13 Best Grilled Vegetable Sides That Will Steal the Show at Any Cookout
Zucchini, corn, and eggplant are all in season!
Any good BBQ will have all the classics: burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and—yes—grilled veggies! They may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a backyard cookout, but now’s the perfect time to make the most of peak-season summer vegetables. And when vegetables hit the grill, they take on a smoky, charred flavor that makes them especially irresistible (even to picky eaters). As Ree Drummond puts it: “I love grilled vegetables more than anything on earth.” So, read on for her grilled veggie sides to make all summer long.
For starters, you can keep things simple with grilled asparagus, zucchini, or eggplant. They’re easy, flavorful vegetables that really shine with a little char. Serve them on their own as no-fuss summer sides, or mix and match a few favorites to create a colorful grilled veggie platter for the table. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, grilled potatoes, grilled corn, or grilled mushrooms are always a great choice, especially when served alongside your favorite steak. So, what are you waiting for? These veggies aren’t going to grill themselves!
Grilled Broccoli
Say hello to your new favorite summer side! Fresh broccoli spears are soaked in a garlicky balsamic marinade, then grilled until the florets are charred and crispy and the stems are perfectly tender.
Get the Grilled Broccoli recipe.
State Fair Grilled Corn on the Cob
This delivers all the smoky, buttery flavor of a summer fair favorite right from your own backyard. The corn is grilled in its husks until tender and juicy, then brushed with melted butter and finished with a savory spice blend for an irresistible kick.
Get Ree’s State Fair Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
Grilled Zucchini
Get big summertime flavor with little effort! These zucchini spears are coated in olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper, then grilled until tender and lightly charred. A sprinkle of homemade lemon salt at the end adds a fresh, citrusy finish.
Get Ree’s Grilled Zucchini recipe.
Big Grilled Veggie Salad
Can’t decide on one veggie to grill up? Eat them all in this delightful dish! Mushrooms, bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and summer squash are grilled until tender, then tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, feta, and plenty of fresh herbs.
Get Ree’s Big Grilled Veggie Salad recipe.
Grilled Mushrooms
For a rich and savory side, try these cremini mushrooms. They’re marinated in a garlicky soy-butter mixture with lemon and a touch of honey, then skewered with green onions and grilled until browned, juicy, and, tender. Sprinkle with thyme just before serving.
Get the Grilled Mushrooms recipe.
Grilled Tomatoes
Make the most of peak-season produce when you toss tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes, then grill until lightly charred, extra juicy, and just a little smoky. Drizzle with the remaining marinade and garnish with fresh herbs.
Get Ree’s Grilled Tomatoes recipe.
Grilled Eggplant
Grilling eggplant is one of the best ways to bring out that smoky, charred flavored. You can serve it with marinara sauce, pesto, or chimichurri—the options are endless!
Get the Grilled Eggplant recipe.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
These rainbow skewers will add a pop of color to any table! The assortment of veggies includes summer squash, tomatoes, and mushrooms, which all cook at the same rate. Plus, they taste delicious with a balsamic marinade.
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Grilled Okra
If you’re skeptical about okra, just wait until you try it on the grill! The heat from the fire yields charred, crispy results that are never slimy. And the lemon pepper seasoning adds an extra pop!
Get the Grilled Okra recipe.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Yes, the perfect recipe for grilled corn on the cob does exist! This method is smoky and sweet with a garlic-chive butter that you'll want to slather over everything.
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
Grilled Potatoes
Cooking these baby potatoes on skewers will help keep them from rolling around the grill. It's also just a really fun way to serve up a side of potatoes.
Get the Grilled Potatoes recipe.
Grilled Asparagus
You don't need much to make grilled asparagus shine! Just a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, some fresh lemon, and maybe a dash of red pepper flakes for spice.
Get the Grilled Asparagus recipe.
Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers
These mini peppers are naturally sweet so they pair perfectly with the herbed goat cheese filling. Serve them up as a fun party appetizer or even a snack on a warm summer day.
Get the Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers recipe.
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