Grilled vegetables are one of the easiest and most delicious ways to celebrate summer produce. When heat caramelizes their natural sugars, vegetables become sweeter, smokier, and even more satisfying. Whether you're serving grilled vegetables as a side dish, starring them in salads or sandwiches, or using them as a meal prep powerhouse, they deserve a spot on every summer table.
The Best Vegetables for Grilling
Not every veggie is a natural on the grill—but many are! Here's what we recommend:
Top vegetables to grill:
- Zucchini and yellow squash – Slice into planks or rounds.
- Bell peppers – Cut into large strips.
- Red onions – Slice into thick rounds or wedges.
- Eggplant – Slice into ½-inch rounds or planks.
- Mushrooms – Portobello caps or skewered creminis work well.
- Asparagus – Trimmed and tossed directly on the grill.
- Corn on the cob – Husked or in husk, depending on your method.
- Lettuce - Cut a head of lettuce like romaine in half and grill the halves.
- Cherry tomatoes – Best skewered so they don’t roll away.
- Green beans or snap peas – Use a grill basket to avoid losing them through the grates.
Pro tip: When prepping veggies for grilling, aim for even cuts so they cook at the same rate.
Essential Tips for Perfectly Grilled Veggies
Grilling vegetables isn’t hard, but a few smart techniques can turn good into grill-master great.
1. Preheat the grill
Always let your grill heat up for at least 10–15 minutes. A hot grill prevents sticking and helps veggies char quickly without turning mushy.
2. Use oil — but not too much
Lightly coat vegetables in oil (like olive, avocado, or grapeseed oil) before grilling. This helps them cook evenly and enhances browning. Don’t drench them — excess oil can cause flare-ups.
3. Don’t overcrowd
Leave space between pieces to allow heat to circulate. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of grilling.
4. Flip only once
Let veggies sit long enough to develop grill marks before flipping. Constant moving = lost caramelization.
5. Use skewers or grill baskets
For smaller or more delicate vegetables, skewers and baskets keep things organized and prevent loss through the grates.
How to Season Grilled Vegetables
Salt and pepper are just the beginning. Here's how to take your grilled veggies to the next level:
Before grilling:
- Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite spice blend (think: Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, etc.).
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
After grilling:
- Drizzle with flavored oils or finishing vinegar.
- Top with crumbled feta, shaved Parmesan, or toasted nuts.
- Add fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint.
- Try a dollop of pesto, yogurt sauce, or romesco.
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Our Favorite Grilled Vegetable Recipes
Here are four simple and satisfying ways to enjoy grilled vegetables:
How Jow Makes Grilling (and Grocery Shopping) Easier
At Jow, we believe that grilled vegetables should be as easy to plan and shop for as they are to eat. Our app helps you:
- Find recipes that are tailored to your tastes.
- Customize meals by portion size, dietary needs, or ingredient swaps.
- Get a grocery list instantly for everything you need.
- Order directly from your favorite store.
From eggplant to asparagus, we make it easy to add grilled vegetables to your weekly rotation. Whether you’re grilling for two or a crowd, Jow has you covered.
Final Thoughts: Grilling Vegetables Like a Pro
Grilled vegetables are the secret to better summer meals. They’re simple, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. With the right technique and a few go-to recipes, you’ll be grilling vegetables with confidence all season long.
So the next time you fire up the grill, don’t stop at burgers and hot dogs. Pile on the produce, get those beautiful grill marks, and enjoy the sweet, smoky rewards of grilled vegetables.
Ready to master grilled vegetables? Download the Jow app to explore easy recipes, streamline your shopping, and savor every bite of summer.
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