10 Best Grilled Vegetable Dishes
Grilled Vegetables are not only yummy, but they are also super easy to make. We all know we need to eat more vegetables, and cooking them on the grill makes them taste absolutely delicious!
When the weather begins to warm and the smell of charcoal fills up the air in the neighborhood, some plant-based eaters feel like they can’t join in the fun. But, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
There’s no need to miss all those summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings either. These dishes like vegetable kabobs and grilled leeks are ones that you can make and take to those gatherings and join in the sun and fun.
Reasons you will love these recipes
- Naturally Delicious and Healthy: Grilled vegetables bring out their natural sweetness and smoky flavor while being packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber—perfect for a healthy meal or side dish.
- Easy and Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time and simple seasoning, these grilled veggies are an effortless way to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based dish.
- Versatile and Customizable: From zucchini and bell peppers to mushrooms and asparagus, you can mix and match your favorite vegetables to suit your taste or what’s in season.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep, grilled vegetables are a crowd-pleasing addition to any table.
What vegetables are good on the grill?
There are plenty of healthy vegetables that you can throw on the grill. These are some of my personal favorites. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, meat-free, or anything in between, these grilled veggie ideas are going to work for you.
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Onions
- Leeks
- Asparagus
- Bell peppers–red, green, yellow
- Portobellos for burgers
- Pineapples
Should you marinate vegetables before grilling?
Yes, there are two main reasons for marinating veggies before cooking them on your grill–taste and moisture.
Marinating helps to add a lot of flavor to vegetables and that’s why I came up with these 6 Oil-Free Marinating Sauces that are great for vegetables, tofu, and even stir-fries. These are some of the most popular ones.
These sauces help give those veggies an extra pop of flavor, and they keep them from drying on the grill too. I suggest marinating for at least 3 hours before grilling and even longer is better.
For those of you new to the whole food plant-based lifestyle, we’ve created a FREE 7-Day Plant-Based Menu Planner to help you get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can grill vegetables without oil by using a marinade made from ingredients like lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or spices. Cooking spray alternatives, such as vegetable broth or aquafaba, can also prevent sticking on the grill.
To keep vegetables moist, marinate them before grilling and cook them over medium heat. You can also baste them with vegetable broth or the marinade during grilling to lock in moisture.
Yes! You can use a grill pan on the stove or roast them in the oven at a high temperature to mimic the charred, smoky flavors of grilling. A countertop electric grill is another great option.
Side Dishes That Go With Grilled Vegetables
10 Best Vegan Recipes for Grilling
Whether you are vegetarian or hosting vegans at your cookout, we've got you covered with some delicious recipes for the grill that are going to be a huge hit with anyone you feed them to!
Veggie Kabobs are so easy to make, and they are a huge crowd pleaser at summer barbecues or any time of year!
Okay, my confession is that, though I love raw carrots, I have never cared for cooked carrots much. That is until these grilled carrot hot dogs came into my life. No kidding, these things have changed my mind about cooked carrots!
I love to make these Caramelized Grilled Leeks on the grill or in the oven. They have such a unique and sweet flavor and go well with rice, corn on the cob, and any other veggies and starch.
Mexican corn on the cob is a common Mexican street food that also goes by the name Elote. It's a simply delicious way to enjoy corn as a side dish or snack.
Thick, juicy, tender, and hearty, these are the ribeyes of veggie burgers! Grilled or baked in the oven, you can't go wrong with Portobello mushroom burgers.
Our first grilling recipe this summer is grilled veggie skewers! This is the perfect, easy side or entrée to enjoy on the patio on hot summer nights or to bring along to BBQs.
This grilled lemon pineapple tofu is one of my family's favorite ways to enjoy tofu. The tofu has the perfect texture. It's not too mushy and not too dried out. And, the zing of lemon that hits your tongue as you bite into the tofu is quickly countered by the sweet pineapple. They're a perfect match!
This easy BBQ vegan ribs recipe is a finger-lickin' dish that is fabulous on the grill, baked in an oven, or even slow-cooked in a crockpot. Leftovers make great sandwiches too!
This vegan black bean burger is packed with protein and fiber and is terrific partnered with my low-fat Chipotle Ranch Sauce (included in this recipe)!
This amazing vegan grilled cheese sandwich is layered with homemade vegan melty cheese, tomato, kale (or spinach), and creamy easy-to-make mayo. Who says grilled cheeses are for kids? This flavorful vegan sandwich is for everyone!
I hope you enjoyed browsing our list of oil-free grilled vegetable recipes and found a few that you’re excited to try! These flavorful, healthy dishes are perfect for adding a smoky, delicious touch to any meal.
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
