Description
Sizzling Mediterranean-inspired “Balsamic Grilled Vegetables” bring rustic charm to summer dining with their caramelized edges and tangy glaze. Savory herb-infused produce promises a colorful plate that delivers both nutrition and intense flavor for hungry guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Vegetables:
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds or strips
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms (button or cremini), halved
Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional, adds a nice tang)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Create a tangy marinade by combining balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel.
- Transfer chopped vegetables into a spacious container or resealable plastic bag, ensuring they are generously coated with the prepared marinade.
- Allow vegetables to absorb flavors by marinating for a minimum of 20 minutes, with optimal taste development occurring within 2 hours.
- Ignite the grill and calibrate to medium-high temperature, targeting approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Position vegetables strategically on grill grates, utilizing a specialized grill basket or assembling on skewers for even cooking.
- Grill the marinated vegetables, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization and tenderness, typically requiring 10-15 minutes of total cooking time.
- Inspect vegetables for optimal char and desired softness, removing from heat when they reach perfect grilling consistency.
Notes
- Adjust marinating time based on vegetable density; harder vegetables like carrots need longer, while softer ones like zucchini require less time to prevent mushiness.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a more complex taste profile.
- Consider using a grill mat for delicate vegetables to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking without losing smaller pieces through grill grates.
- Create a vegan-friendly version by using alternative proteins like tofu or tempeh, which absorb marinades exceptionally well and provide a meaty texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg