Sunshine on a plate—that’s what this grilled vegetable platter feels like. As I was arranging the veggies, I couldn’t help but think of that time I tried to grow tomatoes on my apartment balcony—spoiler: they didn’t make it. But these perfectly charred veggies, kissed by the grill and drizzled with a luscious balsamic glaze, are a reminder that sometimes the simplest flavors can be the most extraordinary.
Steps
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400?F, and lightly oil a grill basket to prevent sticking.
- Slice a green zucchini, a yellow squash, and baby bella mushrooms into uniform pieces. Place these vegetables, along with snap peas and sliced onion, into a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. Pour this marinade over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Allow them to marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the grill basket on the grill for 10 minutes with the lid closed to ensure it is hot.
- Transfer the marinated vegetables to the preheated grill basket, discarding any leftover marinade. Grill them for 10-12 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove the vegetables from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil if desired, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green zucchini, sliced into 1/3″ thick rings
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/3″ thick rings
- 1/2 lb baby bella mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
- 8 oz snap peas
- 1/2 large onion, cut into 1/2″ wide by 1″ long slices
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 756kcal | Carbs: 54g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 2382mg | Potassium: 2628mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 3240IU | Vitamin C: 222mg | Calcium: 222mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- What is the benefit of using a grill basket for vegetables?
- A grill basket keeps small vegetable pieces from falling through the grill grates and saves space. It functions similarly to a skillet but is designed for use on a grill. Preheating the basket and oiling it can help prevent sticking.
- How do you prepare the balsamic marinade for grilled vegetables?
- To make the marinade, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the sliced vegetables and let them marinate for about 10 minutes.
- What vegetables are recommended for balsamic grilling?
- This recipe uses a mix of zucchini, yellow squash, baby bella mushrooms, snap peas, and sweet onions. Make sure to cut them to a similar thickness for even grilling.
- How long does it take to grill the vegetables, and at what temperature?
- Preheat your grill to medium-high, around 400?F. Grill the marinated vegetables in a preheated basket for 10 to 12 minutes, tossing occasionally to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Can the balsamic marinade be used on other vegetables?
- Yes, the balsamic marinade is versatile and can be used on various vegetables. Feel free to experiment with your favorites to find the combination you enjoy the most.
Tips
- Preheat the Grill Basket: Before adding your vegetables, make sure to preheat the grill basket for about 10 minutes with the grill cover closed. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Uniform Vegetable Slicing: Cut your vegetables to a consistent thickness to ensure they cook evenly. This will help avoid some pieces being undercooked while others are overdone.
- Marinate Briefly: Allow the vegetables to marinate for just 10 minutes at room temperature. This short marination time is sufficient for the flavors to infuse without making the veggies too soft before grilling.
- Toss While Grilling: During the grilling process, toss the vegetables a few times to ensure even cooking and caramelization, which enhances their flavor.
Equipment
- Grill Basket – This is essential for grilling smaller vegetables without them falling through the grill grates.
