Grilled Vegetables

The smell of grilled vegetables wafting through the air can instantly transport you to a backyard barbecue with friends. This recipe for Grilled Vegetables is not only colorful and healthy but also takes just under an hour to prepare. The combination of balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs enhances the flavors, making it a delightful side dish or vegetarian main.

This Grilled Vegetables recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, family gatherings, or a health-conscious dinner. You can make it ahead and marinate the vegetables for added flavor, ensuring that your grilled dish is ready in no time when guests arrive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, enhancing their flavor.
• The marinade tenderizes the veggies while adding a tangy twist.
• A variety of colors and textures makes this dish visually appealing.
• It’s quick to prepare and perfect for any grilling occasion.

What You’ll Need

Get ready to gather your ingredients for this delicious dish.

For the Vegetables

• 2 zucchinis, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, halved

For the Marinade

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Zucchini can be replaced with yellow squash.
• Use white onions instead of red.
• Any mild vinegar can stand in for balsamic.
• Fresh garlic works well instead of minced.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create grilled perfection.

Combine vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the zucchinis, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms.

Whisk marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the vegetables, tossing well to ensure they are evenly coated. For enhanced flavor, let the vegetables marinate for about 30 minutes.

Preheat grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high. Place the grill pan over the heat to allow it to also preheat.

Grill vegetables

Once the pan is hot, arrange the marinated vegetables in a single layer. You may need to work in batches; try not to overcrowd the pan. Grill the vegetables for 4 minutes on each side or until they are tender and have grill marks. Use tongs to turn them for even grilling.

Serve

Transfer the grilled vegetables to a serving platter. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: No, best enjoyed fresh.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or grill briefly.

Tips for Best Results

• Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Letting the vegetables marinate enhances their flavor profiles significantly.
• Be mindful of cooking times; overcooking can make them mushy.
• Grill in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled meats for a complete meal.
• Serve over quinoa or rice for a satisfying vegetarian dish.
• Enjoy alongside fresh bread and a light salad for a summer lunch.