If you’re craving a vibrant and flavorful way to elevate your veggies, this Marinated Grilled Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines a simple yet zesty marinade that infuses bright, tangy, and savory notes into fresh vegetables, transforming them into a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re a committed vegetarian, a BBQ enthusiast, or simply looking for a delicious side to impress your guests, these marinated grilled vegetables burst with color, texture, and bold flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Marinated Grilled Vegetables Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—from the tender zucchini and sweet bell peppers to the rich olive oil and tangy lemon juice—ensuring a perfect balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal.
- Zucchini (6 oz, sliced into rounds): Adds a delicate sweetness and soft texture that grills beautifully.
- Yellow squash (6 oz, sliced into rounds): Brings a mild flavor and vibrant color to the mix.
- Yellow bell pepper (½, cut into strips): Offers a crisp bite and subtle sweetness.
- Red bell pepper (½, cut into strips): Provides bright color and a smoky-sweet hint when grilled.
- Red onion (½, cut into strips): Enhances flavor with its sharpness that mellows when grilled.
- White button mushrooms (8 oz): Introduce an earthy depth and absorb the marinade wonderfully.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Burst with juiciness and vibrant acidity, balancing the dish.
- Olive oil (½ cup): Essential for coating and moisturizing the veggies, plus adding richness.
- Soy sauce (½ cup): Brings savory umami and a touch of salt that enhances all the veggies.
- Lemon juice (½ cup): Infuses bright, tangy freshness that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Garlic clove (1, crushed): Adds a warm, aromatic punch to the marinade.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances and intensifies all the flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Offers a gentle kick of spice for complexity.
How to Make Marinated Grilled Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Marinade
Start by placing all your chopped and sliced vegetables into a roomy gallon-size ziplock bag. Whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined. Pour this zesty marinade over the vegetables in the bag, seal it tightly, and give it a good shake to make sure every piece is evenly coated. Then pop the bag into the refrigerator and let those flavors meld together for at least 30 minutes. This marinating step is where the magic happens, infusing each vegetable with vibrant, delicious taste.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
While your veggies are soaking in all that flavor, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the vegetables quickly while giving you those perfect grill marks and caramelization. Proper grill preparation is key to creating tender, smoky, and slightly charred vegetables that will delight your palate.
Step 3: Grill the Marinated Vegetables
Remove your vegetables from the marinade and place them in a large grill basket to keep everything contained and easy to flip. Then set the basket on the preheated grill. Allow the vegetables to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re tender and have those gorgeous grill lines. The marinade will reduce slightly as it cooks, concentrating the flavors and making the vegetables irresistibly tasty.
How to Serve Marinated Grilled Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Once grilled, these vegetables can be beautifully enhanced with fresh herbs such as chopped basil, parsley, or cilantro sprinkled on top. A little crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a creamy contrast, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze can intensify the tangy notes. These simple garnishes can elevate the dish from great to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Marinated grilled vegetables make a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken or steak, or even hearty grain bowls featuring quinoa or farro. For a light and wholesome meal, serve them alongside crusty bread or a refreshing green salad to balance out the smoky richness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can also use these grilled veggies as toppings for flatbreads or pizzas, layer them in sandwiches or wraps, or toss them into pasta with a splash of olive oil and Parmesan. Their smoky, tangy flavors add depth to any dish and offer endless possibilities beyond just a side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover marinated grilled vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to continue developing, and they make a convenient, tasty snack or meal addition during the week.
Freezing
While freezing grilled vegetables is possible, it may affect their texture, making them a bit softer once thawed. If you want to freeze them, cool the vegetables completely first, then place them in freezer-safe bags or containers and use within 2 months for the best taste.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the vegetables in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Marinated Grilled Vegetables Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with eggplant, asparagus, or even corn on the cob. Just keep in mind grilling times may vary depending on the vegetable’s density.
How long should I marinate the vegetables?
At least 30 minutes is recommended to allow flavors to soak in, but you can marinate them up to 2 hours for a deeper taste without sacrificing texture.
Is soy sauce necessary, or can I substitute it?
Soy sauce adds essential umami and saltiness, but you can substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free or different flavor options.
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Yes! Use a grill pan or a broiler in your oven to get similar results. Just watch closely to prevent burning.
Does the recipe cater to vegans?
Definitely. This Marinated Grilled Vegetables Recipe is entirely plant-based and naturally vegan, making it a healthy and delicious option for everyone.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about biting into perfectly charred, marinated grilled vegetables that sing with fresh, vibrant flavor. This Marinated Grilled Vegetables Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s easy, versatile, and absolutely delicious. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with color and taste, bringing joy to your table and smiles all around.
Print
Marinated Grilled Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This marinated grilled vegetables recipe offers a colorful and flavorful medley of zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, all soaked in a tangy and savory marinade. Perfect as a healthy side or a light main dish, these vegetables are grilled to tender perfection with a smoky char, making for a delightful and nutritious meal that can feed a crowd.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 (6-oz) zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 (6-oz) yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- ½ yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
- ½ red bell pepper, cut into strips
- ½ red onion, cut into strips
- 8 oz white button mushrooms
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Marinade
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Vegetables: Place all the prepared vegetables into a gallon ziplock bag. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade. Pour this marinade over the vegetables in the bag, seal it tightly, and massage gently to coat all pieces. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the vegetables from the marinade after chilling and transfer them to a large grill basket to keep them from falling through the grates.
- Grill the Vegetables: Place the grill basket on the grill and cook the vegetables for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill until the vegetables are tender and have a nice char, enhancing their natural flavors.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the vegetables for at least 30 minutes but up to 2 hours.
- You can use any variety of vegetables you prefer or have on hand.
- Turn the vegetables frequently on the grill to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- If you don’t have a grill basket, use skewers or grill directly on the grates with careful monitoring.
- To make this dish gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
