Grilling vegetables on the BBQ is not only a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based goodness into your meals but also a chance to explore a world of smoky, charred flavors that will leave you craving more.

Join us as we dive into the art of grilling vegetables.

But, before I go on, I want to give a shout-out to Chef Joel and the folks at Recipe30. Their video, How to Grill Any Vegetable on a Griddle Pan or BBQ, is an incredible (and mouth-watering) guide you should check out after reading this article!

Selecting the Right Vegetables:

When it comes to grilling vegetables, selecting the right produce is crucial. Opt for vegetables that are firm and can withstand the heat of the grill without turning into mush. Some excellent choices include bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, corn, asparagus, onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes.

Do the Right Prep Work:

Proper preparation is key to achieving perfectly grilled vegetables. Start by washing and drying your vegetables thoroughly.

Grilling potatoes or carrots? Peel them first, and cut them into the final size you’ll be serving. Add to cold salted water and bring to boil. Once tender, drain and rinse under cold water.

For pretty much anything else, cut them to the final serving size. Make sure the pieces of each vegetable is uniform. For example, make all of your onion slices thick, or make all of your carrots roughly the same length and thickness.

Remember to keep the slices thick enough to prevent them from falling through the grill grates.

Toss the vegetables in a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking. Then season with salt. Our go-to veggie seasoning for the BBQ is The Zest Spice Company’s Italian Seasoning Salt – it adds far more flavour than standard salt!

Last, but certainly not least, mix up a small batch of our Easy Italian Dressing. In a pinch, store-bought Italian dressing will do, or use your own favourite recipe. This will come in handy near the end!

PRO TIP: Consider Brining Your Veggies

A brine is a simple salt-and-water mixture that people use to season and tenderize proteins, like chicken or turkey. But brine is also great for vegetables. To do this, dissolve ¼ cup (60 ml) of salt into 4 cups (960 ml) of water, and add up to 2 lbs (900 g) of vegetables.

Mastering the Grill:

Grilling vegetables requires a different approach than grilling meat. It’s important to achieve the perfect balance of heat and timing to achieve that desired smoky, charred goodness without overcooking the veggies. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Lay the vegetables on the grill in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd them. Allow each side to cook for a few minutes until grill marks appear and the vegetables become tender-crisp. Remember to turn them occasionally for even cooking.

Now, remember that Italian dressing from earlier? This is the time it will shine. Brush it over the vegetables a few times throughout the cooking process. This will add some extra flavour that will wow your tastebuds.

The result should be vegetables with a slightly crisp exterior and a tender, juicy interior. And you should have some nice, dark grill marks that everyone loves.

PRO TIP: Use Fresh Thyme for Your Brush

Get a few sprigs of fresh thyme and use as a brush for the Italian dressing. This is easily our favourite tip from the Recipe30 video mentioned above. It is a great way to apply some extra flavour to your veggies!

Serving and Enjoying:

Once your grilled vegetables are cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate them up and enjoy. Get creative with your presentations, mix different vegetables together, and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness.

Grilled vegetables can be served as a side dish, a vibrant salad, a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or even as a delicious topping for pizzas or tacos. The possibilities are endless.

Grilling vegetables on the BBQ is a wonderful way to bring out their natural flavors and add a smoky, charred twist to your meals. With the help of The Zest Spice Company’s Italian Seasoning Salt, you can take your grilled veggies to new heights of taste and sophistication.

So, fire up the grill, select your favorite vegetables, and let the art of grilling vegetables be your ticket to a vibrant and delicious culinary adventure. It’s time to savor the flavors of summer and make vegetables the star of your next BBQ event.

Happy grilling!