Grilled Veggies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled veggies are the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. With minimal preparation, you can create a colorful and healthy side dish that complements almost any main course. The grilling process enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables while keeping them crisp and tender. Whether you’re grilling up zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, this recipe is versatile and can be customized to your taste. Plus, grilling adds a delicious smokiness that’s hard to beat!

Ingredients

• 2 zucchinis, sliced into rounds

• 1 bell pepper, cut into strips

• 1 red onion, cut into wedges

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 8 oz mushrooms, cleaned and halved (optional)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Wash and prepare the vegetables by slicing the zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and halving the mushrooms. If using cherry tomatoes, leave them whole.

3. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

4. Arrange the vegetables on the grill in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. If you have a grill basket, this will make turning the veggies easier.

5. Grill the vegetables for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary based on the type and thickness of the vegetable.

6. Once cooked, remove the vegetables from the grill and transfer them to a platter.

7. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10-12 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as eggplant, asparagus, or corn on the cob.

• For a little extra flavor, drizzle the grilled veggies with balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or feta cheese over the veggies for a creamy finish.

• For a spicy kick, toss the vegetables with a bit of chili powder or red pepper flakes before grilling.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover grilled veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as they sit.

• To reheat, simply warm the veggies in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave them. You can also reheat them on the grill for a couple of minutes to bring back some of that charred flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables for grilling?

While fresh vegetables are ideal for grilling, you can use frozen vegetables if necessary. However, be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before grilling to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I grill these veggies on a stovetop grill pan?

Yes, you can absolutely grill vegetables on a stovetop grill pan. Preheat the pan and follow the same instructions as for an outdoor grill.

3. How can I make the grilled vegetables more flavorful?

To boost the flavor, you can marinate the veggies for 15-30 minutes before grilling. A simple marinade of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs will infuse the vegetables with more depth.

4. Can I use a grill basket?

Yes, a grill basket is a great way to ensure smaller vegetables, like cherry tomatoes and mushrooms, don’t fall through the grates. It makes flipping the vegetables easier too.

5. What vegetables are best for grilling?

Great vegetables for grilling include zucchini, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, eggplant, asparagus, and corn on the cob. You can also grill tomatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

6. Do I need to peel the vegetables before grilling?

It’s not necessary to peel most vegetables before grilling. The skins add texture and flavor, especially on vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly.

7. Can I grill vegetables without oil?

While oil helps with grilling and adds flavor, you can grill vegetables without oil. If you’re looking for a lighter option, simply season them with salt, pepper, and herbs before grilling.

8. Can I grill vegetables on high heat?

Yes, grilling on high heat helps create those beautiful grill marks and enhances the smokiness of the veggies. Just be sure to monitor them closely to prevent burning.

9. How do I prevent vegetables from sticking to the grill?

To prevent sticking, brush the grill grates with a little oil before placing the vegetables on them. You can also brush the veggies with oil directly to help with this.

10. Can I prepare grilled vegetables ahead of time?

Grilled veggies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare them ahead of time by chopping and seasoning the vegetables. You can grill them a day or two before and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Conclusion

Grilled veggies are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. Their smoky, charred flavor and tender texture make them the perfect complement to any main dish, from grilled meats to pasta or grains. This easy recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Whether you’re grilling for a cookout or a simple weeknight dinner, these grilled veggies will always be a crowd favorite!