Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

Balsamic Grilled Vegetables are one of those perfect summer side dishes that get you to eat your veggies without even realizing it. The combo of smoky charred edges and tender bites, all coated in a tangy balsamic marinade? Yes, please.

Honestly, I make grilled vegetables almost every weekend when it's warm out. They're great for salads, wraps, or just snacking straight off the grill.

Quick story: My dad swore he hated asparagus. Like, really hated it. But one day, I made some on the grill, and after some light convincing, he ate THREE servings. The power of grilling, right?

So here's the deal with these balsamic grilled veggies: Toss your favorite vegetables on the grill for that perfect char, then toss them in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

I usually drizzle a bit more balsamic on top before serving, but they're just as amazing without it. Oh, and if you're into it, feta or goat cheese and fresh herbs make the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!

Easy, Flavorful Grilled Veggies You'll Want Every Week

Here's why you'll be making them every single week:

• Clean out your fridge: You can use whatever veggies you have on hand, like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, carrots, you name it! This recipe adapts to whatever's in your fridge.
• Flavor: The balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning create a tangy, savory marinade that gives the veggies a rich, slightly smoky flavor, perfect for grilling.
• Quick: Prep takes just a few minutes, and the grill does the rest. In about 20 minutes, you've got a flavorful side dish with barely any hands-on time.
• Meal prep friendly: These grilled veggies are perfect for making ahead and using throughout the week in salads, wraps, or even as a veggie-packed addition to grain bowls.
• Charred perfection: For an extra flavor boost, don't be afraid of those little charred edges. Grilling brings out the best in veggies, making them sweet, tender, and caramelized!
• Creative add-ins: Toss with creamy feta or goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, add a pop of freshness right before serving.

Ingredients and Substitutions

You don't need much to make this delicious side dish!

• Fresh veggies: A colorful mix of summer squash, zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers. These veggies get a perfect char on the grill, bringing out all that smoky, sweet goodness.
• Balsamic marinade: A simple mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. It adds that tangy-sweet kick and infuses the veggies with so much flavor, making each bite irresistible.

How to Make Grilled Vegetables

These veggies are so easy and totally worth it! Here's a quick rundown of how to make this recipe:

Prep the veggies: First, you need to decide if you are going to grill the vegetables in a grill basket or directly on the grill. Personally, I prefer a grill basket because it is so much easier since you can add all the veggies together in the basket and simply shake it a few times during cooking. No need to flip all the individual vegetables. This will impact how you cut the veggies.

For a grill basket, cut the vegetables into smaller pieces. For the grill directly, cut them into larger planks and pieces that won't fall through the grill grates.

Add fat and flavor: Grilled vegetables need some fat so they won't stick to the grill. You can use any type of oil you like. Then add your favorite seasoning, including spices, seasoning blends, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Save fresh herbs and garlic for adding after since they will burn on the grill.

Grill: Now it's time to grill. Generally speaking, most vegetables will take 8-12 minutes on the grill in a grill basket. Thinly sliced veggies may cook more quickly.

Toss: One trick to add even more flavor is to toss the veggies in the same bowl where you originally seasoned them when they come off the grill. The hot veggies will soak up any residual oil and flavors in the bowl. You can also add vinaigrettes, oil, dressing, fresh herbs, and cheese at this point.

How do I know when the vegetables are done?

You'll know the veggies are done when they're fork-tender with a slight char on the edges. They should have a deep, smoky flavor, but be careful not to overcook them. Keep an eye on them after 8-10 minutes, especially if you like them with a bit of bite left.

Recipe Ideas for Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

Once you learn how to grill vegetables in this way, there are so many ways to use them and switch up the recipe to make it your own.

• Switch up the veggies: It should go without saying that you can make this recipe with any mix of veggies you like. Try mushrooms, green beans, asparagus, Vidalia onions, tomatoes, and more. Try to choose veggies that cook in the same amount of time or par-cook heartier veggies like Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and potatoes.
• Seasoning: This recipe works with all kinds of spices and seasoning. Try making it with your favorite steak seasoning, lemon pepper, Old Bay, Greek seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or any other spice blend you like.
• Cheese: It wouldn't be fair if I didn't tell you that we almost always top with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, and feta are delicious as well.
• Citrus: Finish the veggies with some fresh lemon or lime juice.
• Dressing and vinaigrettes: Another easy way to marinate these veggies is to just reach for your favorite healthy salad dressing. Try balsamic vinaigrette, Italian dressing, Asian sesame dressing, Skinny Ranch, or Caesar.
• Fresh herbs: Finish your veggies with some chopped parsley, basil, cilantro, mint, or dill.

What vegetables can you BBQ?

You can actually cook almost any vegetable on the grill. The only exception is something like cucumbers that have too much water to work. Here are some we love to include:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Green Beans
• Onions
• Brussels Sprouts
• Bell Peppers
• Mushrooms
• Squash
• Yellow Squash
• Zucchini
• Eggplant
• Asparagus
• Corn
• Red potatoes

What temperature should vegetables be grilled at?

To ensure your vegetables have time to get tender on the inside before burning on the outside, it is best to grill them at around 400 degrees or medium-high heat. Also, if you are using a grill basket, make sure to preheat it on the grill.

What to Serve with Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

You have lots of options when it comes to serving these grilled veggies. Here are the ones we use the most often:

• Quinoa: Throw them on some quinoa with balsamic glaze and cheese for a vegetarian meal.
• Protein: Create a complete meal by adding some grilled protein like Grilled Hoisin Pork Tenderloin, Garlic Grilled Shrimp, Grilled Mahi Mahi, Easy Grilled Chicken Breast, or Grilled Flank Steak!
• Pasta salad: Add them to a pile of pasta to make Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad!
• Sandwich: Make a grilled vegetable sandwich with Homemade Hummus and greens.
• Bowls: Make these Honey Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Bowls with these balsamic grilled veggies instead!