Lean Mean Grilling Guide: Vegetables on the Grill
Table of Contents
There is really nothing like having fresh and juicy vegetables in the summer time. They are a great, flavorful and complement any dish. You can quickly make a vegetable salad, add some green beans, red onion, red bell pepper, fresh basil, and other summer vegetables available, spritz with a bit of balsamic vinegar, season it with salt and black pepper and you’re all set. They are a great, flavorful and complement any dish. Put everything in your favorite large bowl and serve. But vegetables that are cooked on the grill take veggies to a whole other level in the flavor department.
That charred flavor that is left on vegetables that are cooked on the grill is very unique and delicious. The flavor that a grill pan provides is not only outstanding, but it’s a great way to add vegetables to any meal and serve to kids that reluctant to eat raw vegetables. The cook time is pretty quick, and it’s not as difficult to grill vegetables as you might think. It’s a great side dish if you do decide to make the star of your dinner pork or turkey, but don’t turn away from the variety of grilled vegetables recipes that is available these days.
This healthy choice and amazing flavor is wonderful to help maintain a proper diet and receive all the benefits veggies offer. Whether you decide to grill your veggies so the food have distinct grill marks, or assemble vegetable skewers – it’s completely up to you. Grilling vegetables has never been so easy and after this guide your grill basket will be filled with delish veggies that your whole family will love. We hope these grilling recipes will help you take your vegetable game to the next level!
Grilled Vegetable Recipes
There are the best vegetables to put on the grill that offers different flavors and textures. Here are my top five veggies to grill for you veggie lovers:
1) Bell Peppers This vitamin C packed veggie makes quiet the addition for burgers or on the side of any dish. A great way to cook the peppers is to coat with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper. Cook on a medium-high temperature grill for 4 to 5 minutes each side.2) Corn This classic “go-to” veggie for the barbecue is great for any summer bbq meal. Smear butter throughout the entire cob and cook directly on a medium-high temperature grill (do not wrap the corn) for 8 to 10 minute each side. This will create a nice caramelized glaze on your corn that will bring out all the sweet and savory flavors.3) Onions There is no other vegetable that changes flavors quiet like an onion when it is cooked and especially on the grill. The red or green onion flavor turns into sweet and tangy when grilled properly. This can be done by cutting the onion into slices and then cut the slices into halves. Then Place the onion onto a skewer and cook the veggie over the grill and not directly on the grill.4) Asparagus This veggie is definitely at the top of my list for vegetables that I love to grill. Just make sure to trim the bottom stem because it could be rough. Toss the asparagus in olive oil and sprinkle with salt/pepper. Cook on the grill with a medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes each side.5) Zucchini This vegetable is great to grill with, but with a secret ingredient… balsamic vinaigrette! Cut into half inch slices (lengthwise) and toss them in the vinaigrette with salt/pepper and grill on medium-high for 5 to 6 minutes each side.
Easy Recipes
Grilled Vegetable Recipes:
- Grilled Sweet Potato Fries – Very easy and quick to make; the kids will love them!
- Grilled Zucchini Rolls – You have not had zucchini like this! Great for appetizers!
- Grilled Corn Salsa – All you need are some tortilla chips and the party will start!
Homemade Vegetable Dip
Ingredients for homemade vegetable dip:
- Cup of mayonnaise
- Cup of sour cream
- Six ounce packet of Italian dressing mix
- Five cherry tomatoes (chopped)
- Half a red bell pepper (diced)
- Scallion (thinly sliced)
- One fourth of a cup of Italian parsley (minced)
Directions:
- Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Then refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
- This dip is great for raw or grilled veggies!
- Keep up with great healthy eating by checking out how to grill fish for our next Lean Mean Grilling Guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which veggies are good for grilling?
With the exception of tender greens like lettuces, you can grill almost any vegetable! Some popular favorites are corn, mushrooms, eggplants, summer squash, onions, zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and more! You can even grill heartier greens, like kale, radicchio, and whole heads of romaine lettuce.
How long does it take to cook vegetables on the grill?
The answer to this question depends on the vegetable you’re grilling. Heartier veggies like potatoes, winter squash, or eggplant will take the longest to grill, as will thicker-cut vegetables. Thinly-sliced onions and zucchini will be done in a matter of minutes, and most other vegetables take 5 to 10 minutes. If you’re cooking the veggies in a foil packet, they should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
How long do you marinate vegetables for grilling?
You can marinate veggies in as little as 30 minutes, but you could also let them marinate overnight to really let the flavors seep in. If you’re marinating really soft vegetables (like tomatoes or zucchini) you can marinate them in as little as 10 minutes. You shouldn’t let soft vegetables sit overnight or they can become soggy.
What is a good seasoning for grilled vegetables?
If the vegetables are very fresh from the farmer’s market, you can season them very simply with salt and pepper. This lets the natural flavors shine through! Our favorite all-purpose seasoning for vegetables is a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt and pepper, and a shake of Worcestershire and olive oil. It’s mild but flavorful! You can also add vinegar or lemon juice, if you like.
Can you grill vegetables in foil?
A foil pack is a great way to grill a lot of vegetables without having to fuss with turning each one on the grill. Simply place your chopped vegetables in foil, add your seasonings, and wrap the foil tightly. Make sure your vegetables are all chopped to the same size so they cook evenly.
