Looking for a vibrant and healthy side dish? These grilled vegetables, paired with a zesty basil vinaigrette, are the perfect addition to your table. Packed with smoky charred flavors and a fresh herbal kick, this dish is versatile, colorful, and a great way to enjoy seasonal produce.
Ingredients
For the Vegetables:
- 1 zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 yellow squash, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into quarters
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into quarters
- 1 red onion, cut into thick slices
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, skewered (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Basil Vinaigrette:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan
- Blender or food processor
- Skewers (if grilling cherry tomatoes)
- Large bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini, squash, bell peppers, onion slices, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. - Grill the Vegetables:
Place the vegetables on the grill in a single layer. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the vegetables are tender. Remove from the grill and set aside. - Make the Basil Vinaigrette:
In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Assemble the Dish:
Arrange the grilled vegetables on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the basil vinaigrette, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
- For an extra smoky flavor, grill the vegetables over charcoal.
- Add variety by including asparagus, mushrooms, or eggplant.
- Make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Grilled vegetables with basil vinaigrette are a simple yet elegant way to enjoy fresh produce. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light main course, this recipe highlights the best of summer flavors. Serve it at your next barbecue or dinner party, and watch it disappear!
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Grilled Vegetables with Basil Vinaigrette
Enhance your grilled vegetables with a flavorful basil vinaigrette! This easy, healthy side dish bursts with fresh summer flavors and pairs perfectly with any main course.
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Blender or food processor
- Skewers (if grilling cherry tomatoes)
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 zucchini sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 yellow squash sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 red bell pepper cut into quarters
- 1 yellow bell pepper cut into quarters
- 1 red onion cut into thick slices
- 1 cup 150g cherry tomatoes, skewered (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Basil Vinaigrette:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup 60ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini, squash, bell peppers, onion slices, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the Vegetables:
- Place the vegetables on the grill in a single layer. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the vegetables are tender. Remove from the grill and set aside.
- Make the Basil Vinaigrette:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Arrange the grilled vegetables on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the basil vinaigrette, or serve it on the side for dipping.
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