditional recipes to encourage you to play around and make them your own. Get creative with the herbs, punch up the heat with different chiles or play around with different types of citrus. No matter the variation, these simple sauces with add pizazz to your next cookout.

Traditionally made with lemon zest, parsley and garlic and served with meat and fish, this version is great with grilled veggies as well.

Finely chop all ingredients to combine. Serve as a garnish or condiment.

• Pork Chops with Gremolata (pictured)
• Asparagus with Gremolata

This Argentinean sauce or condiment for meat is traditionally made with chopped parsley or cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, onion and red pepper flakes. Its also a fun word to say! Add horseradish to this version to give it some extra heat.

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse to combine (can add a little water for a smoother consistency). Serve with meat, chicken or fish. Chimichurri can also be used as a marinade.

• Flank Steak Crostini with Chimichurri
• Traditional Chimichurri

Romesco sauce originated in Spain,  and traditionally includes nuts and peppers. It compliments fish.

Combine all ingredients in a food processor -- add a little water if you prefer a smoother consistency. Serve with grilled shrimp, fish or even chicken and meat.

• Green Onion Romesco Sauce

An Italian salsa verde is a green sauce that is comprised mostly of fresh herbs. It can be used as a dip for crudites, grilled shrimp or bread, and it's also delicious served with grilled fish, chicken or lamb.

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or finely chop them by hand.

• Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde

Katie Cavuto Boyle, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian, personal chef and owner of HealthyBites, LLC. See Katie's full bio »