Ah, Zesty Balsamic Marinated Grilled Vegetables! Just saying that brings a smile to my face and makes my mouth water! This dish is a summer staple for me, and it holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made these veggies; it was for a barbecue with friends on a sunny Saturday afternoon. The sky was blue, and there was a light breeze, the kind that just beckons for outdoor eating. I threw these colorful veggies on the grill, slathered in tangy balsamic, and they disappeared faster than a plate of appetizers at a cocktail party! Ever since, they’ve become a go-to for gatherings, adding that perfect zing to the meal.
What’s special about these grilled vegetables is not only their vibrant colors and deliciously smoky flavor but also how versatile they are. You can serve them as a side dish, toss them in salads, or even pile them on a sandwich. The marinated veggies also have this incredible way of transforming leftovers – who knew grilled zucchini could taste so fantastic on a Tuesday night? So let’s dive into how to whip up this zesty delight!
What’s in Zesty Balsamic Marinated Grilled Vegetables?
Zucchini: This veggie is a classic in the grilling world, and for good reason! It soaks up the flavor beautifully and gets that lovely grill char. I like to pick smaller ones for a sweeter taste.
Bell Peppers: These colorful beauties bring a sweet crunch and add more colors to your plate. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are my favorites because they are sweeter than the green kind.
Red Onion: The slightly sharp flavor of red onion adds a wonderful dimension. When grilled, they become tender and sweet – a perfect compliment to the other veggies.
Cherry Tomatoes: These tiny gems burst with sweetness. When grilled, they turn into little flavor bombs that are hard to resist.
Balsamic Vinegar: The star of the marinade! It adds a tangy richness that enhances the flavors of all the vegetables. Make sure to use a high-quality balsamic for the best taste.
Olive Oil: A good drizzle of olive oil not only helps the veggies grill better but also enhances the flavor. I stick with extra virgin olive oil for its robust taste.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the marinade with that lovely aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen. Just make sure not to overdo it unless you’re a garlic lover!
Herbs (Thyme and Oregano): Fresh or dried herbs really elevate the dish. They add a delicious fragrance and depth of flavor.
Is Zesty Balsamic Marinated Grilled Vegetables Good for You?
Absolutely! This recipe is packed with healthy ingredients that complement a balanced diet.
Zucchini: This low-calorie vegetable is high in water and fiber, which makes it great for hydration and digestion. Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants!
Bell Peppers: These colorful veggies are bursting with vitamins A and C, crucial for immune health.
Red Onion: Great for adding flavor and contains antioxidants, known to help reduce inflammation.
Cherry Tomatoes: Packed with nutrients, these little fruits are high in vitamins C and K and full of antioxidants like lycopene.
A little note to keep in mind though – while this dish is largely veggies, portion control is key if you’re drizzling on that delicious balsamic to maintain a healthy balance.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
– 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped into chunks
– 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole
– ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
– ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
(This recipe serves about 4-6 people.)
How to Make Zesty Balsamic Marinated Grilled Vegetables?
1. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. This is your zesty marinade!
2. In a large zip-top bag or a bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the marinade over the veggies, making sure they’re all coated well. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Pro tip: the longer, the better!
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill basket, that’s a great option for smaller veggies.
4. Once the grill is hot, take the veggies out of the marinade (letting any excess drip off) and place them directly on the grill or in a grill basket.
5. Grill the vegetables for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
6. When they’re done, take them off the grill, serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious flavor explosion!
Serving Suggestions for Zesty Balsamic Marinated Grilled Vegetables
You can serve these zesty grilled veggies as a side dish with grilled meats or fish. They also make a fantastic addition to a summer salad or can be tossed into pasta. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use them to top off some bruschetta for a fun appetizer!
If you have leftovers (though I bet you won’t!), they make an amazing topping for wraps or even a flavorful pizza base.
So there you have it – Zesty Balsamic Marinated Grilled Vegetables that bring life to your plate and a smile to your face! I encourage you to try this recipe and make some delicious memories with your friends and family. Feel free to share your experiences or any fun tweaks you make to the recipe. Happy grilling!
