Grilled Summer Vegetables

When the weather warms up and I'm looking for something light, flavorful, and easy, these Grilled Summer Vegetables are always my go-to. They're the perfect way to use up all the fresh produce from the garden or farmer's market. Zucchini, squash, red onion, and cherry tomatoes tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, then grilled to smoky, tender perfection.

In just 10 minutes of prep, the vegetables are ready to hit the grill, giving me time to focus on the main dish. My family devours these every time, and the best part is that they're so versatile! I can swap in any veggies we have on hand, making it a great choice for whatever's in season. Whether we're having a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a summer BBQ, these vegetables make meal prep easy and everyone happy.

Want more grilled vegetable recipes? Check out these Balsamic Grilled Vegetables and Marinated Grilled Vegetables!

The Best Way to Enjoy Summer Produce

Vegetables don't have to be boring and bland! Here's why you'll love grilling vegetables all summer long:

• Simple: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, flavorful side dish. Just toss, grill, and you're done in 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Switch up the veggies based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Try adding eggplant, mushrooms, or even asparagus for variety!
• Smoky flavor: Grilling gives these vegetables a delicious smoky char that makes them taste like summer. No grill? No problem. Use a grill pan or roast them in the oven!
• Versatile: Serve these veggies as a side to grilled chicken, steak, or fish, or throw them on a grain bowl or in a wrap for a light lunch. They also make a killer topping for salads!
• Family-friendly: Kids might just love them too! The slightly sweet and smoky flavors make these veggies more appealing to little ones who might usually turn up their noses at greens.

Ingredients and Substitutions

You don't need much to make the best grilled summer vegetables!

• Olive oil: Oil is a must when grilling vegetables! It prevents them from sticking to the grill and adds a ton of flavor. You can swap this with a neutral-flavored oil like avocado, vegetable, or canola oil if you like.
• Lemon juice: This adds a zingy brightness to the veggies!
• Italian seasoning: This adds an herbal flavor to the veggies. You can swap this with any other seasoning you like!
• Veggies: There are so many different veggies you can throw on the grill! Check out the list below for the best summer vegetables to grill.

What summer vegetables are best for the grill?

• Zucchini
• Summer squash
• Eggplant
• Green beans
• Bell peppers
• Tomatoes
• Asparagus (although technically not a summer vegetable)
• Corn on the cob
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli

How to Grill Summer Vegetables

To make these Grilled Summer Vegetables, chop up your zucchini, squash, red onion, red pepper, and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite seasoning. Italian seasoning works great, but feel free to add a little extra if you like more flavor.

Place the veggies in a grill basket or on a large piece of foil to prevent any small bits from falling through the grates. Grill them for about 12-18 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly. Keep an eye on them, though, as they can burn quickly.

Do I have to use a grill basket?

No, you don't have to use a grill basket, but it definitely helps prevent the smaller vegetables from falling through the grill grates. If you don't have one, you can also use a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a packet for the veggies.

How do I know when the vegetables are done?

The vegetables are done when they're tender and slightly charred on the edges. They should be easily pierced with a fork but still have a little bite left. Keep an eye on them while grilling, and shake or stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Tasty Seasoning Ideas

These summer grilled vegetables are super customizable to your tastes! Here are some of our favorite ways to change things up:

• Change up the spices: Italian seasoning is my go-to spice blend for vegetables, but you could mix things up and use ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or simply use garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add fresh herbs: To add even more fresh flavor to your veggies, try finishing the dish with some fresh summer herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, cilantro, dill, or mint.
• Add cheese: Cheese makes everything taste better, and grilled veggies are no different. Finish the vegetables with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and some freshly crumbled goat cheese, feta cheese, or Parmesan cheese.
• Finish with sauce: When I am making a simple dinner like grilled chicken and vegetables, add a sauce to make the dish something special. Good options include chimichurri, pesto, green goddess dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, Balsamic Marinade for Grilled Vegetables, or jalapeño ranch.
• Add heat: If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a dash of hot sauce to the olive oil mixture before tossing the vegetables. For extra spice, try adding sliced jalapeños directly to the grill.

4 Tips for Delicious Grilled Vegetables

These helpful tips will ensure your grilled vegetables come out perfectly every time.

• Cut the vegetables to a uniform size: To make sure the vegetables all cook in the same amount of time, make sure to cut them to the same size and thickness. For example, in this recipe, the zucchini, summer squash, red onion, and red bell pepper are all cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Always use oil: Make sure to always toss the vegetables with oil so they do not stick to the grill or grill basket.
• Don't flip too early: One of the biggest mistakes people make when grilling is flipping things (or shaking the grill basket) too early. If the vegetables are sticking, they probably aren't ready to be flipped. Wait until they crisp up and release naturally from the grates. Also, keep the grill closed when you aren't moving the vegetables.
• Choose vegetables that cook in the same amount of time: Make sure to choose vegetables that will cook in the same amount of time. There is nothing worse than having some vegetables mushy and overcooked while others remain raw.

What to Serve with Grilled Summer Vegetables

Grilled veggies work with so many different meals, including grilled proteins, salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Here are some of our favorites:

• Dinner: For a simple summer dinner, serve these veggies with Grilled Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs, Grilled Swordfish, Grilled Salmon, or Grilled Steaks.
• Grain bowl: Make a summer grain bowl by combining vegetables with quinoa, brown rice, or farro. Top with your favorite sauce or dressing.
• Pasta: Turn these vegetables into a tasty pasta dish by adding them to cooked pasta with lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Or toss them in a pasta salad or Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad!

Storage and Reheating

Here's how to store and reheat grilled vegetables so they taste just as fresh:

Leftover grilled vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They make a great addition to salads, wraps, or pasta dishes. For reheating, you can warm them up in a skillet or the microwave!

Leftover ideas: Toss the leftovers onto a bed of greens to make a Grilled Vegetable Salad! If you're feeling fancy, you can whip up some Vegetable Tostadas for lunch or add them to a Vegetable Frittata for breakfast!