Tips for Grilling the Best Veggies this Summer

May 3, 2022

Time to get your Grill Daddy out and clean off those BBQ’s because your outdoor cooking experience is about to hit a whole new level with these sweet flavors of summer!

Summer Barbecuing is Not Just for Meat Lovers! The intense heat and smoky flavors that come from grilling can elevate the flavors of even the most mundane vegetables.

We have gathered some of our favorite tips and recipes to share.

We have gathered some great tips and recipes on grilling vegetables to help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time outside.

6 Tips for Grilling Vegetables

Always start with a clean grill, scrubbing off any food residue on the grill surfaces. Then, very lightly coat a paper towel with olive oil and rub on the grates.

Remember to use good oils when coating the grill grates or tossing with your veggies. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is our favorite because it adds flavor while keeping your vegetables from sticking. Try marinating in olive oil, vinegar, garlic and spices for 20 to 30 minutes prior to grilling.

Take advantage of your local farmers markets so that you are getting the freshest produce to get the best results.

Remember different vegetables require different cooking times and methods.Most veggies like onions, peppers, squash and corn cook well over medium/high heat with the lid closed for 10 to 20 minutes.

More dense veggies like potatoes, carrots or butternut squash should be par-cooked, that way when you pop them on the grill you will basically be getting that tender texture and smoky finish in about 15 minutes on high heat.

Russet potatoes, for example, are excellent grilled by rubbing with olive oil,poking a few holes with a fork and sprinkling with salt and pepper then wrapping in aluminum foil. However, they will take at least an hour, you just need to plan for it.***

Tender veggies like asparagus, romaine hearts, snap peas and mushrooms will cook quickly over direct, high heat. They only require 2 to 5 minutes.

Utilizing a grill pan is an excellent way to cook a lot of sliced veggies like zucchini, pepper strips and sliced onion.

Delicate veggies like mushrooms and tomatoes can be threaded through a skewer.

Salads

Salads on the grill?

Yes, you can even create incredible salads utilizing a grill. Start with crispy romaine hearts and drizzle with olive oil or a simple vinaigrette. Then char each side for about 2 minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, add some shaved parmesan and you have a delicious start to any meal. OR add grilled chicken or steak and blue cheese dressing and make it a meal!

Here are a few more recipes that are simple and delicious to get you started!