When you think of summer barbecues, you probably picture hamburgers and hotdogs. But don’t skip over the produce section! Grilled vegetables are a delicious addition to your summer parties.
1. Corn on the cob
This summer favorite should be first on your grocery list! Roasting corn on the grill gives it a nutty, smoky flavor that enhances corn’s natural sweetness. You can throw the whole cob on the grill, husk and all, but trimming the silk is a good idea to prevent burned ends. The corn should take about 15 minutes to cook; you’ll know it’s ready when the kernels are bright yellow.
2. Zucchini
This green veggie will make a bright and tasty addition to the menu! Slice the zucchini lengthwise and brush with oil for easy, nonstick grilling. Grilling on each side for about three minutes will make for deliciously tender zucchini. Zucchini’s close cousin, yellow squash, is also a great option for grilling.
3. Cherry Tomatoes
Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, tomatoes taste great and are great for you, too! And cherry tomatoes are the perfect size for snacking, for kids and adults alike. Halve the tomatoes, cover them in melted butter and place them in foil packets for grilling. Four to five minutes on each side should be good enough to heat the tomatoes through. You can add the grilled tomatoes to a green salad or pasta salad, or snack on them straight off the grill!
4. Onions
Who doesn’t love the savory flavor of onions? Grilling them takes it to a whole new level! Sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla) or red onions are both great choices. Peel and halve the onions, oil and salt them and grill them on each side for 10 minutes. Bonus: You can throw some of your freshly grilled onions onto your burgers or hot dogs for a flavorful topping!
5. Asparagus
Asparagus may get a bad rap, but grilled asparagus is a completely different experience. We promise there won’t be any leftovers when you serve this up! Again, oil and salt are your friends; be sure to apply both liberally before grilling. You may be wondering how to keep the skinny stalks from falling into the grates of the grill. Try skewering multiple pieces of asparagus together. A couple of minutes on each side should be enough to properly grill this veggie.
Now you know that grilled veggies are healthy, tasty and easy to prepare — a total win! Add them to all of your summer barbecue menus and be sure to stop by our store for the freshest and tastiest produce around.